BMW R90S (1973–1976): History, Specs and Value of the First Production Fairing

Introduced in 1973, the BMW R90S is one of those bikes that moves the benchmark: it was the world's first production motorcycle fitted with a factory fairing. But it is not just an encyclopaedia first: it was also a great bike to ride, with 67 bhp and a smoke-grey/orange livery that is still recognisable a hundred metres away today.

The fairing wrapping around the handlebars is the detail that changes everything, both aesthetically and aerodynamically. Underneath is still an 898 cc boxer with Bing constant-vacuum carburettors, a 5-speed gearbox and shaft final drive. The riding position is sportier than on traditional BMWs, with the marque's classic motorway stability and pick-up that was remarkable for the time. Twin-leading-shoe front drum brake, state of the art in 1973.

• Engine: boxer twin 898 cc OHV
• Power: 67 bhp (49 kW) at 7,000 rpm
• Gearbox: 5-speed; shaft drive
• Top speed: approx. 200 km/h (124 mph)
• Standard full fairing
• 200 mm twin-leading-shoe front drum brake
• Electric and kick start

The standard fairing is the historic novelty: designed to reduce wind load on the rider and improve stability at high speeds, it opened the way for the whole segment of faired grand tourers. Bing constant-vacuum carburettors and better-than-usual period electrics completed the picture.

The R90S has the rare merit of being important and enjoyable at the same time. Sooner or later anyone who loves BMWs has to ride one: you understand immediately where the modern ones began.

The mid-1970s: the oil crisis is about to hit, but the market for sporting grand tourers is alive. BMW, fresh from the success of the /5s, wants a model that expresses technology and performance without following Japanese trends. The R90S is the European, different answer: not an extreme naked bike, but a sports bike for covering distance.

• R90S (1973–1976): the only production version, in the famous Smoke Grey/Orange livery.
• Some bikes were specified by the dealer network with differences for specific markets, but there are no distinct official versions.

The smoke-grey colour scheme with orange stripe came about almost by chance: apparently the proposal was initially set to be rejected, before becoming one of the most recognisable looks in BMW history. The R90S enjoyed an immediate image success and anticipated the R100RS by three years.

It is a collectable icon with a rare plus: it is enjoyable to ride at modern paces. Value depends greatly on the originality of the fairing — often replaced or damaged — and on the condition of the engine. Mechanical parts are available with some effort; original plastics and decals are much harder to find.