1976 BMW R-Series

4991080

Clear

BMW R90S 4991080………."RESQUED" Hello and thank you for looking at my 1976 BMW R90S that I have for sale. I have been restoring classic Sting Ray Corvettes for over 20 years. Three years ago, I decided to move in a different direction; to classic motorcycles and have been focused exclusively on the BMW R90S since. This Daytona Orange Beauty is my most recent restoration. Its sale is prompted by the need for space and capital as I have three additional R90S restorations to begin. The CA title is clear and in my name. This has always been a CA bike and the original blue and gold plate will go with the sale. I have provided a ton of information here regarding the restoration process. I hope you are able to read through it all! Summary What I am offering for sale is, in my opinion, among the nicest examples of a restored BMW R90S anywhere in the world. It’s probably as close to being a brand new R90S as you will find, with newly and extensively restored cosmetics and rebuilt mechanicals. My aim at the outset was a near concours-level restoration and I believe I achieved that goal. There remain a few nits for which an Expert Judge would deduct points and I outline these at the end of this narrative. I rescued this R90S from being parted out about a year ago. Responding to an Ebay ad for a Daytona Orange gas tank by a local seller, I found the very tired but nearly complete bike under a tarp in his driveway, where it had sat for more than six years. The bike now carries the CA license plate “RESQUED”. I have more than 500 hundreds of hours of my passion into this restoration, as well as $10,656 in documented, hard restoration costs, above the cost of the R90S. My investments have resurrected this iconic road warrior for a new Investor. This R90S runs terrific. I have now put close to 325 miles on this machine to sort it out, but it is not yet fully broken in according to BMW recommendations. She starts instantly on choke, idles without grumpiness just a block away, runs very smooth, pulls strong, has excellent front and rear brakes and shifts up and down through all five gears smoothly. I have hundreds of photos documenting the acquisition and the restoration of this R90S, as well as all of the restoration receipts. If you want to see any particular view of the bike before, during or after the restoration, please ask. The bulk of the photos were taken when the R90S had just 3 miles on her (Nov 9, 2015). The photo in the carport area was taken on March 1, 2016 with about 310 miles on the clock. The photo showing the instruments was taken March 12, 2016 with 323 miles and that is the current mileage. The R90S is as lovely today as it was the day I finished the restoration. Beyond rebuilding mechanicals and replacing worn or old components, a great deal of time was spent restoring the proper factory luster to all parts on this R90s. The list is just too exhaustive to cover here, but suffice it to say as you look at this motorcycle, every single part you see was restored down to the smallest detail...no nut or bolt was left un-touched. Consequently, the odometer reading of 71.8K miles on this straight-as-an-arrow R90S is clearly just an historical reminder that it had a past life. I purposefully chose NOT to reset the odometer to zero (0) in order to preserve its history. Nearly all new items purchased for this bike were ordered from MAX BMW or, to a lesser extent, BMW Escondido Motorcycles, both great groups to work with. NO non-BMW factory parts were used in this restoration, unless otherwise noted in the bullet points below. The entire restoration took about 6 months and I hope you will agree that this R90S is showroom sharp and true to its roots. I know the new owner will be proud to ride and show it. This R90S was assembled in Germany in May 1976, placing it at the end of the R90S production, which ended in June of 1976. It is serial number 1,080 out of 1,260 produced. Pricing I realize my R90S is not for everyone. Poor to good condition un-restored and “restored” R90S’s are available for less money, but are clearly not in the same league. Most have no idea how expensive it is to properly restore a BMW R90S back to factory showroom condition. A proper restoration will easily tally more than $10,000, and that does not include any costs for labor or the cost of the R90S. With the investment in time and money that I have into this R90S, I will only entertain offers between $18,000 and $21,000. I expect this R90S will be purchased by a savvy collector who wants the best from an appreciating BMW motorcycle asset: a late production serial number, at the end of the R90S era, that can be ridden, enjoyed and will occupy a prized position in his or her collection. The 1976 model year is widely considered the best year, and those made during the later months of 1976 R90S production incorporate all of the engine and transmission upgrades that BMW had evolved for the next model year. These mechanical improvements are well detailed in Ian Falloon’s book entitled “The BMW R90S”. This is a must-own publication for those interested in vintage BMW motorcycles. Work Completed Below is a listing of the major work performed to complete this restoration. Please note that there are probably a hundred more small items like gaskets, seals, screws, nuts, bolts, bulbs, etc, that were ordered new from BMW that are simply too small to list here. The new owner will receive all receipts for parts purchased, as well as receipts from outside suppliers of services. I am also certain I have forgotten to mention a few larger items. So, in no particular order:Daytona Orange Glasurit paint purchased from Holt BMW. Sprayed and striped masterfully by Rob Miller Customs of San Diego (pin stripes and 900cc decals protected under clear coat)Original gas tank has perfect rust-free interior and was dent-free prior to paintingNew BMW rod bearingsOriginal cylinders bored and honedNew BMW SK pistonsNew BMW piston ringsNew BMW intake and exhaust valves, springs, guides, seats, cups, pockets and keepers / 3 angle valve jobNew BMW front and rear engine main seals When I purchased the motorcycle, the engine had been completely rebuilt from the rod bearings out by a BMW motorcycle dealership’s Master Technician. The motor had never been started after the rebuild because the R90S needed a complete restoration and was not roadworthy as shown in the photos. After my purchase, I confirmed that the mechanic’s work had been performed and the names of both the dealership and mechanic will be supplied after sale to minimize their disruption. Upon my purchase, heads, cylinders, pistons and rings were removed, inspected, cleaned and reassembled (remember, it sat for many years!). All bullet points below this one were performed by me during the restoration.New BMW timing chain, crankshaft timing chain sprocket, sprocket bearing and chain tensionerNew BMW push rod tube seals New BMW engine seals and gaskets. Engine and transmission do not have any leaksNew BMW BERU spark plug wires with correct 1k ohm plug capsNew BMW oil pressure switchNew BMW tapered roller bearings and seals: for front/rear wheels; upper and lower steering head and swing armNew BMW front wheel bearing chrome coversNew BMW clutch disc and diaphragm spring plate. Stock flywheel in placeStarter motor bench tested fine and works great in the bikeNew Keihan complete stainless steel exhaust system / Excellent upgrade from the factory exhaust. Fits perfect, identical shape, slightly deeper tone, last forever. No dents or scratchesComplete electrical system tested and all electrical functions are working properly, including the charging system (rotor, stator, diode board, voltage regulator tested fine)New EuroMotoelectrics solid diode board mountsNew BMW starter relayNew BMW turn signal relayNew BMW drive shaft boot / Drive shaft universal joint is very smooth in all directions with zero "play" in itFinal drive splines lubed and splines still at about 70% (conservative figure) / No internal or external gear oil leaksDellOrto carburetors rebuilt using DellOrto parts / All jets at factory settingsNew BMW Karcoma fuel tapsNew BMW reed valve for updated crankcase ventilationWheel hubs front/rear lightly bead blasted with a very fine French bead that leaves no pittingWheel rims F & R polished and re-laced with polished stainless steel spokes to mimic chrome originals / Front brake rotors measured 0.204” left and 0.205” for right; both well within 0.180” minimum spec.New front and rear Metzeler Laser Tec tires/tubes/ tube bandsFront forks completely rebuilt with new BMW bushings and seals / Springs appear to be the progressive type BMW units / 10W Belray fork oil addedNew BMW chrome fork tube capsNew BMW rubber front fork cupsNew BMW front foot peg rubbersNew BMW shifter rubberNew BMW transmission oil-add plug (not shown in photos)New BMW front brake caliper rebuild kits including pistons, seals and dust coversRebuilt master cylinder with BMW rebuild kitNew BMW master cylinder reservoir and cap New German Spiegler front brake linesNew BMW rear brake rod (connects rear brake pedal with brake actuating arm on final drive)New BMW left / right combination switches on handle barsOriginal handle bars re-chromedNew BMW windscreen . Attached with black nylon screws and nuts for easy removal/cleaning. Can install original plastic push pin rivets if new owner desiresNew BMW steering damper piston on rebuilt steering damper mechanism. Steering damper works great with nice solid "clicks" forward and backwardsNew BMW steering damper handleAll gauges cosmetically restored / mechanically repaired as needed. MotoMeter white face clock converted to more reliable quartz movement. Can install restored white face MotoMeter clock with original movement if new owner desiresNew BMW gauge eyebrows (sun shades)New BMW cables throughout: Speedometer; tachometer; 2 throttle; 2 choke; front brake & clutchNew BMW braided cloth fuel linesComplete exterior stainless steel bolt kit (best available aftermarket / not available from BMW). The SS fastener head shapes closely mimic original BMW hardware head shapes.New BMW badges (3) and (1) R90S emblem on seat cowlPowder coated gloss black: Frame, sub-frame, trailing arm, headlight ears, headlight bucket, battery box, center stand and license plate bracketReproduction stickers applied (NLA from BMW): Brake fluid warning; "R90S" on frame above vin plate; tire pressure and "Inspection" stickers under seat on rear fenderNew BMW rubber hand grips; Clutch and brake perches re-finished in semi-gloss black lacquer paintNew BMW throttle cable bootNew BMW BUMM R90S mirrors (have proper de-bossments on the back side of the mirror housings)New BMW chrome seat cowl railNOS BMW ignition points and condenser (the good stuff!)New aftermarket Gel batteryTransmission is as smooth as any rebuilt unit I have ridden, but I do not know whether or not it has been rebuilt. Nothing about the transmission would suggest it needs any work. The unit shifts up and down very smooth and never misses a gear or pops out of gear. Input shaft splines were in good condition and the transmission has no leaks. On the bench, the input shaft and output shaft bearings turned perfectly smooth without any binding or notchiness, both in neutral and in all 5 gears, respectively. The same is true with the transmission installed. Placing the transmission into first gear when the unit is warm is a very soft and gentle "click" as it should be, and not a hard or loud "Clank".NOS ignition points and condenser installed, purchased from a gent on the IBMWR site who has a stash of the better performing NOS old school BMW ignition parts. Timing was set, carbs synched by TwinMax. The ignition timing and valves were re-adjusted after the first 20 mile drive heat cycle and the engine oil was drained and replenished. After 100 miles, the transmission, drive shaft and final drive gear oils were changed. There were no metal "bits" on transmission magnetic drain plug.Complete with original BMW tool box and lid, BMW full tool roll, tire pump (works), owner’s manual and new BMW shop ragTwo keys including the black round barrel key. Same key operates all locksSpectro 80/90W gear oil in transmission, drive shaft and final drive. Castrol 20/50W motor oil in engine I absolutely enjoy restoring these classic machines to recreate the beauty of the motorcycle that was built by the BMW factory. I have no doubt that the BMW R90S motorcycle will continue to increase in value due to its iconic status as the “Savior of BMW’s motorcycle division”, its success on the raceway via Butler & Smith and Reg Pridmore, and extremely limited production quantities with U.S. spec R90S's. “This is the fascinating story of the motorcycle that changed BMW’s image in the motorcycle world. The R90s was the most significant model BMW produced after the war, winning fans both at the superbike races and in the showroom.” – Author Ian Falloon “To me, the R90S is arguably one of the most significant motorcycles ever made. It may be egotistical to say this, but I believe I am the founding father of the idea behind the R90S. The S made BMW motorcycles respectable again! Not only outside the company, with the magazines, and with buyers, but within the company too. It proved to BMW it could compete and make money in the bike business, and the money the R90S made helped pave the way for future motorcycles, many of which are iconic themselves.” Bob Lutz, Former BMW Marketing Executive. The Nits There are a few nits that keep this R90S from being a 100 point restoration:Gas cap has some minor pitting in it. Photo makes the cap look MUCH worse than real life. These gas caps are no longer available from BMW. You can still purchase the locking version gas cap from BMW;I believe the horn is from a later model BMW airhead motorcycle, but it is a Bosch motorcycle horn with identical electrical connections and fits perfect;Engine and final drive aluminum castings, as well as the aluminum cooling fins on the heads still have blemishes from weather-related oxidation. I simply could not remove all of it. The non-flash photos show this very well;The breather cap on the final drive could not be removed easily and I feared damaging it....so its ugliness was painted over with high-temp silver instead of re cad plating it. Cheesy, I know.The original date coded oil pan had a temperature sending unit in it, which I didn’t remove in favor of keeping the original oil pan casting with the bike. It does not leak;The original date coded valve covers have several nicks and dings, but no road rash and I chose to keep the original castings with the bike similar to the oil pan. I did my best to mitigate some of the blemishes, but complete removal was not possible. New valve covers can still be ordered from BMW and you can keep the originals on the shelf;The rear seat hinge post that is welded to the sub-frame that the rear seat hinge swivels on was broken off and MIA when I bought the bike. I ordered a new seat post from BMW and welded it back on the sub-frame. But I purposefully welded it back on the way BMW later adopted (in 1977 or 1978) allowing the seat and the seat’s hinges to slide off to the rear of the bike instead of requiring the rear seat hinge to be unscrewed and removed in order to take the seat off the bike. This is a HUGE quality of life improvement, and one that is significantly less likely to result in scratched gas tank paint, but this is not the original design in 1976. This hinge post configuration will allow you to use either seat style; either screwed-on or riveted hinges on to the seat pan;The original seat was present with my purchase as shown in the photos, but its metal seat pan was rusted out where the front hinge mounts and the vinyl was very hard from weathering. I had considered purchasing one of those new seats “from Germany”, but they just don’t look right to me and it’s not a BMW seat. It does not have the 10 pieces of aluminum hold-down brackets that rivet the seat cover to the seat pan like original BMW seats do. So I elected instead to purchase a very nice used factory BMW seat from Ebay. This seat’s pan has the riveted-on seat hinges, which is not correct for 1976, but works well with the reoriented seat hinge post on the sub-frame noted above;Yours truly put a 3/4 inch scratch in the right side battery cover below the 900cc decal. Touched up with Glasurit Daytona Orange paint. You have to be looking for it to see it;Top edges of the rear Denfeld foot peg rubbers have wear marks on them. If you are still reading this, thank you! I highly encourage you or your designate to inspect this beautiful R90S in person. Absent that, I have done my very best to accurately represent this motorcycle to you. There should be no surprises...just joy! Someone will own a gorgeous and essentially showroom new and very collectible R90S that runs terrific. RESQUED is ready for a new owner and a new life. Feel free to call me with any questions you might have. I require a $250 non-refundable deposit to be paid via PayPal within 48 hours. The buyer is responsible for securing and paying for their shipping/transportation arrangements for the motorcycle. I will work with the buyers transportation company to ensure a smooth loading of the motorcycle. Mark 858 775 0359