Vehicle Description
1976 BMW R90S
When BMW enlarged its Type 247 "airhead" boxer engine to 898cc in
1974, they offered it in two motorcycles: the touring-focused R90/6
and the more sporting R90S. Though largely similar, there were
several distinct differences that set the R90S quite apart from the
R90/6.
For consignment, an unmolested 1976 BMW R90S bike. Low production
numbers and only in production for 3 years make this a somewhat
rare and definitely collectable bike. If not that, you will be the
only one within many miles riding one around. Maintenance free
electronic ignition now installed, along with stainless steel
exhaust and always maintained by a certified BMW cycle
mechanic.
Most noticeable were the S's bikini fairing and the rounded,
aerodynamic tailpiece behind the seat that featured a BMW roundel
logo. For this 1976 model year, an even more spectacular two-tone
treatment is on draped with Daytona Orange, which includes a
sunburst pattern on the tank and red pin striping all around. The
finish was the sort of "look at me" design that marked an even
bigger step outside of BMW's regular territory. Beyond the paint
job, the bodywork-from the small fairing to the cowl-like piece
behind the seat-was admired and copied throughout the industry in
the coming years by everyone from Suzuki to Harley-Davidson.
Fortunately, BMW backed up this striking bodywork with exceptional
performance. The basic 898cc, pushrod-activated, overhead-valve,
air-cooled boxer twin makes do with 2 Delloroto carburetors
(PHM38). In its R90S guise, BMW tossed the Bing carbs in favor of
high-performance Dellorto 38mm units with accelerator pumps. They
likewise bumped compression to 9.5:1 and output increased better
than 10 percent, to 67hp. Also, a Dyna 3 Electronic Ignition system
was professionally installed.
This R90S has a pair of rotors on the front axle. These rotors get
the cross-drilled treatment for better performance in the wet. We
also see an installed and adjustable steering damper mounted in the
head stock to cope with the additional horsepower. The rider can
adjust the tension of the damper with a knob mounted just above the
head stock. This damper will help to prevent high-speed head shake,
and will prove valuable when it came time to race it up!
BMW's foray into the world of Superbike came about when the U.S.
importer, Butler & Smith, decided to enter their top machine in the
new national series that the AMA debuted for the 1976 season.
Though the R90S was not as powerful as the Japanese competition,
German-born and Florida-raised Udo Gietl turned the Beemer into a
dominating force that season. The series consisted of only three
races and BMW took all three, despite being out-powered by the
Japanese entries.
The R90S lasted only three years on the market, gone after 1976 and
replaced by the somewhat more sedate and more touring-oriented
R100S. Although significantly outsold by the R90/6, the R90S still
marks an important and influential motorcycle milestone. It comes
with 2 hard saddle bags and a tank back pack. All here at Classic
Auto Mall and on consignment for the taking of this piece of
history.
Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special
interest automobile showroom, featuring over 600 vehicles for sale
with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle
barn find collection is on display.
This vehicle is located in our showroom in Morgantown,
Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia
on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is
www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888) 227-0914.
Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the
vehicle in person.
