Custom BMW R90/6 Is a Nod to the Fabled R90S, Comes With Touring Equipment

With countless top-tier projects under its belt, this firm is at the top of its game and has been this way for many years. The startling build you see above was commissioned in 2020, and it does a fantastic job at demonstrating what the Revival crew is able to accomplish. From afar, it’s easy to mistake this machine for a BMW R90S restomod, but it actually started out as an R90/6 from the model-year 1976.

The airhead had been in the current owner’s possession ever since it was brand-new. Although it saw heavy usage during the first few years of its existence, a long period of dormancy eventually took over. As the motorcycle sat in storage for several decades before making its way to Revival Cycles’ headquarters, you can probably guess that it wasn’t in the best shape upon doing so.

Originally, the R90/6 was only meant to undergo a restoration, but the owner soon decided that a fully-fledged custom makeover was the way to go. The creature’s resemblance to the R90S is very deliberate, mind you, because the sportier icon from Motorrad served as the primary inspiration for this transformation. Revival's gurus were also asked to include some touring capabilities, and they delivered big time.

Their first port of call was the powertrain, though, as the donor’s air-cooled 898cc boxer-twin needed some urgent TLC. While getting it all freshened up, the guys really went to town by replacing its valves, pistons, and rings with fresh componentry. The stock Bing carburetors are gone, too, making room for Dell’Orto PHM alternatives measuring 38 mm (1.5 inches) in diameter. Premium aftermarket pod filters ensure ample airflow.

Custom exhaust pipework is an essential part of any great project and this one was no different, so Revival came up with a neat stainless-steel setup with twin reverse megaphone mufflers. Where the factory R90/6 airbox had once been, we now see a bespoke metal cover concealing the Beemer’s relocated electrical hardware. Speaking of the electronics, they were blessed with a rejuvenating makeover, as well.

A new wiring harness hooks everything up to a Motogadget controller with Bluetooth connectivity, and the chunky old battery got swapped with a compact lithium-ion part from Antigravity. One may also find a Rick’s regulator/rectifier and a modern starter motor rounding out the electrical upgrades. Moving on to the structural side of things, we’re greeted by fully-adjustable 38 mm (1.5-inch) forks from CR Suspension at the front.

Held in place via tailor-made triple clamps, they’re appropriately complemented by a pair of Ikon shock absorbers at the rear. These bad boys feature progressive springs and have been tuned to perfectly suit the owner’s weight and riding style. Down in the unsprung sector, Revival fitted some old-school Lester hoops, which were refurbished, painted, and clad in Metzler Perfect ME 11 tires prior to installation.

Whereas the traditional rear drum brake has been retained, the front setup was rebuilt with a full suite of top-shelf aftermarket goodies. They include floating EBC brake discs, four-piston Brembo calipers, and Sniper hoses running into a K-Tech master cylinder. As far as the motorcycle’s new bodywork is concerned, the two most prominent items are the larger R100/7 fuel tank and unmistakable R90S front fairing.

The latter encircles a vintage-looking headlamp and is placed on custom brackets, while the former is topped with a Motone flip-up filler cap. At the back, Revival added a loop-style subframe built from scratch, along with an aluminum tail section and a black leather saddle stitched with contrasting orange thread. Moreover, we notice a Biltwell LED lighting module recessed into the tail and a compact license plate holder lower down.

On the flanks, there are stylish saddlebags fabricated by Revival’s dedicated leatherwork branch, with tailor-made mounting hardware holding them in place. The R90’s attire is finished off with bespoke fenders on both ends, and the front fairing wears a tinted windshield up top. In the cockpit, this stunning airhead flaunts a chromed LSL handlebar adorned with billet switchgear, bar-end turn signals, and a Tommaselli throttle.

A single rear-view mirror is mounted on the left, while a Motogadget Chronoclassic dial can be seen right in front of the handlebar. Lastly, the paintwork is yet another nod to the R90S with its snazzy fade effect, blending a delightful combo of dark brown and light orange. Besides looking the part, this reworked R90/6 is also considerably lighter than stock at just 407 pounds (185 kg) wet.