Highlights
- Comprehensively restored by BAMW in 2014
- Further improvements by BMW AirHead Specialist, Ruislip, Michael Tyrell
- Extensive history file of all works completed with itemised invoices, MOT certificates and an original owner’s manual
- Uprated with 1,000cc barrels, Motorworks alternator, Valeo starter motor, braided brake hoses and powder-coated finish applied to the frame
- Matching numbers
The Appeal
Throughout the 1950s and ‘60s, BMW garnered a reputation for well-engineered motorcycles, but the brand still lacked the sporting image of its rivals. Desperate not to be dismissed as utilitarian and boring, BMW applied its tried and tested flat-twin, shaft-drive formula to a new sports bike aimed at trendy young riders on their Hondas and Kawaskis.
With rakish lines clad in a sporty two-tone ‘bikini’ fairing, the plan worked a treat. As we’ve established, BMW already knew how to build a great motorcycle, but it took the R90S to dispel any doubts and finally put the firm on the map as a producer of superb sports bikes. A blistering 124 mph top speed, superb handling and strong braking performance made it a big hit among riders and the R90S is still considered as one of the greatest-looking motorcycles of all time.
This 1976 example is sublime. Following a professional rebuild in 2014, carried out by BAMW, it looks utterly amazing and is said to be just as good to ride. The bike has been kept in dry storage since the completion of the restoration and the vendor has since carried out further improvements by BMW AirHead Specialist, Ruislip, Michael Tyrell. All the period-correct details down to the black mirrors and indicators have been put back exactly as they should be and the bike also features a few discreet upgrades including a Motorworks alternator, Valeo starter motor and 1,000 cc barrels.
You’d be hard-pressed to find an example that’s anywhere near as good as this and we’re sure this fantastic motorcycle will be the envy of BMW collectors the world over.
The History and Paperwork
- UK market example
- Six former registered keepers
- 79,634 miles indicated
- Although odometer shows 79634 miles it should actually be 0 given the engine rebuild
- Comprehensively restored in 2014 and dry-stored since then
- DVLA and MOT history confirms matching numbers
- Accompanied by an extensive history file with fully itemised invoices, old MOT certificates and an owner’s manual
- Note the restoration invoice among a collection of other paperwork in the gallery below
- Exempt from road tax and MOT
- V5C present
The Condition
- Impeccably presented with impressive attention to detail
- Splendid paint and chrome finishes
- No notable deterioration or wear to report
- No damage or corrosion evident to the frame, fuel tank, bodywork or fairing
- Original black finish to the mirrors and indicators - original details often overlooked in favour of chrome as fitted to earlier models
BAMW work included:
- Frame stripped, blasted and powder-coated with ‘Concours’ topcoat
- All bright metal cleaned up and electroplated
- All aluminium finishes media-blasted and refinished to better than OE standard
- All chrome professionally refinished where required
- A2/A4 stainless steel fasteners
- Decals reportedly replicated to OE standards
- Wheel hubs vapour blasted and rims polished and re-spoked in stainless steel
- Repainted bodywork, fairing and mudguards with flexible undercoats to prevent paint peel
The Mechanics
- 898cc horizontally-opposed four-stroke, air-cooled twin (now with 1,000cc barrels)
- Five-speed gearbox with shaft drive
- Motorworks alternator
- Valeo starter motor
BAMW work included:
- Full engine strip down and rebuild to factory tolerances with all seals, bearings, oil pump and timing equipment renewed
- Cylinder head reconditioning with new valves, guides optimised for unleaded petrol
- Fitment of the aforementioned 1,000cc barrels
- Gearbox rebuild, upper & lower steering head bearings, and new clutch
- New wheel hub bearings
- Shaft/bevel drive system stripped and serviced with new seals and gaskets
- Rebuilt brakes with new pads, pipes and plastic-coated braided hoses
- Brake master cylinder repositioned to handle bar from under petrol tank & Boyer Bransden electronic ignition
Further improvements by BMW AirHead Specialist, Ruislip, Michael Tyrell) includes:
- Upper & lower steering head bearings replaced
- New brake line splitter
- New Mottoworks stainless steel exhausts (replacing ‘pea-shooter’ units fitted during the restoration)
- New tyres fitted by BMW AirHead Specialist and engine tuned
BEFORE YOU BUY
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✓ The seller is registered as a private seller which means consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not come into effect. However, you are still covered by Car & Classic’s own Terms and Conditions..
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✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is Where Is’ basis and without warranty. Photos and descriptions are solely for guidance purposes and it's customary to carry out a full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase for your own peace of mind.
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