1977 BMW R 90/6

19 Bids Winner - Lily
8:00 PM, 18 Sep 2023Vehicle sold
Sold for

£3,740

(inc. Buyer’s Premium)
Winner - Lily

Background

PLEASE NOTE NEW AUCTION PREMIUM 7% + VAT UNCAPPED.

The BMW Motorrad R90/6 was in production from 1973 to 1977. It featured an 898cc air-cooled flat-twin engine that produced 60 horsepower. The motorcycle was popular among touring and sport riding enthusiasts, acclaimed for its smooth power delivery, comfortable riding position, and excellent handling. Many consider the R90/6 to be one of the best motorcycles ever built.

Upon its introduction in 1973, the R90/6 was an instant hit with the motorcycling press. Cycle World magazine described it as "so exciting it's difficult to find a point at which to begin describing it," while Cycle Guide called it "a powerful motorcycle, designed to compete in the performance-conscious market of 1974." The bike even earned recognition in the sportbike category, with Cycle World claiming that it showed "BMW is serious in its intention of producing the lightest, best handling Sportbike around."

  • 111111
  • 49155
  • 900
  • manual
  • Silver Grey
  • Black
  • N/A
  • Petrol

Vehicle location
Beaconsfield, Buckinghamshire, United Kingdom

Background

PLEASE NOTE NEW AUCTION PREMIUM 7% + VAT UNCAPPED.

The BMW Motorrad R90/6 was in production from 1973 to 1977. It featured an 898cc air-cooled flat-twin engine that produced 60 horsepower. The motorcycle was popular among touring and sport riding enthusiasts, acclaimed for its smooth power delivery, comfortable riding position, and excellent handling. Many consider the R90/6 to be one of the best motorcycles ever built.

Upon its introduction in 1973, the R90/6 was an instant hit with the motorcycling press. Cycle World magazine described it as "so exciting it's difficult to find a point at which to begin describing it," while Cycle Guide called it "a powerful motorcycle, designed to compete in the performance-conscious market of 1974." The bike even earned recognition in the sportbike category, with Cycle World claiming that it showed "BMW is serious in its intention of producing the lightest, best handling Sportbike around."

Video

Overview

BMW introduced its new line of Slash-Six models in 1974, and the BMW R90/6 was the largest of them. This model filled a significant gap in BMW's product line-up as, in the American market, the trend was towards bigger bikes.

This original 1977 BMW R90/6 has been owned by the vendor since 2011. Spending its first 33 years in Germany, where it was initially sold, the BMW is in original condition and has covered just 78,648 kilometres or 48,869 miles. It came to the UK in 2010 with approximately 75,800 kilometres, and as you can see from the current mileage and MoT history, it has been used very little.

Exterior

The BMW R90/6 is an excellent, comfortable touring bike that can be ridden for miles without taking its toll on the rider.

Starting at the front of the bike, the Silber (Silver) Metallic paintwork is we believe original and presents very well. There are a couple of minor scratches on the front mudguard, which could easily be touched in. The headlight and indicators are in good order, with no chips or splits to the lenses.

The 18-litre fuel tank is in good condition with no dings or dents, and the knee pads are in place. Original Krauser side panniers are fitted and free from damage. These are rated to hold a maximum of 10kg in each and can easily be removed.

At the rear, the light and indicators are damage-free, and the small luggage rack has some light surface tarnishing. Both wheels have been re-spoked with stainless steel spokes; the vendor does have the original chrome-plated ones. The tyres are a matching set of Continentals with a good amount of tread remaining.

Interior

Being a tourer, comfort is vital, and the seat is in excellent condition with no rips or tears; there is some light tarnishing to the grab handle in keeping with the age of the bike. The front and rear foot-peg rubbers are in good condition with no signs of heavy use.

Handlebars and levers are in good condition with no signs of corrosion, and the grips are in good order with minimal signs of wear. There is a small amount of wear to the lettering on the headlight hi-lo switch, but this is minor, and all of the switchgear is working correctly. The instrument binnacle is free from any damage, and the tachometer and speedometer are working correctly, with the odometer showing a reading of 78,648 kilometres or 48,869 miles.

Mechanical

Fitted with an 898cc four-stroke two-cylinder “Boxer” engine, the BMW R90/6 produces 60hp and 53lb-ft of torque. This is fed through a five-speed gearbox via a single dry plate clutch, resulting in a bike that is capable of achieving 062mph in 5.2 seconds.

The BMW received new valves and valve guides last year and runs with no issues reported. The large engine casing is in good condition with no real signs of tarnishing to the aluminium. The exhausts are in good condition, with a bright finish to the cans and a small amount of heat discolouration to the downpipes.

The double-loop tubular frame looks in good order with no issues to mention. The forks show no signs of any leaks and have adjustable damping controlled by the adjuster in the middle of the handlebars. The rear swingarm is connected to two dampers, which are both adjustable, allowing you to achieve the perfect comfort setting.

A single 260mm disc brake at the front and a Simplex 200mm drum at the rear brings the R90/6 to a stop in a safe manner with no problems reported.

History

Unfortunately, because the BMW was imported, there isn’t a great deal of paperwork with the bike. The V5C is present, along with some old MoT certificates and the original owner’s manual. The last MoT expired on the 18th April 2019, but of course, it now qualifies for the MoT exemption.

Summary

What more could you ask for; a classic 70s machine in lovely, usable condition? The bike benefits from all original features and the Krauser panniers. Load them up, and you’re set for the perfect road trip!

We estimate this car will reach anywhere between £3,000 - £5,000.

Viewing is strongly encouraged, and this lot is located in Beaconsfield, Buckinghamshire. Viewings are strictly by appointment. To make a booking, please use the Contact Seller button at the top of the listing. Feel free to ask any questions or make observations in the comments section below, and read our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.

About this auction

Seller

Private: Tigerfire


Viewings Welcome

Viewing is strongly encouraged, and is strictly by appointment. To book one in the diary, please get in contact.

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