1974 BMW R-Series

4950965

Clear

This is the first year for the R90S, in what Cycle magazine dubbed “Year of the ‘Sport’” in their June 1974 issue (see scan below). Of the 4 feature bikes tested, the Ducati 750 Sport & the Guzzi V7 Sport have gone on to be major collectables, and the Ducati 750SS has achieved true Brough Superior/Vincent Black Shadow desirability. And back in 1974, all these other bikes were less expensive than the R90S. Despite relatively low production numbers, the R90S has lagged behind with collectors, but in the last few years this is has been changing fast. Offered for auction is this 1974 R90S, one of two that I own. Recently I purchased a low vin number R90S from the first few days of US production, so I’ve decided to sell this machine to make a little room in my storage garage. This is a very typical rider+ level machine. The usual period additions are the braided stainless brake lines, Krauser saddlebags, Corbin seat, nice Fehling cylinder guards, tinted windscreen, /7 style foot controls, aftermarket shocks, and Luftmeister oil temp dip stick. This would be a great bike to enjoy as is, or start replacing some of these aftermarket parts with the original factory items. The bike still has the original, one year only instrument cluster, and the original fairing with the two mystery holes on the bottom. The engine, frame and frame ID tag serial numbers are all matching. And under the seat are the toolkit and owner’s manual. The original Zuna mufflers are in great shape with no rust blossoms or road rash. Ditto for the rims - they are round and not filled with tire iron marks. The clearcoat does have hazing cracks in it, which is typical for an older "S", but it does still shine as you can see in the photos. I’ve got a reserve on this bike that represents what I have in it. I can tell you that my reserve is about ½ of what many people are asking for ‘survivor’ bikes. I myself would rather find a nice solid original bike and restore it rather than pay top $$ for a survivor, because I’ve come to find that all too many of those survivor bikes really look best from about 10 feet away. When you get close you see the stone chips, battery acid stains, and rust - and this drives me crazy. These bikes are almost 40 years old after all. At my reserve price you will have plenty of money left to chase a few original parts, or even go wild and get a new Holt silver smoke paintjob - and still be in it for less than many other used bikes for sale. This machine was last on the road in the Fall of 2011. I’ve had my bikes in storage while my house is on the market. But the bike has been sitting on a trickle charger, and I do start it periodically. It was last run the day these pictures were taken (this past Wednesday). It was 42 degrees outside, and in typical /6 fashion the battery was struggling to start the bike, so I ended up using the kicker to get it started. Given that this battery is a few years old, I will include a new battery from MAX BMW for the successful bidder. I’ll dry-ship it along with the bike so that you'll be all set for the Spring riding season. Please have your finances lined up before you bid, and ask all questions first too. Payment in full is required within 7 days of the end of the auction, and the bike must be picked up/shipped within 30 days of the end of the auction. Personal checks are OK, but will delay pickup/shipment. I will not disclose the reserve price, and there is no Buy it Now price. And to be fair to all, I don’t end auctions early. Sorry no PayPal. I do have a business address for pickup, and I will assist in any way that I can. Good luck!