๐ท๏ธ Basic Information Identification Make: BMW Model: R90 Year: 1982 Segment: Motorcycle (Touring) Codes Chassis Code: R90/6 Engine Code: M247 ๐ Introduction Market Position 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 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 Key Features: Iconic boxer-twin engine, shaft drive for low maintenance, comfortable riding position, excellent touring range, robust construction. ๐ Manual Details Coverage Areas Coverage Areas: Engine, Transmission, Chassis, Electrical System, Bodywork, Troubleshooting, Maintenance, Repair, Overhaul, Restoration Page Count Page Count: Approx. 500+ Manual Type Manual Type: Full Service & Repair Manual Language Language: English Format Format: Digital (PDF) Completeness Completeness: Comprehensive, covering all aspects of repair, maintenance, and restoration for the specified model year and variants. ๐ Manual Coverage Systems Covered 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. Procedures Included 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 Technical Depth: Comprehensive (from basic maintenance to full engine and transmission rebuilds, including electrical troubleshooting and chassis overhaul) ๐ Manual Specifications File Format File Format: Searchable PDF, Optimized for Printing Searchability: Full text search capability, allowing quick access to specific topics and keywords. Print Quality Print Quality: High-resolution scans of original documentation, clear diagrams and illustrations Binding Type Binding Type: N/A (Digital) Paper Type Paper Type: N/A (Digital) โ๏ธ Engine Specifications Primary Engine 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 Performance Horsepower: 60 hp @ 6,500 rpm Torque: 71 Nm (52 lb-ft) @ 5,000 rpm Fuel System Carburetion: 2 x Bing 32/40/333 or 32/40/334 constant-velocity carburetors Fuel Type: Unleaded gasoline, minimum 91 octane Lubrication System Oil Capacity: 2.5 liters (2.6 US qt) Oil Type: SAE 20W-50 API SF or SG rated motor oil ๐ง Transmission Standard Transmission Type: 5-speed manual, constant mesh Clutch: Dry, single plate, hydraulically operated Final Drive: Shaft drive, enclosed bevel gear Features 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 ๐ Dimensions Exterior 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) Weights 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 ๐ก๏ธ Safety Features Ratings Safety Ratings: N/A (Motorcycle safety is assessed differently than cars; relies on rider skill and design integrity) Active Features 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 Passive Features Lighting: Halogen headlamp, taillight, turn signals Frame Construction: Steel duplex cradle frame ๐ก Technology Features Infotainment Infotainment System: N/A (Analog instrumentation: speedometer, tachometer, odometer, trip meter, basic warning lights) ๐ง Maintenance Service Intervals 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...
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
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.
Comprehensive, covering all aspects of repair, maintenance, and restoration for the specified model year and variants.
๐ Manual Coverage
Systems Covered
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
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
Technical Depth:
Comprehensive (from basic maintenance to full engine and transmission rebuilds, including electrical troubleshooting and chassis overhaul)
๐ Manual Specifications
File Format
File Format:
Searchable PDF, Optimized for Printing
Searchability:
Full text search capability, allowing quick access to specific topics and keywords.
Print Quality
Print Quality:
High-resolution scans of original documentation, clear diagrams and illustrations
Overhead Valve (OHV) with pushrods and rocker arms
Performance
Horsepower:
60 hp @ 6,500 rpm
Torque:
71 Nm (52 lb-ft) @ 5,000 rpm
Fuel System
Carburetion:
2 x Bing 32/40/333 or 32/40/334 constant-velocity carburetors
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline, minimum 91 octane
Lubrication System
Oil Capacity:
2.5 liters (2.6 US qt)
Oil Type:
SAE 20W-50 API SF or SG rated motor oil
๐ง Transmission
Standard
Transmission Type:
5-speed manual, constant mesh
Clutch:
Dry, single plate, hydraulically operated
Final Drive:
Shaft drive, enclosed bevel gear
Features
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
๐ Dimensions
Exterior
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)
Weights
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
๐ก๏ธ Safety Features
Ratings
Safety Ratings:
N/A (Motorcycle safety is assessed differently than cars; relies on rider skill and design integrity)
Active Features
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
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.
Fluid Specifications
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
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.
๐ Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
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
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
Production Years:
1973-1976 (R90/6 and R90S)
Manufacturing Location:
Berlin, Germany
๐ Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
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.