Lot Details
23 miles recorded from new
1974 BMW 898cc R90S Motorcycle
Frame no. 4950390
With the introduction of the '/6' range in 1973, BMW joined the superbike league with a pair of 900cc flat-twins. The touring version was typed 'R90/6' and the gorgeous new sportster 'R90S'. With its twin front disc brakes, racing-style seat, megaphone-shaped silencers and cockpit fairing, the R90S looked like no BMW before it, while the air-brushed 'smoke' custom finish to tank, seat and fairing meant that no two examples left the factory exactly alike. With 67bhp on tap, the R90S was good for a maximum speed of more than 125mph. True, there were a handful of rivals that were faster, but none of them could match the BMW's capacity for sustained high-speed cruising. ‘When it comes to comfort and capability for travelling at maximum speed with minimum fatigue, the R90S is second to none,’ declared Bike magazine's tester back in 1975. ‘The truth is that many bikes do one thing superbly, but the BMW is the only bike I know that does everything very well.’
This example is presented in generally excellent cosmetic condition, only the faintly blued header pipes and lightly pitted chrome on the fuel filler cap indicating that it is not in fact a brand new motorcycle. BMW's landmark first superbike can only become increasingly collectible, and the machine offered here represents a rare opportunity to acquire an unmolested, ultra low mileage example preserved in virtually showroom condition.
Sold for $24,570 inclusive of Buyer's Premium (Sophie Crosthwaite)
