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Considering an R90S
Re: Considering an R90S
If you are looking for an unmolested, original condition bike, this appears to be a really good one.
Looks like brake lines were changes to stainless, which is good.
'
Were you able to obtain any maintenance/repair history?
This might help confirm the mileage? As noted, I'd be a bit skeptical of the odo reading without some other documentation to back it up. In my case the previous owner had the speedo repaired. No telling how long it was non op. Also, I've seen a number of 90s' with the speedo swapped out, as well.
I guess what I'm saying is don't be blinded by love with a 5K reading on the odo. It's not indicative of anything really as far as mechanical condition
That said, maybe neither here nor there for you as everything else appears very well looked after.
Every bike is different in what may/may not need attending to after putting some miles on it. As mentioned in my first post,
be prepared for some things to creep up that will need repair.
When I purchased mine, I made sure the frame/engine numbers matched, got as much history as I could, confirmed it was original paint and just went for it.
From everything on the outside, to the naked eye, this looks legit. It's the internals that are always the unknown.
In the end, if this is what you want, get it and enjoy. That's why we work and make money.
Cheers
- schrader7032
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Re: Considering an R90S
Something I wondered about...I know there have been different configurations of the warning lights between the instruments. Different colored lights, locations, etc. But I don't really seeing "O" before...that must be neutral but what does it stand for?
'78 R100/7 '69 R69S '52 R25/2
Fast. Neat. Average. Friendly. Good. Good.
- srankin
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Re: Considering an R90S
As to O, some German will have to perhaps explain how Neutral is O? I have seen it on some bikes of the years, Not many. I can't remember if the R90S I had was marked O as well, teflon memory. St.
Re: Considering an R90S
With regards to service history, the current owner has been more a custodian than an active owner/rider. The bike has seen less than 750 miles in the duration of his ownership which spans two decades. As I mentioned earlier, he just had the bike completely gone through by a vintage BMW specialist who performed a full fluid change, carb cleaning, etc. I need to ask if the transmission splines were cleaned.
It sounds like his account of the bike adds up and that it is a good candidate. The paint issues are somewhat detracting to me in that fixing them properly will require repainting and this isn’t like repainting a /2 fender. Original paint is important to me and so I’ll either have to just accept the damage or accept a repaint. I’m not thrilled about either.
The mileage, while nice is almost too low for me to be able to enjoy actually riding the bike without feeling at least somewhat guilty. A bike with 15k on the clock might be a better option as the price would reflect the higher mileage and I wouldn’t feel nearly as concerned pushing the odometer upwards.
As it sits, I’m not convinced it’s the best use of $15k. At $12-13k, I would feel more comfortable with the many unknowns. Shame it’s so far from home as seeing her in person would surely make the decision much simpler.
Decisions decisions.
- schrader7032
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Re: Considering an R90S
'78 R100/7 '69 R69S '52 R25/2
Fast. Neat. Average. Friendly. Good. Good.
Re: Considering an R90S
Scott.
Stoney Peak BMW Service
Victoria, BC. Canada
BMW Classic and Vintage Motorcycle Service and Restoration
service@stoneypeak.com
Re: Considering an R90S
The seller intends me get back with me if his buyer falls through, so who knows but I’m not counting on it.
At any rate, I really appreciate all the input and feedback. Will update this thread if the other deal falls through.
Thanks!
Chris
- srankin
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Re: Considering an R90S
One thing I have learned from hanging around an airhead repair shop is there are people who repair or restore bikes who should not.
A pretty perfect looking "restored" R90S may be a big can of snakes. I bought a supposedly low mile RS, a very pretty bike that turned out to be a soiled dove. After spending a couple of winters, repairing screwed up previous owner stuff, the bike is now a gem.
Despite the small flaws in the paint, you can't beat the mileage (if true) and from what I have seen of the pictures I tend to believe the mileage is accurate on this bike.
By the way, I "restored" an R90S one time, I never sold it, I could not honestly ask the cost I needed to recoup the money I had into the restoration. I am NOT a professional mechanic, so in all honesty I can't charge professional prices. That bike was parted out to build another bike I intended to keep. Sadly, that never worked out so both bikes are now at my friend's shop in his collection.
I guess it all depends on the intention of the owner, if he wants to ride, minor scrapes and dings don't prevent that. If he wants to show the bike, well, that is a whole other world and far from my cup of tea. I may be picky and like my bikes to look good but good looks don't make for a good ride all the time. St.
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Re: Considering an R90S
Is this shift kit a factory item with a P/N, or for a specific iteration of the 5-speed trans? My reason for asking, I've also decided the '74 S is an airhead worth having and bought a 100% rebuilder project early this year, showing just 5510 miles (105,510 based on service history). I have the trans being rebuilt this week, and would like to update it with BMW's improved componentry as long as it's apart.
Thanks for the tip; I'm planning a long resto process for this one.