1975 BMW R90/6

Summary:

A truly majestic Germanic steed from the past

Faults:

Some carb leaks due to age.

Coil mount welds broke (easily fixable with large hose clamps).

General Comments:

I bought this old girl new in 1975 and have only rung up a little over 20,000 miles in the meantime. She's a great touring bike; my wife and I ride 2-up in comfort... plenty of power to go around.

The bike sat from 2004 to now (2013) and I just had her gone over for about $1,400 (new tires, gaskets, battery, etc...) and can't wait to get her back on the road again.

Much more sedate ride than today's touring bikes, and it is relatively bullet-proof. Still responds when you grab a handful to get past slower vehicles. Runs well on X-ways, but even better on the back roads, which is where I love to ride. We're not really in a hurry to get anywhere, so the ride is its own reward.

I'll never part with this old girl.

Would you buy another motorcycle from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 2nd May, 2013

1974 BMW R90/6

Summary:

Excellent choice for anyone

Faults:

Two muffler bolts vibrated loose and got lost.

Tail light bulb.

Oil sending unit gasket leak.

Shock absorber top mount came loose.

General Comments:

This is my sixth BMW motorcycle over the years, and my fourth Airhead.

Having had various brands with different fairings, fiberglass panels, luggage bags etc. This is the first one without any of those items.

I recently rode it on a 2300 mile trip with no problems other than a few muffler bolts and the center stand bolts loosening up.

If you would rather be riding than constantly working on your ride, these old airheads can't be beat.

And when it is time to do some wrenching, it's very easy and straightforward to work on.

Would you buy another motorcycle from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 30th May, 2009

1974 BMW R90/6

Summary:

Like an old friend - lots of fond memories

Faults:

No problems other than need for restoration after 30 years under a blanket in the garage.

General Comments:

Quiet ride and Wixom frame mounted fairing makes it a good tourer.

Rode on weekends in rural NJ and NY in the 1970's; now riding it in the Seacoast NH area. Back in the 70's, riding this bike was like sending my brain to the dry cleaners after a week of commuting in an American Motors Matador in rush hour traffic, to/from and working in NYC.

Would you buy another motorcycle from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 30th April, 2009

1975 BMW R90/6

Summary:

A motorcycle for life

Faults:

In essence, nothing really has gone wrong on this bike. I am the second owner. The first generally took good care of the bike, but never replaced anything other than the clutch. It has never left me standing by the side of the road.

For the first year I simply cleaned and tuned it (new tires of course) and rode it daily to work - 120 miles round trip. Live in New Hampshire and ride to Boston.

General Comments:

I'm now in the third year of riding the heck out of this fine warhorse. I've invested well over $5,000 in parts (not including 3 sets of tires) for a near-total restoration. I have not touched the engine. No need to.

I am a BMW mechanic with 35 years of riding experience with over 250,000 miles, and I can say with confidence that the R90/6 is the best all-around bike I have ever owned.

Would you buy another motorcycle from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 30th March, 2009

26th Sep 2014, 01:59

Hey there, me again. Total engine re-build at 133,000 miles. Up to 178,000 miles now (Sept, 2014). Did three 1,000 mile trips this summer. R90/6... never say die.

1975 BMW R90/6

Summary:

Outstanding

Faults:

Nothing to speak of, runs like a Swiss watch.

General Comments:

After owning a 1984 Harley Davidson FLHS for 18 years, I had lost interest in the bike, too many mechanical break downs, I sold it to my brother in-law for the original purchase price, and that was in December of 2003.

Then in March I realized that I needed a bike for the summer, and I looked in the local want ad, and noticed a 1975 R90/6 for sale, it came with a fairing and a couple of after market seats, all of which I sold on Ebay. I rode the bike all over New England without any problems. The next year I bought a 2003 R1150R and rode from upstate New York to California and back, for a total of 9000 miles in three weeks, and a few saddle sores to go along with the memories.

Would you buy another motorcycle from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 17th January, 2009