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All Bikes/Bmw/R 90 S
Bmw R 90 S
Classic

Bmw R 90 S

The Bmw R 90 S has a top speed of 200 km/h, produces 67 hp and weighs 215 kg. Motoryk rates it 8.5/10.

La BMW R 90 S a été présentée en 1973 en tant que superbike phare de BMW, conçue par Hans Muth avec un carénage fumé distinctif et des freins avant à double disque révolutionnaires pour l'époque. C'était la moto de série la plus rapide de son époque à sa sortie, remportant le premier championnat AMA Superbike en 1976, piloté par Reg Pridmore. La R 90 S est largement considérée comme la moto qui a établi la réputation sportive de BMW et est considérée comme l'une des motos les plus emblématiques des années 1970.

67 hp

Pouvoir

74 Nm

Torque

215 kg

Poids

200 km/h

Vitesse maximale

5.5 L/100km (approx. 18 km/L typical real-world average)

Carburant

Caréné

Corps

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Ce que les acheteurs doivent savoir

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Strong Collector Value

The R 90 S was the world's fastest production motorcycle when launched in 1973, and its status as BMW's first superbike makes it highly sought after by collectors. Well-preserved examples regularly fetch $15,000–$30,000+ at auction.

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Watch the Airhead Electrics

The aging electrical system, particularly the Bosch components and wiring harness, is prone to gremlins on bikes that haven't been properly maintained. Always verify the charging system and inspect for amateur rewiring before buying.

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Iconic Dual-Disc Brakes

The R 90 S was among the first production motorcycles to feature dual front disc brakes, a groundbreaking feature for its era. However, the original Ate calipers can seize after decades of use, so a brake service is essential on any purchase.

Générations et spécifications par année

1973–1976 Gen 1

Série de production originale ; boxer twin de 898 cm3, deux disques avant, carénage fumé distinctif, puissance de 67 ch.

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8.7/10

"La moto qui a prouvé que BMW pouvait construire un sportster."

Avant 1973, le port d'un insigne BMW ne vous préparait à la R 90 S : ce carénage fumé n'était pas une vanité esthétique, il fonctionnait vraiment, réduisant la fatigue due au vent sur les longs trajets en autoroute d'une manière inégalée par vos concurrents. Le boxer de 898 cm3 tire avec une réelle autorité à partir de 3 500 tr/min, et une fois que vous êtes dans la zone idéale de 5 000 à 7 000 tr/min, cela semble vraiment urgent, même si « urgent » selon les normes des années 1970 signifie que vous vous penchez vers l'avant en souriant plutôt que de vous lancer à coups de poing. Les deux disques avant étaient révolutionnaires pour leur époque et inspirent toujours confiance, y compris le tambour arrière, mais le véritable choc pour tous ceux qui s'attendent à une poussette de tourisme, c'est de constater à quel point cet appareil tient bien la route : neutre, communicatif, jamais nerveux sur une balayeuse rapide. Les points faibles sont honnêtes : le siège durcit considérablement au bout de deux heures, la température de l'huile augmente obstinément dans la circulation urbaine estivale et les caméras vous rappelleront que les intervalles d'entretien ne sont pas des suggestions.

Pros

+Le carénage fumé réduit réellement la fatigue due au vent
+Torque Boxer utilisable à bas régime
+Les disques doubles étaient les meilleurs de leur catégorie en 1973
+Direction neutre et étonnamment précise
+Caractère et provenance d'époque forts

Les inconvénients

Pénalisation des sièges au-delà de 120 km
Difficultés à refroidir l'air en cas de chaleur urbaine
L'intervalle de réglage de la vanne n'est pas négociable
La patience des spécialistes en matière de pièces est requise
Idéal pour: Des pilotes de tourisme rapide soucieux de leur patrimoine Ignorez si: Vous détestez les programmes de maintenance pratiques

Évaluation d'un acheteur d'occasion

8.5/10
Idéal pour
Experienced riders wanting classic investment with usability

"Buy the best example available — compromises here cost dearly."

$18,000-$35,000 used

The R 90 S is genuinely one of motorcycling's landmark machines — BMW's first superbike, the fastest production motorcycle of 1973, and still devastatingly handsome fifty years on. That smoked fairing and those twin Bing carbs are iconic for good reason. But buy one romantically and you'll suffer for it. These airheads demand regular valve checks every 6,000 miles, the carbs need synchronising obsessively, and finding a clean unmolested example gets harder every year as values climb. Mechanically they're surprisingly robust if maintained properly. The 898cc boxer twin pushes around 67hp — laughable now, but the torque delivery is smooth and satisfying in a way modern bikes rarely match. Shaft drive means no chain faff, which is a genuine daily pleasure. Budget serious money for a proper pre-purchase inspection from someone who knows airheads specifically. Prices have gone properly silly. You're paying museum piece money now, so only buy the best example you can find. Avoid anything with botched electrics, replaced frame sections, or carbs that have been tampered with by someone who watched a YouTube video.

Pros
Les inconvénients
Ignorez si: You want cheap, low-maintenance weekend transport

Top 10 Accessories

Curated picks for the Bmw R 90 S — owned, ridden, recommended.

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Problèmes courants

🔥 1 CRITICAL
⚠️Airhead carb diaphragms cracked or leaking MODERATE

Rough idle, poor throttle response, fuel smell

Fix cost: $80-$200
🔥Spline wear on rear drive shaft SERIOUS

Clunking on acceleration, check lube history

Fix cost: $300-$600
💡Rocker cover gaskets leaking oil MINOR

Oil residue around cylinder head covers

Fix cost: $40-$120
💡Fairing cracks and crumbling original plastics MINOR

Check all fairing mounts and panel condition

Fix cost: $200-$1500

Liste de contrôle préalable à l'achat

Confirm splines were greased regularly
Test both carbs sync and balance
Check frame for cracks near headstock
Verify original matching numbers present

Tough, simple engine but needs disciplined maintenance

Full Specifications

Engine Power 67 hp @ 7,000 rpm
Torque 74 Nm @ 5,500 rpm
Top Speed 200 km/h
Weight 215 kg (wet/curb weight)
Fuel Consumption 5.5 L/100km (approx. 18 km/L typical real-world average)
Type Classic
Fairing Full/Partial Fairing

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Compare Bmw R 90 S Side-by-Side

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Community Reviews

Discussion

Frequently Asked Questions

What are common problems with the Bmw R 90 S? +

Airhead carb diaphragms cracked or leaking: Rough idle, poor throttle response, fuel smell (moderate) | Spline wear on rear drive shaft: Clunking on acceleration, check lube history (serious) | Rocker cover gaskets leaking oil: Oil residue around cylinder head covers (minor)

Is the Bmw R 90 S a good motorcycle? +

Buy the best example available — compromises here cost dearly. Rating: 8.5/10. Best for: Experienced riders wanting classic investment with usability. Avoid if: You want cheap, low-maintenance weekend transport.

What is the horsepower of the Bmw R 90 S? +

The Bmw R 90 S produces 67 hp @ 7,000 rpm, with 74 Nm @ 5,500 rpm of torque. Top speed: 200 km/h.

Is the Bmw R 90 S good for beginners? +

Not really — the Bmw R 90 S is better for experienced riders. Experienced riders wanting classic investment with usability Avoid if: You want cheap, low-maintenance weekend transport

Is the Bmw R 90 S reliable? +

Owners report 1 critical issue to watch for on the Bmw R 90 S, notably: Spline wear on rear drive shaft (Clunking on acceleration, check lube history). Buy with a pre-purchase inspection.

Is the Bmw R 90 S good for daily use? +

Experienced riders wanting classic investment with usability Fuel: 5.5 L/100km (approx. 18 km/L typical real-world average).

How fast is the Bmw R 90 S? +

The Bmw R 90 S reaches a top speed of 200 km/h, producing 67 hp at 215 kg curb weight. Real-world performance depends on rider weight, gearing, and road conditions.

What gear should I buy for a Bmw R 90 S? +

Motoryk has curated a Top 10 gear list specifically for the Bmw R 90 S, covering engine oil, tires, chain, battery, and brake pads — see motoryk.com/bikes/bmw/r-90-s/top10. Each pick is matched to this bike's spec.