🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

BMW

Model:

R90

Year:

1982

Segment:

Motorcycle (Touring)

Chassis Code:

R90/6

Engine Code:

M247

👋 Introduction

Market Position:

The BMW R90 series, particularly the R90/6, represented BMW's push into the larger displacement motorcycle market, offering a blend of touring comfort and robust performance, often appealing to riders seeking reliable long-distance capabilities with a distinct boxer-twin character.

Competitive Analysis:

Competed against other European and Japanese touring motorcycles of the era, differentiating itself through its shaft drive, boxer engine configuration, and reputation for build quality and durability. Key rivals included models from Moto Guzzi, Kawasaki, and Honda in the touring segment.

Key Features:

Iconic boxer-twin engine, shaft drive for low maintenance, comfortable riding position, excellent touring range, robust construction.

📋 Manual Details

Coverage Areas:

Engine, Transmission, Chassis, Electrical System, Bodywork, Troubleshooting, Maintenance, Repair, Overhaul, Restoration

Page Count:

Approx. 500+

Manual Type:

Full Service & Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital (PDF)

Completeness:

Comprehensive, covering all aspects of repair, maintenance, and restoration for the specified model year and variants.

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine:

Complete overhaul, carburetor adjustment, ignition system, valve adjustment, cooling system (air-cooled), lubrication system

Transmission:

Gearbox disassembly and reassembly, clutch service, driveline maintenance, final drive servicing

Chassis:

Front fork and suspension, rear shock absorbers, swingarm, steering head bearings, wheel bearings, brake system (drum and disc), frame inspection and repair

Electrical System:

Wiring diagrams, lighting system, ignition system, charging system (alternator/generator), starter motor, battery maintenance, instrument cluster diagnostics

Bodywork And Trim:

Fuel tank removal and installation, seat, fenders, fairings (if applicable), trim components

Fuel System:

Fuel tank maintenance, fuel lines, fuel filters, carburetor removal, cleaning, and tuning.

Maintenance:

Oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug servicing, chain adjustment, tire pressure checks, brake pad inspection

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic charts for common starting, running, and electrical issues

Repair:

Step-by-step instructions for component repair and replacement

Rebuild Refurbish Restore:

Detailed instructions for complete engine and gearbox rebuilds, frame straightening, and component refurbishment

Diagnostic Procedures:

Includes detailed troubleshooting sections with flowcharts and symptom-based diagnostic guidance for common problems.

Electrical Troubleshooting:

Specific procedures for diagnosing and repairing issues within the electrical system, including ignition, charging, and lighting circuits, supported by detailed wiring diagrams.

Technical Depth:

Comprehensive (from basic maintenance to full engine and transmission rebuilds, including electrical troubleshooting and chassis overhaul)

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format:

Searchable PDF, Optimized for Printing

Searchability:

Full text search capability, allowing quick access to specific topics and keywords.

Print Quality:

High-resolution scans of original documentation, clear diagrams and illustrations

Binding Type:

N/A (Digital)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

Air-cooled, four-stroke, horizontally opposed twin-cylinder (Boxer)

Displacement:

897.7 cc (54.77 cu in)

Bore X Stroke:

90 mm x 70.6 mm

Compression Ratio:

9.5:1

Valve Train:

OHV, 2 valves per cylinder

Cylinder Head Design:

Overhead Valve (OHV) with pushrods and rocker arms

Horsepower:

60 hp @ 6,500 rpm

Torque:

71 Nm (52 lb-ft) @ 5,000 rpm

Carburetion:

2 x Bing 32/40/333 or 32/40/334 constant-velocity carburetors

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline, minimum 91 octane

Oil Capacity:

2.5 liters (2.6 US qt)

Oil Type:

SAE 20W-50 API SF or SG rated motor oil

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

5-speed manual, constant mesh

Clutch:

Dry, single plate, hydraulically operated

Final Drive:

Shaft drive, enclosed bevel gear

Gear Ratios:

Available in manual with various ratios (specific ratios to be confirmed via manual)

Transmission Oil Type:

SAE 80W-90 API GL-5 gear oil

📐 Dimensions

Length:

Approx. 2,220 mm (87.4 in)

Width:

Approx. 800 mm (31.5 in) at handlebars

Height:

Approx. 1,280 mm (50.4 in) at seat height

Wheelbase:

Approx. 1,465 mm (57.7 in)

Ground Clearance:

Approx. 140 mm (5.5 in)

Dry Weight:

Approx. 220 kg (485 lbs)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Approx. 420 kg (926 lbs)

Fuel Capacity:

24 liters (6.3 US gal), including 3.5 liter reserve

🛡️ Safety Features

Safety Ratings:

N/A (Motorcycle safety is assessed differently than cars; relies on rider skill and design integrity)

Braking System:

Front: Single Disc Brake (approx. 280mm), Rear: Drum Brake. Models might vary with dual discs on some later R90/6 variants, consult manual for specific configuration.

Suspension Front:

Telescopic forks with hydraulic damping

Suspension Rear:

Swingarm with twin shock absorbers, adjustable preload

Lighting:

Halogen headlamp, taillight, turn signals

Frame Construction:

Steel duplex cradle frame

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment System:

N/A (Analog instrumentation: speedometer, tachometer, odometer, trip meter, basic warning lights)

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 5,000 km (3,000 miles) or annually, whichever comes first

Filter Change Interval:

With every oil change (internal oil screen)

Valve Adjustment Interval:

Every 10,000 km (6,000 miles)

Spark Plug Replacement:

Every 10,000 km (6,000 miles)

Final Drive Oil Change:

Every 20,000 km (12,000 miles)

Carburetor Sync Interval:

As needed, typically every 10,000-15,000 km (6,000-9,000 miles) or if performance issues arise.

Engine Oil Type:

SAE 20W-50 API SF or SG rated motor oil

Transmission Oil Type:

SAE 80W-90 API GL-5 gear oil

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 (for drum brake systems); DOT 4 for disc brake systems (if applicable)

Fork Oil Type:

SAE 15W fork oil (specific grade may vary, consult manual)

Known Issues:

Knecht oil filter housing leaks, early spline wear on output shaft, gearbox input shaft spline wear, carburetor synchronization issues, stator failure (less common than later models), pushrod seal leaks.

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Heritage:

BMW Motorrad boasts a long history of engineering innovation, particularly with its boxer-twin engines and shaft drive systems, dating back to the early 20th century. The brand is renowned for its build quality, durability, and performance, especially in touring and sport-touring segments.

Model Evolution:

The R90 series, introduced in 1973 as the R90/6 and R90S, was a significant evolution from earlier BMW models. It offered increased displacement and power, improved handling, and a more modern aesthetic. The R90/6 was positioned as the more touring-oriented model, while the R90S featured higher performance, unique styling, and was a precursor to BMW's sportbike lineage.

Production Years:

1973-1976 (R90/6 and R90S)

Manufacturing Location:

Berlin, Germany

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Recognitions:

While the R90/6 itself may not have specific 'awards' in the modern sense, it was widely recognized by motorcycle publications and enthusiasts of its era for its reliability, touring comfort, and engineering prowess. It is considered a modern classic and a benchmark in BMW's motorcycle history.