Spectacular 1975 BMW R90S

With Only 8,200 Original Miles – AMCA Senior Winner

If you're searching for one of the finest Original BMW R90S motorcycles in existence, your search ends here.

Finished in the iconic factory Silver Smoke paint scheme with Gold pinstriping, the original color that launched BMW's R90S Super Bike.

Over the last several decades, I've ridden and sold thousands of motorcycles, including some of the most significant collector motorcycles ever built. Very few motorcycles leave a lasting impression on me before I even throw a leg over them. This is one of those motorcycles.

This extraordinary 1975 BMW R90S comes from the collection of legendary BMW enthusiast and AMCA judge favorite Ted Smith, whose motorcycles have long been regarded among the finest examples of their kind in the world. The first time I saw Ted's BMWs displayed at an Antique Motorcycle Club of America national meet, I remember thinking they were the most spectacular BMWs I'd ever seen. This R90S is exactly why.

Unlike many restored examples, this motorcycle remains an exceptionally preserved, low-mileage original showing only 8,200 miles. The originality and condition of the machine are simply astonishing. The gauges are crystal clear. The switchgear remains sharp and legible. The chrome, aluminum, bodywork, controls, wheels, and finishes all display the quality expected from a motorcycle that has spent its life being cherished rather than merely used.

Don't take my word for it.

AMCA Judging Scores

This motorcycle has been judged multiple times by the toughest judges in the hobby and has earned:

• 99.75 Points

• 99.25 Points

• 98.75 Points

• Additional AMCA award documentation included

The only deductions were for minor service items and a clutch-assist modification installed to improve rider comfort. According to AMCA judges, the bike was essentially too correct to criticize.

The market has Spoken; The R90 S has been Skyrocketing Higher in Value Every year;

Recent Comparable Sales on line auctions for similar R90S models have ranged from $34,000 to $47,000 and are Climbing, This Museum Quality Example is a Rock Solid Investment.

Many historians consider the R90S to be the most important BMW motorcycle ever produced.

In the early 1970s, BMW's motorcycle division was struggling, and there was serious discussion about focusing exclusively on automobiles. The introduction of the R90S changed everything.

The R90S established BMW as a serious performance motorcycle manufacturer and effectively created the modern sport-touring category. It combined all-day comfort, long-distance reliability, and genuine high-performance capability in a package unlike anything on the market.

Its influence remains visible today:

• Iconic bikini fairing design

• Distinctive two-tone paint scheme

• Triple-disc braking system

• 898cc boxer twin engine

• High-speed stability

• Legendary long-distance comfort

The styling cues pioneered by the R90S continue to inspire modern café racers and sport-tourers more than fifty years later.

Exceptional Mechanical Condition

This motorcycle starts easily, runs beautifully, and performs exactly as an R90S should.

Ted properly prepared the motorcycle for museum display by draining the carburetors and storing it correctly. After years on display in the museum, all it required was a fresh battery and fuel to return to service.

The bike rides exactly as it looks—smooth, powerful, stable, and refined.

Features include:

• Dynatek electronic ignition

• Clutch-assist modification for significantly lighter clutch pull

• Original BMW clock

• Original BMW voltmeter

• Original mirrors

• Original handlebars

• Original hand grips

• Original wheel set

• Original exhaust system

• Original brake rotors

• Original toolkit

• Original under-seat pump

• Storage compartment and pouch

• New battery

• Nearly new Metzeler tires

Spectacular Paintwork

One of the most remarkable aspects of this motorcycle is its paint.

The bike was refinished by the renowned Peachtree Painting of New Hampshire, and the quality is so exceptional that many enthusiasts assume it is factory original. The famous R90S smoke-effect paint and hand-striping are among the most difficult finishes in the motorcycle world to reproduce correctly.

The paintwork alone cost $4,056, and the result is virtually indistinguishable from a factory finish.

Originality Highlights

The level of originality found here is rarely encountered today.

Highlights include:

• Original exhaust system

• Original chrome components

• Original controls and switchgear

• Original gauges

• Original seat

• Original reflectors

• Original wheel assemblies

• Original under-seat details and hardware

Even the underside of the seat presents beautifully and remains remarkably untouched.

Collector Provenance

Ted Smith's motorcycles are legendary among BMW collectors.

Several years ago, six motorcycles from Ted's collection were sold to a single collector for $347,000, averaging nearly $60,000 per motorcycle. Today, many would argue those motorcycles would command substantially more.

This R90S is among the finest examples from that same collection.

Included With Sale

• Clean title

• AMCA judging reports

• Original toolkit

• Original accessories shown

• Documentation

• Direct access to Ted Smith for future ownership questions

Ted has offered to speak with the new owner regarding the motorcycle's history and preservation.

Final Thoughts

I've ridden a number of BMW R90S motorcycles over the years. We've restored them. We've sold them. We've displayed them.

This is the finest original example I have personally encountered.

The combination of ultra-low mileage, remarkable originality, award-winning condition, exceptional provenance, and historical significance makes this a truly investment-grade collector motorcycle.

Most importantly, it remains exactly what the R90S was intended to be—a spectacular motorcycle to ride.

Ted summed it up best when asked about selling it:

"I hate to sell it."

Opportunities to purchase motorcycles of this caliber are extraordinarily rare.

When this one is gone, it's gone.

For additional photos, videos, shipping arrangements, or questions, contact Kaplan Cycles directly.

Nationwide enclosed insured shipping available.

Good luck bidding, and God Bless America.

WHY SHOULD YOU BUY FROM KAPLAN? WHAT DO YOU GET?

“You are buying from the Kaplan Cycles Family. We are not just another big auction house. We are family-owned and operated and have been buying, servicing, and selling motorcycles since 1975. You will work directly with Ken Jr., Ken Sr., and/or one of the 30+ experts on our team. We provide museum-quality, white-glove concierge service from start to finish. Every motorcycle we sell is inspected, serviced, and supported by our team, and we stand behind it after the sale. You’re not on your own — we back what we build and what we sell.

With over 17,000 units sold and still 100% positive feedback, we are the best stress-free buying experience you can have. From the first call to delivery at your door, we will handle it all — because vintage motorcycles deserve support, and so do you.

With every bike we curate you get:
• museum-level inspection & preservation services
• every machine is professionally evaluated, serviced, & rotisserie detailed
• all critical systems are checked, adjusted, or renewed
• you get professional setup, tuning, and delivery prep
• done by the best experts in the industry — we ride and restore every day
• you get post-sale phone support
• you get white-glove, insured, always-enclosed shipping to your door anywhere in the country

You’re buying from Kaplan Cycles at the New England Motorcycle Museum, one of the largest vintage motorcycle collections in North America. Free museum tours and tickets are included with every bike sold. With every bike you purchase, a portion of the proceeds is used to support, continue, and improve the 501(c)(3) nonprofit New England Motorcycle Museum.

You don’t just win an auction — YOU are creating & helping to preserve motorcycle history, and you become part of our family, a Kaplan Cycles client for life.

We do not take new clients off the street.
We do not service bikes purchased elsewhere.
We only take new exclusive clients who purchase a motorcycle from us.

You get a guided purchase experience with, and from, the experts who care about the bike as much as you do. If there’s a problem, you don’t get ghosted. You call us — you will have our cell phone numbers — we will answer your call on weekends, and we will help make it right.

Auction platforms = listing only. No support. No accountability.

Kaplan Cycles = we stand behind what we sell.

You are buying museum-curated provenance. That means:
• expert evaluation
• documented condition
• professional presentation
• long-term preservation mindset

You’re not just buying a motorcycle — you’re buying a curated piece of motorcycling history.

From the #1 family in this business — Kaplan Cycles & the New England Motorcycle Museum.

Sincerely,

Ken Kaplan Sr.
12/28/2025”

AUCTION TERMS:

All motorcycles & vehicles are sold as-is where-is.

Kaplan Cycles guarantees all motorcycles are as-described. Please read the entire description and watch the entire video before bidding.

A non-refundable deposit is due immediately on purchase. PayPal or Credit Card is accepted for the deposit.

Cash (In-Person), Card (+3% fee), or Wire Transfer are our only accepted forms of final payment.

Full payment must be made within 7 days of auction close.

Your motorcycle must be picked up within 30 days of auction close. 

Exceptions are made only for international buyers OR buyers who have ALREADY made transport arrangements with a third party.

If a motorcycle is purchased and left here for longer than 30 days without written permission from Kaplan Cycles it will be resold. In the case of a re-sale, the owner will be entitled to a refund less storage fees ($25/ day beginning 30 days from auction close) ONLY if the motorcycle was paid in full on-time within the auction terms.

We always describe our motorcycles as accurately as possible.

You are purchasing a classic motorcycle. Even in cases where a bike may be in good running/ operating condition, new problems & idiosyncrasies can arise over-time from sitting or regular use.

If you have an issue with the motorcycle you’ve received, contact us within 24 hours of delivery and before leaving feedback so that we can address your concerns.

It is important you have at least a basic mechanical knowledge before purchasing and operating a classic motorcycle.

Due to our backlog, we cannot perform any additional service work or modifications on your motorcycle after the sale (ie; adding a light kit, different tires, etc.)

We respond quickly between the hours of 9am and 5pm EST, Monday - Friday

For our fastest service please call Ken Kaplan Jr directly at 860-471-0192

We will not charge out-of-state buyers sales tax.
Out of state residents will pay sales tax with their DMV. 

We are not a registering dealership. You will receive only the documents required to register your vehicle in your state.

In our listings, title status is always listed directly below the main description.

In some cases we will sell motorcycles without title or registration. In these cases we guarantee all motorcycles sold are free and clear. We will always provide a route to obtaining title. Generally in these cases, the motorcycle will be sold at a discount to accommodate expenses involved.

Documents are mailed via USPS priority mail with a tracking number. Please allow up to 14 days after payment in full for your documents to be processed and mailed.

Keys will be shipped with the motorcycle.

Warranty:

All Motorcycles sold "as is, where is" and Kaplan Cycles does not warranty any motorcycle sold. No express warranty and/or implied warranty are made by Kaplan Cycles. No statements by us give an implied warranty.

SHIPPING:

SEND US YOUR ZIP FOR A SHIPPING QUOTE!
WE WILL MAKE ALL ARRANGEMENTS!

We have the best shipping contacts in the nation who will provide the FASTEST transport times, have a perfect track record, and are always insured and ENCLOSED! All motorcycles are shipped WHOLE (roll-on, roll-off). We do not offer a pallet or crate service.

International shipping specialist contacts are available! They will assist in ground freight, customs clearance, and ocean freight to your country. International buyers will be required to work directly with our third party shipping contacts.

We strongly recommend you insure your motorcycle at the time of purchase.

PICKUP:

We require a 24 hour notice prior to pick-up. Please call us at 860-454-7024 during office hours Monday – Friday 9am – 5pm EST.

We will provide ramps, a dock for loading, and assistance to load for free.