When I was at uni, had a friend with an R90S in those colours. Didn't have the panniers fitted though. I really couldn't understand why Dungbeetle had bought the BMW, seemed like a dull, boring, old man's bike.
But he pointed out that it was in fact fairly light, small even compared with some of the bikes the Japanese were flogging - Z1300, CBX, XS1100. Simple and reliable, plenty fast enough, plus it handled, reasonable fuel consumption, good brakes. Told me, one afternoon he had run a damp chamois over it and decided to do a mini-service. 'After I checked the tyre pressures and topped up the oil, I thought what else can I do? Nothing - no chain to lube & adjust, no need to check the valves, tighten the head bolts, tighten the exhaust or do any of the stuff a British bike needs done every week.'
Now, as I get older, can appreciate the values built into those old Beemers much more.
Never say never!
