4950212 -1974 BMW R90S, Silver Smoke. Barn Find, Project Bike. 98% complete.
This R90S has been sitting in dry storage for a couple of decades. It’s showing some dust and minor surface corrosion in a few places. We have too many Vintage and Classic BMWs needing refurbished, and we know we are unlikely to get to this one anytime soon.
It is a VIN Numbers Matching BMW. It has had a minor tip over in the past, but not wrecked. We checked the frame with our BMW Factory Frame Gauge, and found it within specifications. It needs a minor fiberglass repair to the right side of the fairing. The 2 small tubes between the fork top shackle and the upper fairing mounts are missing; they can easily be made with scrap tubing, etc. Other than that, the bike seems to be complete.
The motor turns over easily and properly and creates compression. The transmission rolls over easily and shifts properly into all gears, without bearing rumble. The clutch is worn, and will need to be replaced. The Del’Orto Pumper carbs could use a good cleaning & new O’rings and gaskets.
The fuel tank is in excellent condition inside, and has no dents. The mufflers look OK, but are showing signs of age. The tires will definitely need to be replaced.
It is equipped with period correct and highly desirable Lester Mag wheels. From personal experience, we know that they contribute greatly to stability at legal highway speeds and above. The bike is also equipped with period correct S&S Sport Shocks, which will also contribute to better and safer handling.
It is currently equipped with a customized center stand with wider “Feet” for more stability when parked, especially on softer surfaces. You can have your choice of that center stand now on it, or another used stock center stand.
After looking at all the parts on the blanket necessary to complete the bike, we noticed that the headlight Chrome ring, lens, and reflector are missing. We found a good chrome ring and reflector and the 6 clips that hold it together. You will still need a glass lens and gasket to complete it. We also noticed that the steering damper hydraulic “cylinder” is missing, but all the hardware necessary to mount it is included.
The R90S model BMW is VERY Sporty! For its time, it is quite quick and fast, with superior handling over nearly all of its contemporaries. It’s a real fun bike to get out on the twisty back roads, yet also is very smooth running and comfortable for touring.
We would be happy to answer any questions you have about this BMW motorcycle; please call us at 614.837.1160. To see more high resolution views of this bike in detail, please copy the link below to your browser search bar to direct you to our online photo storage on Picturepush.com.
https://picturepush.com/+17lLU
Click on one of the thumbnail photos on the left to see it larger on the right. Then click on the larger photo on the right to see it in a full screen pop-up window. Then scroll down to the bottom right and click on the word “Full”. This blows it up to maximum size (about 6 times window size) and you can use the scroll bars to move around your view point like your eye is 3 feet from the bike.