BMW’s Bold New Boxer Moto Relives a Monumental Brand Moment

Fifty years ago, BMW made American motorcycling history. In addition to rider Steve McLaughlin taking the win in the first AMA Superbike race ever held, teammate Reg Pridmore went on to clinch the inaugural AMA Superbike Championship.

Moreover, all three top spots in the standings went to BMW riders that year, and, as the series is based on production bikes, the AMA wins put the brand’s capabilities on full display.

Against a field of lithe Ducatis and powerful Japanese inline-fours, the stately German boxers had managed to dominate.

BMW

For this reason, 1976 is a year BMW calls “one of the most remarkable milestones in [Motorrad’s] more than 100-year history.”

It’s a moment that allowed the brand to shake off its gentlemanly associations and establish a true performance presence.

Now, in celebration of the occasion, the Motorrad division has unveiled a new custom that’s loaded with Daytona-inspired details.

BMW’s Daytona 200 homage

It comes based on the R 1300 R, and, as a Superhooligan racer, the bike is set to compete this weekend at the 84th running of the Daytona 200.

BMW

Though this means it’s not for public sale, you can get your R 90 S fix in other ways: BMW dropped a retro-styled R 12 S last year that throws it back to the street bike.

In any event, the brand’s Custom Speed Shop handled this commemorative Super Hooligan project, working to carefully recreate some of its Daytona-winning ancestor’s defining characteristics.

BMW

For this reason, it bears the same starting number 83 as McLaughlin’s bike, styled with a font type similar to the original. It also sports a set of wide handlebars not unlike those found on the R 90 S.

What’s more, the team outfitted the R 1300 R with several components in the R 90’s ever-iconic (and instantly recognizable) orange.

Along with matching front fender and tank side panels, you’ll find it in accents like the fuel cap surround, the tail stripe and a single spoke on the rear wheel.

BMW

Performance parts bin special

Of course, being a competition machine, the R 1300 R Superhooligan isn’t just some visual tribute. MotoAmerica Daytona 200 speeds regularly exceed 170 mph, so it needs to perform, too.

Accordingly, though the design incorporates the basic stylistic and technical elements of the brand’s road-going R 1300 R, the 145-horsepower street bike has been overhauled with race-ready components from throughout the Motorrad parts bin.

BMW

Namely, tons of carbon fiber. From the M 1000 RR front wheel to the tank cover and aero provisions, it brings a bevy of BMW and Ilmberger bodywork upgrades that are equal parts eye-catching and lightweight.

To ensure that handling and stopping power are up to snuff, the Custom Speed Shop added extended Wilbers upside-down forks up front, along with a Wilbers shock at the rear and some M 1000 RR brake calipers.

Each finished in a matching blue, they make for a nice contrast to the orange of the bodywork.

BMW

Rounded out by upgrades like a set of fully adjustable Advik levers, some trick milled footrests and an Akrapovič titanium and carbon exhaust system, the result is an anniversary homage that honors its predecessor through its performance chops as much as it does its visual appeal.

Catch it in action

If you’re interested in watching this R 1300 R Superhooligan race, BMW rider Nate Kern will be campaigning it at Daytona this weekend.

When the bike isn’t out on the track, it’ll be displayed alongside the Butler & Smith BMW R 90 S Superbikes that raced and won in 1976.

BMW

BMW R 1300 R Superhooligan Custom

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