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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

Where it's going

A 1974 BMW R90/6 — 898cc boxer twin, original everything — getting transformed into a modern café racer. New subframe, Brembo brakes, M-Unit electrical system, clip-ons, and rearsets. The goal is to preserve the airhead character while making it a bike that actually handles and stops. This is the photo diary.

Build diary

The starting point — stock 1974 BMW R90/6

Jun 2025The starting point — stock 1974 BMW R90/6

The vision — where this build is heading

Jul 2025The vision — where this build is heading

Last ride before teardown

Aug 2025Last ride before teardown

Reference wiring schematic for the /6 series

Aug 2025Reference wiring schematic for the /6 series

Planning the new electrical layout

Aug 2025Planning the new electrical layout

Parts arriving — clip-ons, fork components, hardware

Oct 2025Parts arriving — clip-ons, fork components, hardware

Into the garage — teardown begins

Dec 2025Into the garage — teardown begins

Up on the jack, tools out

Jan 2026Up on the jack, tools out

New seat and rear shocks installed

Feb 2026New seat and rear shocks installed

New triple clamp and steering stem

Feb 2026New triple clamp and steering stem

Father-son garage time

Mar 2026Father-son garage time

Wheel hub bearing service

Mar 2026Wheel hub bearing service

Precision measuring for brake fitment

Mar 2026Precision measuring for brake fitment

Transmission internals — everything comes apart

Mar 2026Transmission internals — everything comes apart

Current state — stripped down, gold forks, new subframe taking shape

Apr 2026CurrentCurrent state — stripped down, gold forks, new subframe taking shape

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