Author Topic: BMW R90S (Read 5318 times)

jas67 · « **on:** August 30, 2018, 05:43:53 PM »

A good friend of mind offered to sell me his R90S if I gave him right of first refusal. So, I brought this beauty home today!

IMG_3467.JPG by jay_snyder67, on Flickr

IMG_3469.JPG by jay_snyder67, on Flickr

IMG_3466.JPG by jay_snyder67, on Flickr

jaytee-nz · « **Reply #1 on:** August 30, 2018, 06:11:29 PM »

These are iconic bikes and really sort after in Europe.
Looks to be in great condition - well done !

calj737 · « **Reply #2 on:** August 30, 2018, 06:12:09 PM »

Sweet looking ride in excellent condition!

RAFster122s · « **Reply #3 on:** August 30, 2018, 08:48:06 PM »

Gorgeous bike! Imagine they sell for a good bit of coin in that condition if it runs well. They ride very differently than the Hondas...

70CB750 · « **Reply #4 on:** August 31, 2018, 05:32:10 AM »

Nice!

Zunspec · « **Reply #5 on:** August 31, 2018, 06:36:37 AM »

Wow, what a beauty

I can remember being taken for a pillion ride on a 90S through the winding roads of the Cotswolds (UK). The nutter at the controls was scraping the heads through most curves, they can get a move on if you're so inclined

Cheers Geoff

ekpent · « **Reply #6 on:** August 31, 2018, 07:01:25 AM »

That is some sweet eye candy ! Wasn't that model or style of the bike that saved BMW from the dust bin ? Think I read that somewhere.

MoMo · « **Reply #7 on:** August 31, 2018, 07:30:35 AM »

nice score Jay, maybe I'll get to see it at Ephrata?...Larry

jas67 · « **Reply #8 on:** August 31, 2018, 08:26:07 AM »

Quote from: MoMo on August 31, 2018, 07:30:35 AM

nice score Jay, maybe I'll get to see it at Ephrata?...Larry

I won't be able to make it this Sunday, as I'll be home getting ready to head to VIR for double header track days on the 749.
Even if I did, I'd have to ride something else, I'm waiting on Hagerty to get it on my insurance (can take a couple days) so I can go to PennDOT and get my Antique tag on it.

Maybe October.

Quote from: ekpent on August 31, 2018, 07:01:25 AM

That is some sweet eye candy ! Wasn't that model or style of the bike that saved BMW from the dust bin ? Think I read that somewhere.

Maybe the "Airhead" series in general, being the air cooled boxer twins powered by the "247" motor from 1969-1995.

The 247 motor was revolutionary for BMW, as up until that point the BMW motorcycle engines were basically slightly updated pre-WWII designs. The 247 motor introduced such advances as pressurized lubrication and oil filtration, 12-volt electrics, and electric starting.

The 247 motor was a very durable motor, capable of 100-200k miles, with a top end overhaul around 80-100k miles.

Quote from: RAF122S on August 30, 2018, 08:48:06 PM

Gorgeous bike! Imagine they sell for a good bit of coin in that condition if it runs well. They ride very differently than the Hondas...

The boxer twin's make their best power between 4,000 and 6,000 RPM, so, while much revier than big V-twin like a Harley or Indian, you ride them at a lower RPM than most inline fours.

The transmissions are a bit clunky if you're used to the snick-snick of a Honda transmissions. You need to preload the shifter before pulling the clutch in to get a smooth shift. Once you get used to it, you're rewarded with a satisfying "thunk" into gear with each shift.

ekpent · « **Reply #9 on:** August 31, 2018, 08:35:15 AM »

Here's a nice article to go with your new bike - https://rideapart.com/articles/online-find-panjo-edition-bike-saved-bmw

kap384@telus.net · « **Reply #10 on:** August 31, 2018, 08:46:23 PM »

Sweet

scottly · « **Reply #11 on:** August 31, 2018, 09:57:20 PM »

I worked on/took a test ride on an R90S that looked just like that, about 14 years ago. The owner had died a year before, and his widow wanted to sell it. I drained the fuel tank, put in fresh gas, charged the battery, and it fired right up. At first, I was worried about all the oil smoke coming from the left pipe, but then realized it was from sitting on the side stand and the oil weeping down past the piston rings into the combustion chamber. Once it was burned off, it didn't smoke. My impressions from the ride was that it wasn't as smooth as I expected, but not an annoying vibration, like a Harley I once rode. (The owner told me to "Rev it 'till your vision clears".

) I did find the torque reaction somewhat unsettling, but I suppose it's a matter of getting used to it. It was pleasant out on the highway at 65-70 MPH, but wasn't really my cup of tea.
Another guy arranged a sale over the 'net, and transported the bike to a dealer in Phoenix, who did an inspection per the buyer's request, and then arranged shipping to the buyer. IIRC, she got about $5500 for it.

RAFster122s · « **Reply #12 on:** August 31, 2018, 10:07:10 PM »

Love the paint jobs they gave these models, very stylish even today. Timeless classic. The charcoal version equally as appealing.

754 · « **Reply #13 on:** September 01, 2018, 08:15:51 AM »

Scottly, expect double to triple that price today..

PeWe · « **Reply #14 on:** September 04, 2018, 01:19:16 AM »

I tested an R90S in early 80's (grey/black version). It felt very light compared with my CB750. The low center of gravity made it easy to handle when leaning it in low speed or parked.
It had the special drivetrain feeling during acceleration, the bike wiggled a little.

Zunspec · « **Reply #15 on:** September 04, 2018, 09:48:46 AM »

Worth remembering that Reg Pridmore won the inaugural AMA Superbike Championship in 1976 on the Butler & Smith R90S. They are one of those bikes that can cover a lot of ground at high speed without undue dramatics. I'd love one in my garage.

Cheers Geoff

MikeSimon · « **Reply #16 on:** September 04, 2018, 04:27:42 PM »

Very nice R90S! Very collectable. That describes it perfectly!
If you want a good, reliable rider, and not necessarily something everybody drools over, get a R100S.
Almost as good looking as a R90S and a much better bike.
The Dell'Orto pumpers on the R90S are crap, the Bings on the other bikes may be more mundane and plain, but better performing carbs.
Rear drum brake and front master remote under the tank. When BMW came out with the /5 in 1969, in was dubbed "Gummikuh" by the biker community in Germany because of its handling. That moniker still applies to the /6s including the R90S
There is a reason, BMW brought out a new bike in 1977.
I think the R90S is greatly overrated and thus overpriced. Everybody wants one and doesn't even know what they are getting into.
The "Butler and Smith" Daytona bike was so far from the stock BMW bike, it can make your eyes water. Like a NASCAR rwd V-8 that in stock form only comes as a fwd V-6.
Still, congratulations for your find.

jas67 · « **Reply #17 on:** September 13, 2018, 04:55:39 PM »

Finally, a break from the almost continuous rain!

IMG_3557 by jay_snyder67, on Flickr

IMG_3568 by jay_snyder67, on Flickr

MoMo · « **Reply #18 on:** September 13, 2018, 05:30:44 PM »

just need to have a horse and buggy in the background. I read that the rainfall in Lancaster County is already at the yearly average, most likely the same where you are...nice shots BTW....Larry

RAFster122s · « **Reply #19 on:** September 13, 2018, 06:24:13 PM »

Pretty shots! The one thing weather has is pretty sunsets...blue sky makes for boring sunsets...

jas67 · « **Reply #20 on:** September 13, 2018, 07:06:54 PM »

Quote from: MoMo on September 13, 2018, 05:30:44 PM

just need to have a horse and buggy in the background. I read that the rainfall in Lancaster County is already at the yearly average, most likely the same where you are...nice shots BTW....Larry

Of the 256 days this year, we've had precipitation on 140 of them. We've had over 104 inches of rain this year. Average annual rainfall for our region is 42 inches.

754 · « **Reply #21 on:** September 13, 2018, 07:26:41 PM »

You poor guys we get around 20 inches a year or less. Sometimes we cry when it rains.
I don't remember any rain in July or August..
Very nice R90S .. congrats. .

RAFster122s · « **Reply #22 on:** September 13, 2018, 08:40:02 PM »

I had to move to Dayton, OH from Tucson and it was about polar opposite on Sunny days vs cloudy or rain or snow... Tucson having somethingin the neighborhood of 74 or 69 days that were notsunny and Dayton only had that many sunny days. I had lived in Tucson for 4 years and loved it. Dayton was not a good job nor a good place for me, I left that position and returned to AZ in 6 months. It was a screwed up program I left and that I joined, lesser of two evils.

I have lived in rainy areas but not Pac NW levels, I could not survive there either.

70CB750 · « **Reply #23 on:** September 14, 2018, 04:31:47 AM »

Quote from: jas67 on September 13, 2018, 07:06:54 PM

Quote from: MoMo on September 13, 2018, 05:30:44 PM
just need to have a horse and buggy in the background. I read that the rainfall in Lancaster County is already at the yearly average, most likely the same where you are...nice shots BTW....Larry

Of the 256 days this year, we've had precipitation on 140 of them. We've had over 104 inches of rain this year. Average annual rainfall for our region is 42 inches.

Yeah, this summer sucks.

CBJoe · « **Reply #24 on:** September 15, 2018, 06:09:41 PM »

Quote from: jas67 on September 13, 2018, 04:55:39 PM

Finally, a break from the almost continuous rain!

IMG_3557 by jay_snyder67, on Flickr
IMG_3568 by jay_snyder67, on Flickr

Man...that is a sharp looking bike. I usually hate orange...but that paint job really pops

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Author Topic: BMW R90S (Read 5318 times)