Once in a while, say, more often than Haley's Comet but less often than a blue moon, a great machine shows up for sale under the radar.
The BMW R90/6 is one such great machine.
An R90S with its Burnt Orange paint and sport bubble fairing would never slide by, there are too many sharp eyes scanning the horizon. Reg Pridmore won the first AMA Superbike championship on a similar modified R90S back in 1976. That in itself is a great story. The /6 however, remains inconspicuous and unremarkable at first glance, as do many of the airhead "R" Boxer twins.
The vintage motorcyclist community is a rather small one. Within just a few days of aquiring such a machine, if you begin to reach out and ask around, you will receive an education free of charge along with a hearty welcome and congratulations on your purchase to boot!
The early version /6 (this one shows a mfg date of 10/73 on the head stock badge) features a few rarities such as:
- 023 / 523 - this is the paint code for granada red...the finish color...should be listed under the seat
- 026 is Bol d'or Red (metallic)
- The black upper lip highlighted battery covers
- The white numbers on the steering dampner knob
- The white rings around the instruments and the thick hashes on the tach and speedo measurement markings. (these, I'm told, are usually messed up somehow along the way
- The more common, but still cool are the solid disc brake
- The polished aluminum turn signals
- The kickstarter transmission.
The early BMW's were pinstriped by hand and signed by the "artist" under the tank.
This particular model is more original than many others that are listed for sale. How might one go about finding such a treasure in such a day and age as this? They are out there on the road to Damascus.
Open your eyes.
Or you could just try to win one here at Motorcycle Classics Magazine 'Race to Rebuild' contest..
http://www.motorcycleclassics.com/sweeps.aspx?qnrName=SWP_DRTR&id=2147488938&cid=2147488947&us=2
Comments