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BMW R90/6 Street Racer

Updating a classic motorcycle

Stock 1974 BMW R90/6

Where it started

Rendered end-state café racer

Target direction — not a finished photo

A 1974 BMW R90/6 — 898cc boxer twin, original everything — being turned into a sharper street racer. The work is practical: subframe, front end, Brembo brakes, M-Unit electrical system, clip-ons, and rearsets. The point is to keep the airhead character while making the bike handle and stop better. These are the build photos, cleaned up in rough build order.

Build diary

One more ride before teardown.
BeforeOne more ride before teardown.
Rolled into the garage, still mostly stock.
TeardownRolled into the garage, still mostly stock.
On the lift, with the first parts coming off.
TeardownOn the lift, with the first parts coming off.
Front-end parts, controls, and hardware laid out.
PartsFront-end parts, controls, and hardware laid out.
Factory /6 wiring reference before simplifying the harness.
ElectricalFactory /6 wiring reference before simplifying the harness.
Planning the M-Unit layout against the original schematic.
ElectricalPlanning the M-Unit layout against the original schematic.
New top clamp mocked up with the stem exposed.
FitmentNew top clamp mocked up with the stem exposed.
Seat and rear shocks mocked up against the stock rear section.
FitmentSeat and rear shocks mocked up against the stock rear section.
Front hub apart for bearing and brake fitment work.
BrakesFront hub apart for bearing and brake fitment work.
Measuring hub and rotor clearance before the Brembo setup.
BrakesMeasuring hub and rotor clearance before the Brembo setup.
Bearings, spacers, and small parts laid out before reassembly.
BenchBearings, spacers, and small parts laid out before reassembly.
Assistant mechanic checking progress.
GarageAssistant mechanic checking progress.
Current state: front end and rear section coming together.
NowCurrentCurrent state: front end and rear section coming together.
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