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.

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