1974 BMW R90S
auctions.single.seller.popular
auctions.single.seller.view-count
auctions.single.seller.images
Highlights
- Museum grade classic
- Comprehensively restored
- Just 1,555 miles since rebuild
The Appeal
As the first bike to win the US AMA Superbike Championship, at the hands of British racer Reg Pridmore in 1976, the R90S has already booked its place in the history books.
Significantly and sympathetically restored by a classic BMW motorcycle specialist in Germany, this gorgeous low mileage motorcycle is presented in incredible condition.
The History and Paperwork
- Built in July 1974
- Originally registered in Belgium
- Acquired and restored by S. Meyer of Hildesheim, Germany (a classic BMW motorcycle specialist)
- Clocks were zeroed at the time of restoration, so 1,555 miles have been covered since the rebuild
- Imported into the UK and registered in July 2017
- 3 owners since import
- Current owner selling to thin their collection
- Owner’s handbook included
- Belgian registration documents and sales orders
- Current V5C present and correct
- Historic status: tax and MOT exempt
The Condition
- Two-tone Smoke Black and Silver paintwork
- Hand-painted tank and coachlines
- Factory fitted bikini fairing
As you can see from the pictures, it’s difficult to describe the condition of this bike as anything other than “near perfect”. The restoration has clearly been carried out to a very high standard and done very sympathetically. There are areas where the natural patina has been well maintained, such as the instrumentation and controls, while other areas have been beautifully and professionally refinished.
The tank was completely refinished and repainted by hand, while the coachlines were also recreated by hand, just as they would have been originally on all but the very earliest models (the very first bikes had adhesive coachlines, which customers disapproved of). That stunning two-tone paintwork is absolutely correct for the model, and just as it would have left the factory in 1974.
The saddle looks almost new, with no cracking, ripples or wear evident at all. Similarly, the brightwork appears near immaculate, with a lovely lustre and little evidence of wear. Looking at the other elements of the bike, the lights, wheels and badging are all very fine indeed, with no evidence of damage or wear.
As this is an early model, it also features Magura switchgear. Another nice touch is that the original toolkit and tyre pump is still present and correct.
The Mechanics
- Type 247 898cc air-cooled flat-twin
- 5-speed transmission
- Dell’orto carburettors
- Adjustable hydraulic steering damper
- Long travel telescopic front forks
- Adjustable rear dampers
- Twin 230mm front discs and 200mm rear drums
Following the extensive rebuild and restoration in Germany, the clock was reset on this handsome R90S and since then it has covered a mere 1,555 miles. About 300 miles of that was prior to its import.
When it was imported into the UK, it was maintained by a classic motorcycle specialist in London. As such, the vendor tells us that the bike rides very well, braking cleanly and straight, with excellent handling and a smooth, quiet exhaust note. They inform us that there are no leaks, no smoke and no untoward noises or vibrations.
Summary
As one of the most collectible bikes from the 70s and a motorsport icon, the R90S is already a very desirable machine. But this example significantly ups the ante by being presented in incredible condition. We’re not over-stating things when we describe it as “museum grade”, it really is that good.
Beautifully finished with the original two-tone colour scheme and sympathetically restored, this classic flat-twin sports bike would sit comfortably in any collection. If you love classic bikes and true craftsmanship, then this is definitely the bike for you.
Notice to bidders
Notice to bidders
All items in this listing are sold on an “As Is - Where Is” basis. Photos and listing descriptions should be used as a guide only. Although every effort has been made to verify the accuracy of the information in this listing and Car & Classic performs a level of due diligence prior to the auction, we do not warrant the accuracy of the listings. The seller assumes all responsibility for this listing. Inspection is highly recommended prior to bidding. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion.
Please take care when making a bid as once your bid is placed, it cannot be withdrawn and will not be cancelled. If you are unsure do not bid as no refunds will be given.
A nonrefundable buyer deposit is applied to all items won at auction. Please see our FAQs and T&Cs for further details.
All bidding is subject to our T&Cs. By registering and bidding you agree to the terms. Please ensure you clearly read them alongside the special terms and conditions contained in this listing.
Vehicle specification
- Year 1974
- Make BMW
- Model R90s
- Colour Black and Silver
- Odometer 1,555 Miles
- Engine size 898
Auction Details
- Seller Type Private
- Town SaintLeonards-on-Sea
- Location Sussex
- Country United Kingdom
31
bids
- Sn•••• £12,000 18/09/22
- co•••• £11,250 18/09/22
- wa•••• £10,750 18/09/22
- Sn•••• £10,250 18/09/22
- D•••• £9,600 18/09/22
- co•••• £9,500 18/09/22
- Sn•••• £9,000 18/09/22
- wa•••• £8,500 18/09/22
- D•••• £8,100 18/09/22
- co•••• £8,000 18/09/22
The Gallery
About Max Bids
The max bid process allows you to bid without any hassle.
Enter your maximum bid and we will then bid on your behalf to ensure you're the highest bidder - just enough to keep you in the lead and only up until your maximum.
Anti-sniping
Car & Classic prevent auction snipers from bidding in the last seconds to win an auction.
Auctions are extended by 3 minutes if anyone bids within the last 2 minutes to allow other bidders to react and counter-bid.
Auto-bidding increments
- If your maximum bid is equal to or below the reserve price, your maximum bid will be applied in full if you are the highest bidder.
- If you are the highest bidder and place a maximum bid above the reserve, we will automatically put in the reserve as your first bid.
-
- Once the reserve has been met, Car & Classic will make sure you are the highest bidder using only the bidding increments stated below.
- We will keep you in the lead up until your maximum bid OR the increment closest to your maximum bid, providing your maximum bid is enough to cover the increment value.
| Bid Amount | Increment |
|---|---|
| £0 to £9,999 | £100.00 |
| £10,000 to £49,999 | £250.00 |
| £50,000 to £99,999 | £500.00 |
| £100,000 + | £1,000.00 |
Automatically outbid immediately
When you place a max bid and are outbid immediately that means that another bidder has placed a max bid limit which is higher than yours.
You can bid again and we will use our automatic bid system to try and get you as the highest bidder.
Matching max bids
When there are two max bids of the same value, the one placed first remains the lead bidder.
Pre-authorisation
We may hold a pre-authorisation charge on your card until the end of the auction when the hold will be cancelled. If you win, we'll take a security deposit which counts towards the payment for the vehicle and isn't any extra cost to you.
What are pre-bids?
A pre-bid means you're able to place a bid before the official start of the auction.
You will be notified whether or not you are the highest bidder when the auction starts.
Problem with your bid
Bids are contractually binding. To help protect you, we have some rules in place if we think it's been mistyped. Please check and amend what you have entered.