1974 BMW R-Series

1974BMW

Clear

Selling my personal 1974 R90/6 in Bol D'Or red. I have had this motorcycle for 7-1/2 years. It has been an awesome bike and is still the 'most fun to ride' in my stable. Sadly, the recent addition of a 1975 Norton 850 Interstate makes this bike redundant and the wife wants the Norton to stay. Manufactured in January of 1974 this bike features matching frame and engine numbers. Mileage is NOT assumed to be original -- the gauges look beautiful and work great. All electrics (except front master cylinder warning light) work as expected. If you have never ridden a well sorted R90 you are missing something special. There is good reason why in 1974 the superbike shootout of the day was between BMW, Norton, and Triumph. Japanese dominance was years away. In many ways, the current and very fine BMW R-series bikes are direct descendants of these older ones, with evolutionary changes year after year. This bike is equipped with dual plug heads, twin-fire electronic ignition, all new cables, a fresh battery, and recent timing, valve adjustment, and dealership work. If memory serves me, I installed a K&N air filter. The tool tray and tool kit are included. What documents I have are yours.The front tire has less than 1000 miles on it. I added all new factory foot peg and hand grip rubbers (though some wear is starting to show on the foot peg rubbers). A /7 front fender was installed (without guide stays) which helps clean up the front end look. New gaiters and fork seals were installed. A Brown's side stand replaces to dorky, quirky and stupid factory automatic pop-up part. I converted the bike from the toaster tank black with Euro bars to the smaller Bol D'Or red tank seen here (original paint -- not perfect, reddish factory inner coating in place) and higher 'buckhorn' bars. New side covers and fenders were sourced and perfectly matched paint was shot (with matching metallic flake density and size) and pin stripes carefully hand painted with factory-correct spacing and size (based on the tank striping). I added the now very rare Lester mag wheels and a drilled front disc brake. Ditto the Alfa Romeo and Lincoln Continental horns (very loud). The mufflers were sanded and painted the flat black seen and are easily retouched (some minor dents, no holes). They could use another coat soon. I was about to sell the bike a few years ago when the transmission started making a whining (bearing) sound. To be cautious, I purchased a used 1975 transmission (no kick start -- useless anyway) and installed it myself. It shifts like a modern Jap bike. The clutch hits like a big block Chevy. I took the opportunity to closely inspect the clutch, pressure plate, and all splines. I am happy to report that everything appears in great shape (photo of splines). The steering damper is in place but non-operable as far as I can tell. Make no mistake, this is NOT a $1500 R90 beater. A fair price is expected and I am not desperate to sell. You get what you pay for, they say. I can and will continue to ride this beauty if my reserve is not met. The bike should get a light detailing to make it near perfect -- something you would probably want to do anyway (I live on a gravel road). Everything else said, this is a 40+ year old motorcycle. It is sold as-is and where-is. I will help with shipping coordination as possible, but I travel extensively. Please examine the photos carefully and ask all questions prior to bidding. I have an almost 800 positive eBay rating with zero negatives, ever, so bid with confidence. I have sold a number of cars and bikes on this channel with nary a complaint. I you live nearby (Atlanta, Chattanooga, Knoxville, Asheville) and would like to see the bike in person, give me a call (Randy@706-455-2186). No joy rides, but a running and moving demo can be arranged. Good luck and thank you for viewing my auction.