BMW R 90 S (1973-1976) Specs, Performance & Photos

In 1973, BMW released the R 90 S model as the flagship model of the revised /6 series and ranked among the fastest series motorcycles in the world with a top speed of 200 kph (124 mph). This was possible due to the 67 hp achieved by boosting the two-cylinder boxer engine to 900cc and with the help of Dell’orto carburetors.

To keep the high performance under control, BMW fitted the bike with a double disc brake system on the front wheel, which was a first on the motorcycle market.

For this model, BMW hired for the first time a designer which created a profile for the bike that set it apart from other motorcycles in the market with the world’s first cockpit fairing attached to the handlebar, a tank designed with flowing contours, and a characteristic bench seat.

In 1975, BMW introduced a new livery for the bike with the Daytona Orange that became a favorite among collectors.

The 1973 BMW R 90 S featured an 898cc air-cooled four-stroke two-cylinder boxer engine with a power output of 67 hp at 7,000 rpm and 76 Nm (56 lb-ft) of torque at 5,000 rpm.

The bike came with standard features such as a dual seat, a pillion grab rail, a nose-fairing with a windscreen, a dual exhaust system, an analog instrumentation panel, wire-spoked wheels, and a side stand.