BMW R90S - The motorcycle that went to the moon

Fifty years ago this month, in 1969, Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin landed on the moon. They travelled approximately 238,900 miles to get there. This BMW R90S has travelled 240,000 miles - comfortably the distance to the surface of the moon.
To review this iconic BMW airhead, we went to the Observatory Science Centre in Herstmonceux, East Sussex. Amazingly, many of the calculations that made the Apollo 11 moon landing mission possible were performed here in the late 1960s, with the data then adapted to NASA’s launch site in Cape Canaveral, Florida.
The BMW R90S reinvented BMW as a maker of exciting and interesting motorcycles. Up until its launch in 1973, BMW bikes were considered conservative and rather staid. The R90S changed all that with its striking style, ample performance and evocative paintwork. The BMW R90S was an icon amongst the boxer engine airheads and remains a truly desirable classic bike.
And thanks to its robust quality and legendary reliability, it will easily take you to the moon. And back again.
Filmed at the Observatory Science Centre, Herstmonceux: www.the-observatory.org/
A Brightside Media Production: brightside-media.com
This particular R90S has been maintained by Boxer Motorcycle Workshop Ruislip www.bmwclassicmotorcyclerepair...

[@michaelmazrum1578]

I owned one in 1977, in Germany. Best bike I ever owned. The manual said "Take it out in the woods, take it anywhere." I did ride it in the woods. 220 kph, 3.5 hours, Frankfurt to Muenchen - with a gas stop. 1 hour Frankfurt to Stuttgart. Someone else liked it a lot too. They stole it at night in Feb 1978, in Sachsenhausen. Pro job. They disabled it. I chained it to a light pole with two chains. Came back in the morning. Chains were still locked to the light pole, but the bike was gone. Friends bought me drinks for a week to ease the sadness.

[@nantucketsleighride4485]

it's very sad...

[@BrightsideMedia]

That really sucks. What a scumbag that stole it. Did you ever get another one?

[@michaelmazrum1578]

@@BrightsideMedia My next BMW was a K100RT in 1985. Rode it for 18 years in Germany, 175,000 km. My third BMW was an R1150RT in 2003. Was not so happy with it. The mirrors were wrong and there was no way to put a crash bar on it. Sold it in 2006. Now have a Yamaha Majesty scooter in Wash State.

[@timprescott4634]

Ah yes. Sachsenhausen…Rough and tumble then and when I was there mid-80s. MUCH more civilized now (for good or bad). Sorry your moto was stolen…😕

[@muckle8]

@michaelmazrum. You need to find out who stole it and do a John wick on them!

[@jorgensen8]

I accompanied my my best friend for 30 years on his R90S with my R100RS on Sunday rides and rallies. Sadly he died of cancer 5 years ago. I miss him still. What struck me most about his bike was that it had the best riding position I've ever experienced on a bike. You could ride that all day in complete comfort.

[@grahammonk8013]

I never rode a R90S, but I did get to try a R100S. Long story, but I ended up hurrying down a narrow back road on the Isle of Man, super narrow, stone walls either side, and bumpy. I realized I was not, actually, in full contact with the road, but skipping from bump to bump. Perfectly comfortable, no worries at all, then i looked down at the speedo. I was doing around 100mph. The bike wasn't bothered at all.....

[@KBee795]

Had a 1974 R90/6 for many years. Rode it all over the East Coast of the USA on BMWRA ralleys with my Pa. Such great memories especially when we rode close together in a diagonal pattern, you could hear the engine harmonics of the two engines and it sounded like we were in a WWll airplane. They are incredible bikes designed to run easily 300,00 miles with proper maintenance. We added dual spark plugs per cylinder to overcome the lack of leaded fuel where others just doubled up the cylinder head gaskets. The dual spark plugs required a different timing mark scribed on the flywheel. It ran so clean that the outer muffler had white crust on it instead of heavy black crust. One day I lost ignition to one cylinder but it started and I rode it home, albeit at a max 45 mph but I made it home on one cylinder! Also to note that this bike has a dry clutch like a car and it has it's own oil. No so with Japanese bikes that share the same oil with engine and transmission. Yes, it's wasn't a speed demon but it had plenty of torque with it's 11lb flywheel and climbed hills effortlessly. The weight was down low and if you dropped your bike it was easy to pick up. I also liked that my handle bar switches were unmarked so no one knew what they did! I wish I could go back in time to ride it again. Maybe one day I'll get another beemer.

[@BrightsideMedia]

Sounds to us like you really should get another beemer ;-)

[@hawkrider88]

As far as I'm concerned this is an award winning production. A wonderful story about how a motorcycle and motorcycle riding can touch a man, who then does the same for a patient and ultimately a life-long relationship between two people. The photography, mesmerizing music and entire production are A++. Yes I am a rider, but not on a BMW. None the less, I found this video stunning in every way. Thank you!

[@BrightsideMedia]

Thanks for the kind words :-) Feedback like that is why we make films.

[@deborahchesser7375]

Doesn’t mat what you ride, as long as you do.

[@threethrushes]

A beautiful motorcycling vignette: - great bike, good story, lovely setting, great narration… and the music... Perfect.

[@BrightsideMedia]

Thank you Gerhard :-)

[@scottdelong1]

Lovely story. At age 19 I took my R75/5 on a 35,000 mile trip to 35 states and Canada, camping out most nights. Had many adventures, met many cool people. The bike never let me down and I did my own maintenance (spark timing, valve adjustments, and oil changes) on the road. My only complaint was the weak electrical system. Thank Dog it had a kick start as the electric starter was useless. And it was hard to start in the mountains. Nevertheless, no other bike I'd rather have.

[@karlsbikestunts]

Heart warming story taking a patient on holiday and on a BMW R90s motorcycle what an awesome guy

[@BrightsideMedia]

We couldn't agree more :-)

[@wesleycardinal8869]

Lovely story. These little films aren't trying to sell anything, they just celebrate the stories and passion of bikes and riders.

[@BrightsideMedia]

Thanks for your comment. You've hit the nail on the head, that's exactly what we try to do. Thanks for watching! And feel free to subscribe if you like.

[@cspark9186]

What a beautiful dream. Thanks for sharing. I have been riding my 1970 R60/5 for 52 years. It's just like new. It's sad to think someone could live their entire life without a BMW Airhead. You have the perfect melody for the perfect bike. I sure you understand what I'm saying. Thanks again.

[@jefferson150]

Wow! I miss it so much. I had one from 82 to 90. Did a 120k kilometers on it with a heap o f memories to last a lifetime. One 'hellofa' bike.

[@christianharris8959]

What a lovely story of man and machine.

[@BrightsideMedia]

Thank you :-) Glad you enjoyed it.

[@chrispiatt2235]

I've a 1977 R100S, and for me, it just ticks all the boxes on what motorcycling should be. Wunderlich!

[@BrightsideMedia]

They're pretty amazing machines, aren't they?

[@alanbstard4]

You're a good man Peter, a good soul who helps others. To the narrator, Did not have the performance of the Z1. It had better mid range torque, but that's it. Beautiful bike. First rate tourer

[@Mfothergillable]

Amazing story. I was considering today the oft-cited idea that material things don't lead to happiness, but there is a special class of crafted objects which can give you life changing experiences like in this moving short film; and they are worth far more than the money paid for them.

[@BrightsideMedia]

That's a very fair point. Especially when you consider the bond we can grow with those objects. We see that very often, not just with the films we make, but with the machines that hold a special place in our hearts as well.

[@roberthiggins8098]

I attended the BMWMOA rally in Niagara Falls in 2016 on my 1976 R75/6. Camped next to a guy from Ottawa on an '84 R100RT. He summed up our relationships with our bikes looking at and saying "Three wives, one motorcycle." I'll never forget it.

[@user-hgoogle]

Claude Debussy - Clair de Lune。 Thank you for sharing！

[@steveottavaino3804]

Pure class vid. Thank you for sharing. Ciao.

[@dams77600]

thanks for this dreaming moment . this video is like a break in the life, few min where you guys bring us to the moon on the absolutly fabulous R90S. thanks from france !

[@BrightsideMedia]

Thanks for the kind words :-) Glad you enjoyed the film!

[@b4rneypup1]

I happened to park my 90s next to Peter's by chance one Saturday and we returned to our steeds at the same time and got chatting and since then some 3 years ago, I am proud to say we have been friends ever since. He is a gentleman.

[@BrightsideMedia]

We couldn't agree more. A true gentleman and all-round nice guy.

[@sandrastyler5481]

Does he still own the BMW? What a great story .

[@tomfrantz]

This movie should be in a film festival.

[@tonibeitlich9948]

This Bike is the dream of my youth. I'm born in1958 😀

[@BrightsideMedia]

It's an incredible machine :-)

[@fzlsalim]

Absolutely beautiful!

[@juiceLoosner]

Thankyou for this lovely presentation. Great bike and great story about the trip abroad with patient. A good touring airhead is definitely medicine for the soul. Cheers

[@christianweller4288]

Really beautiful video.Thanks.

[@derniederrheiner4518]

Yesterday I was out for a few kilometers on my R100, built in '82. I gave it a GS handlebar for more comfort. It's just fun to be on the road with it. It just wants to run. It still needs 300,000 km to the moon. I won't manage that in this lifetime. . .

[@TonVerkleijT3]

Makes me silent. It all comes together, music, technology, motorbikes and love.

[@jp7152]

Great video!!!! Thks

[@wolfgangwind6918]

This little Bike Movie wake up all my Senses and Soul in the purest way of biking , very good job done , with all the Heart a Biker has can have ever

[@BrightsideMedia]

Thank you for the kind words. Transporting that emotion was our aim with this film. Glad it seemed to work :-)

[@MrPnew1]

Great production Jack and I love the drone footage too

[@karts6735]

Amazing video....very nostalgic...Thank you!

[@BrightsideMedia]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@anderslennqvist6168]

Twice a life long romance, in one life. Fantastic.

[@BrightsideMedia]

We couldn't have put it better ourselves :-)

[@abdullahalqrni4198]

Great channel! Keep going!!

[@michaelfirth1075]

Great video.

[@felipedourado5721]

One word defines this video: beauty. Regards from Brazil

[@mohitextreme1988]

Brilliant storytelling! Love from India!

[@BrightsideMedia]

Thank you :-) Glad you like the film.

[@MarcS4R]

beautiful machine

[@tomfrantz]

WOW! I agree with the prior comment. Such lovely artistry and grace and the love story and the schizophrenic care. Many of us have mental health in our families- Not often do we meet a person like this cool dude. To the moon. AWESOME.

[@hwdfisher]

Truly an amazing heartwarming story.

[@briananderson6316]

The first time i rode a Boxer i was convinced it was the best most comfortable bike i had ever ridden. I bought a 1982 R100RT in 1986 which had 1300 miles on the clock. It was in showroom condition. I kept it for 16 years until i retired from motorcycling although i must admit i wish 😅i had kept it.

[@motionprocess]

What a marvelous video. Very touching, which isnt often equated with motorcycle videos... :)

[@BrightsideMedia]

Thanks :-)

[@michaelduffy2375]

Great video 👍 cheers for sharing 🍻

[@BrightsideMedia]

Thanks :-) Glad you liked it.

[@loveisall5520]

I rode an R60/7 for most of a decade of college in the seventies and eighties. I just adored these boxers from riding the first time on an R69S as a child in the sixties.

[@xavierderck3910]

Mooiste moto ooit gemaakt. Stijl, klasse en kwaliteit. En gemaakt voor het leven

[@BrightsideMedia]

It really is a beautiful bike :-) Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@plutoniusis]

Excellent story , this beautiful bike arranged your entire life in a good and prosper way , a BMW Legend :)

[@6chhelipilot]

Wonderful video.

[@BrightsideMedia]

Thank you very much!

[@erwinroman4217]

In 1976 a college dorm friend had one and I had a new Suzuki GT500A. We traded off a few times which was my introduction to BMW. Years later I bought an R100RT which I truly enjoyed before selling in 1995 as I was moving, had two other bikes, Moto Guzzis, one of which I still ride. Debussy’s Claire de Lune was a nice touch for this moving tribute and long life at a less frenetic pace. Cheers!

[@trailingarm63]

Beautiful film. Well done.

[@BrightsideMedia]

Thank you very much! Glad you enjoyed it :-)

[@perryeaton123]

Absolutely loved this.. I’ve had a beemer for 46 years

[@BrightsideMedia]

Oh wow! Sounds like a length love affair :-D

[@peterpyke1213]

as a teenager in the 70,s i used to carry a picture of this bike around in my wallet,i had 2 triumphs then an r 80and 1000 rt.transalp for 18 years now a 650 v strom.that bike had the best colours.never had this dream bike but had my other dream bike a triumph t160.that dream did not work out.stuff dreams

[@nadirkhan6232]

Thank you . It was a beautiful video . (From Pakistan )

[@cozydram1]

Neat. and great piece of music too boot

[@BrightsideMedia]

Thanks :-)

[@grimdarksandwich66]

Beautiful video. I own an ‘04 R1150R. Very composed bike. Good for long hauls and respectably nimble. That R90/S though. It just looks right. Lean, spare, balanced, tank shape, the classic paint, and that fairing. For many of the same reasons, I also dig the R75’s.

[@BrightsideMedia]

Very nice! Glad you enjoyed the film :-)

[@Porsche996driver]

Nice, just broken in. 🙂 Also the integrated fairing was a new concept.

[@BrightsideMedia]

That's right. In both regards ;-)

[@bsimpson6204]

The cockpit fairing sparked a host of copies, clock and volt meter, very nice

[@kazunari420509]

Ein in Deutschland geborener Schatz! Es ist in ausgezeichnetem Zustand und es ist das richtige Industrieprodukt!

[@BrightsideMedia]

Auf jeden Fall. (Fast) die perfekte Maschine.

[@cavscout62]

Always wanted an R90S in this exact color. I owned other BMW’s back when they were mechanical and still reliable. Shame that the Euro bikes have become so overteched and not so reliable. Beautiful Bike man.

[@Antimortem]

best Motorcycle ever❤️👍

[@robertmarsh3588]

Back in the 70s as a teenager I loved the R90S. I still have a magazine review bought as a 13 year old. Fast forward over 40 years and I own three boxers, though none as pretty as this.

[@BrightsideMedia]

It's a lovely looking bike, agreed. Especially in that colour scheme. It must have looked other worldly in the 70s to a 13 year old :-)

[@SARUNAMI]

長年連れ添った夫婦みたいなＢＭＷ　Ｒ90 月旅行みたいな走行距離　とっても素敵じゃないですか

[@mikeymike3240]

Niiiiice one mate. My 1973 Suzuki gt250k has done less than 10% of your bikes mileage. Well done you and the beemer. 😀👍👍👍

[@ianbestor1528]

I just picked up an 81 R100 and wrenching on it for road readiness. Nice vid.

[@BrightsideMedia]

Nice!

[@kevinwachsmann3111]

nice story 👍👍👍👍great bike

[@BrightsideMedia]

Thanks ✌️

[@robbiearamsay]

Daytona Orange ! Sad that I sold mine. I loved how it would rise up with the throttle :) and sink low in the corners. A great bike.

[@BrightsideMedia]

A great bike indeed. And that's really the colour to have it in as well.

[@fernandomagalhaes2957]

I got a brand new 1990 R 80 Gs and I rode sometimes a friend's R 100 RT in several multi day tours over Portugal and Spain. There are no need for more words...Now, the economical crisis gave me a Royal Enfield Classic 500. It's the same type of pleasure...

[@Animal.CUT...]

what u mean ... u switched bmw boxer for Enfield ??? An Royal Enfield Classic 500 it's more reliable than a boxer ???

[@user-sn5oi4sh6g]

Классный байк, супер.

[@dietermuller6737]

War immer mein Traummotorrad und wird es auch bleiben, damals teuer und heute wieder

[@irvinmartin9259]

Nice use of Clair de lune, for a bike that’s been “to the Moon”.

[@BrightsideMedia]

Thanks :-) That was the idea!

[@bsimpson6204]

A brilliant and Iconic motorcycle with a bendy frame and clunky gearbox, but you can’t argue with the build quality, nothing else even close.

[@johanchristian4818]

I had a R90S in Australia, it done 1.3 million klms before i decided to put new rings, pistons in. Amazed it still had the honing marks still visible on the cylinder bores. Best bike built.

[@christianb4994]

Ich habe seit 39 Jahren ein R80 ST was bin ich heute froh sie nicht verkauft zu haben. Nachdem die Kinder groß waren habe ich sie komplett überholt und fährt sich einfach wunderbar. Aber 1.3 Millionen Km unglaublich. Wer hat den noch mehr mit den ersten Zylindern gefahren? Respekt! Schön das es noch Menschen gibt die dies Motorrad noch lieben. Ich fahre jedes mal mit einem breiten Grinsen vom Hof.

[@norberthaase1697]

@@christianb4994 Christian,ich fahre eine R80 von 1986.Ich hatte sie mal an einen Bekannten verkauft.Nach 5 Jahren kaufte ich sie zurück.Sie befand sich in einem ganz schlechten Zustand.Nun steht sie wieder da, wie ich es mir vorstellte.Nun ist sie seit 30 Jahren bei mir.Es ist immer ein Vergnügen mit ihr unterwegs zu sein.

[@DidierPollet]

C'est une moto fantastique. La mienne achetée d'occasion au bout d'un an date de 1974. Elle reste en parfait état et je ne suis pas disposé à la vendre. Trop bien !! Très agréable à piloter avec une fiabilité exceptionnelle.

[@BrightsideMedia]

Merci :-)

[@Shaun.Stephens]

I love boxers, especially the R90S. What I'd like to know is how much work has this bike had in that time? Rings? Pistons? Valves / seats? Crank grind? Seals? So many questions....

[@petergrundy8081]

Fantastic story I am a custodian of 2 x airheads on the far side of the world Tasmania I have owned both for 30 years and more R80 G/S and R100 RT I seldom ride them but I will never part with them until I am gone

[@BrightsideMedia]

Wow, we take it you haven't covered similar mileage in that time then? They're fantastic companions in any case :-)

[@MARSIPAANIKAKKU-wj6oy]

I LIKE IT

[@ralphmctell5210]

lovely video. Wouldn't part with my 1978 R100 👍👍👍

[@BrightsideMedia]

Good choice! Keep it for as long as you can :-)

[@scottmitchell8273]

Im restoring one now thats been in parts in a box in outback Australia for 30 years ..slowly slowly

[@mohammedalmamari7494]

You are so lucky

[@MARSIPAANIKAKKU-wj6oy]

NICE ONE I LIKE IT IM A FAN OF JAPANESE MOTORBIKES BUT BMW MOTORBIKES ARE MY FAVS

[@gordonjames8811]

Any tips for buying one? Your presentation and Love for this motorcycle is iconic in itself appreciated, safe travels to you

[@BrightsideMedia]

A buying guide is probably a whole new film in itself. There are loads of good forums and specialist sites with info online though. Check out the R90s owners club or the airheads club, for example.

[@swampy6194]

I'm on my fifth Beemer...yet the R90S is still the best bike I have ever owned!

[@BrightsideMedia]

It's got so much style and character, that comes as no surprise :-)

[@railinly610]

Yes.

[@griffspeed]

I got a fairing for one of those down the shed somewhere.!! :)

[@Old.Dude_1969]

Only Real BMW..... respect

[@BrightsideMedia]

An epic bike indeed :-)

[@BarnOwl61]

I was too young at the time, but it was the machine of my dreams. Dare I say this is even better than the modern motorcycles, produced now. They're far too complicated technology now. Later on, I bought my first BMW motorcycle. Never should have sold it, big mistake!

[@AZREDFERN]

I was going to say, 240k isn’t a lot. My Bronco did that in 20 years as my secondary vehicle and is still reliable. But in England where there’s no wide open highways, that must be an insane amount of mileage! Same with Japan. Almost every 10yo and older car I’ve seen over there has less than 50k on it.

[@BrightsideMedia]

It’s true that wide open, straight roads and unstressed engines make mileages mean less. But it’s also a case of ‘they don’t make ‘Em like they used to’. Try doing that kind of mileage on something more modern...

[@AZREDFERN]

@@BrightsideMedia A lot of things back then were made to be high maintenance, indefinite life, with wearable parts like brass sleeves and under-stressed engines. Today's engines have an understandable trade-off of low maintinance, short life. Instead of brass sleeves that you have to replace periodically, they have 8-10k service intervals and high efficiency. Not exactly a bad thing, but you don't get a choice anymore.

[@BrightsideMedia]

You're right. But as long as these machines are still maintainable (which will hopefully be a very long time), they'll keep going. And were happy about that :-)

[@michaeltyrrell1426]

I carry out the repairs on this BMW R90S which includes a recent full engine overhaul and rebuilt front and rear wheels.

[@BrightsideMedia]

And what a great job you've done.

[@collyernicholasjohn]

The massive flywheel made it super-smooth. Cruise all day at ~150kph

[@441rider]

My /5 has the heavy flywheel just purrs at 70mph

[@ronaldherbs4552]

Bought my R90S in 1976 9 months old 600 miles on the clock £1300 a saving on £1800.Had trouble with crankshaft seal squeaking when hot.BMW said it had dried through lack of early use replaced it free of charge.Great bike to ride very flickable especially after a Suzuki GT750 sold after 3years for a Gold Wing.Different?

[@UPGTI]

Schöne Geschichte 😎😎😎

[@BrightsideMedia]

Vielen Dank :-)

[@michaellandis2144]

What motor oil did you use for all those miles? What seemed to work best?

[@martinkeith5543]

I had the later version with square mirrors and an australian pack also daytona orange one of 26 that came to australia in 1976 also one that did as many kilometres until a car hit me a brilliant bike that ate up the miles I went from Brisbane to Sydney along the new england highway in 9 hours a distance of over 1000 kilometers and I stopped for a meal for 30 minutes

[@BrightsideMedia]

That's exactly what these were made for - riding. And riding long distance. Great for comfort and excellent for performance. You must've had a blast :-)

[@marksimpson5218]

Mot expired Feb 2020 is it still running?

[@paulrobinson3528]

There is a Mature Gent that rides/used to ride one of these around Warwick/Leamington Spa till recently, right dog of a BMW R90S but still going. Unfortunately i've not seen the bike been riden since i saw it involved in a accident at Grey Mallory roundabout last year. My reason for the interest in this model is my Uncle has one, 1977 version in Orange/Silver, done a round 9000miles. Wasn't this one of the fastest production bikes of the time??

[@BrightsideMedia]

It wasn't the quickest, but that wasn't really the point. It was supremely comfortable, handled well and was reliable and solid. Hence the mileage of the one in the film. You really wouldn't want to go to the moon and back on a Kawasaki H2 750!

[@paulrobinson3528]

@@BrightsideMedia What i watch on here, this bike is geared for torque and not rev's which i personally, prefer. If i don't inherit it, i will go out and buy a Rocket 3 instead. Hey at least its British lol

[@BlueSky-ec7wn]

Now features on furious driving 😂😊

[@charliebowman785]

I still regret have sold my R100RS. I told my soul "with one stupid in the family, is more than enough", so I sold my beloved German iron. Reason why?..... My older son was a toddler and he, even being that young, one day was caught by his mother, had removed the cover and was "riding" at the top of the speed.......that was so funny but I felt scared and I did it, I let my dream to go away. By now, around 22 years later, we both ride a CG 125 Honda. Life is a cruel and mysterious mistress, isn't it?

[@danielnichtvondieserwelt]

The Word is Flat. The Erath is Flat.

[@inspectorclouseau3880]

That's a lovely bike, I own a 1250 GS, but not as nice as a classic

[@441rider]

My pal Bob put 480 000 on an 100RT from 77 in that Havana brown colour LOL!

[@kanzorider7222]

Grandpa's BM is cool.

[@sandrastyler5481]

Fantastic video , do you still own the motorcycle , ? All the best , Don. PS do you think the bike still holds up in modern traffic and any upgrades ?

[@BrightsideMedia]

Yes, Peter still does :-)

[@tomcrowther3913]

I’m considering buying one as a long term investment.

[@tonkool4736]

I wonder what special repairs and overhauls were needed throughout these 240.000 miles??

[@BrightsideMedia]

Surprisingly, not that many. It's had a fair bit of work, no question. But no major rebuilds or anything like that.

[@omega6599]

For what's worth, my 1973 Moto Guzzi California has done 205.000 miles and I only had to replace piston rings and clutch discs a few years ago. Oh and valve seats.

[@keijo8238]

It's like the W123 Mercedes, lasts forever.

[@BrightsideMedia]

Or the W124 that came after it - completely over-engineered

[@Steverinomeister]

The music is Debussy isn’t it? What is the name of the piece? I wish I could make beautiful films like this.

[@BrightsideMedia]

It is. It's called Clair de Lune