The spring of 1974 was going to be an exciting time. We just didn’t know
it yet. Kawasaki had released its Z-1 a year earlier, Honda still has its 750,
and BMW, maker of cars and motorcycles, the latter since 1923, was about to
upset the world of motorcycles. Less than 10 years earlier they were going to
get out of the bike business, they catered to an older, stodgy, slow, touring
crowd, their product referred to as the Cadillac. Back when Cadillac was still
the Standard of the World. But a young Bob Lutz, who later would make history
with Ford, GM, and Chrysler was starting his career at BMW, given the task to
rescue BMW motorcycles, or close them down. And it was his idea to redo the
line, the /5 line was new, and modern at least for BMW, but needed a new
flagship bike. 900cc’s to match the Z-1, touring capabilities with sport in
mind, and styling unlike any other on the road. His dream, his idea that saved
BMW and started sport touring was the R90S, and for $3430, $30,000 in today’s
money, you could have one. Priced exclusively, it was like no other, from its
bikini fairing, a first, gauges in its console, and stylishly styled, even
unique paint, Silver Smoke, going from silver to black, each bike unique. And
with shaft drive to boot, it was my destiny to have one. Only in January I had
no idea I would be among the first, I was only 20 years old, was riding a 1972
R60/5, working, living at home, and happy with life. 90 days later.....it all
changed.
When BH made history by being thrown out of Bucknell for disciplinary
reasons, we had both had it with New Jersey, so headed south to Florida, on our
bikes, he on his CB750, and me the R60. Which was soon replaced with an R90/6,
the newest BMW when a car made a left turn from the right lane. I was busted up
pretty bad, but would recover, and the bike totaled with only 406 miles, only 4
days old. Going back to 441 Cycle in Ft. Lauderdale for a replacement, the S
had just arrived, from being on display at Daytona, and I fell in love. With
insurance settlement money in hand, and my left wrist out of a cast, I plunked
down the $3430 for it. Extra for the Dunstall Low Decibel pipes. In a day when
a Honda 750 was still $1800, the Z-1 around $2100, this was stupid money to
some, but to me it was a dream. Blame it on Bob, but the R90S was to change my
life, and be my final exit ride from Jersey a year later. It was fast, smooth,
looked like no other on the road, and was fast. Did I mention that? Wherever I
went it drew a crowd, and at the Marcus Dairy on Sunday mornings the BMW loyal
all gathered around, the old timers didn’t like it, too modern, but secretly
knew they probably couldn’t ride all that power. All others gaped in amazement,
either lusting or thinking how stupid I was to spend so much, others were
faster, some may handle better, but none were like it. And for 16,607 miles in
less than a year, it was mine, all mine. Until the Wildman pushed the starter
button, and the motor came apart, another story for another time....blame it on
Bob.
After a long and tedious process having the motor rebuilt, an engineering
defect, I was off to New Mexico on it. Where it got me a job selling BMW’s,
along with Suzuki’s and Triumphs. I had just become a Christian, and now with
God to worship, I was having trouble focusing on him, rather than my prized
possession. My riding style along with my riding friends changed, and soon it
was evident that my prized R90S was getting between me and God. I loved Jesus,
but sometimes I loved it more, and it was becoming a burden. Some fanatical
Christian brothers told me to sell it, calling it “the devil’s machine,” too
much speed, too much anything, what they were was jealous. God wants us to have
nice things, just not to idolize them. Which I did. But after prayer, God left
it up to me, and guided by his spirit, decided to sell it. I had a peace, it
was my decision, and God filled me with joy at the decision. Scripture tells us
to seek him first, and he will add all things to us, including righteousness. I
needed to be righteous, and humbling is better than humiliated. So the S went
up for sale, with over 44,000 miles on it, less than 2 years old, and the stuff
dreams are made of. It had taken me places I had never been, opened up sport
touring to me and the next generations, and then became a stumbling block. So
finally I traded it, to a girl, getting cash and a 1973 XS500 Yamaha, a major
step down, pride being defeated, and God being honored. The bike I couldn’t
wait to get, I couldn’t wait to sell, and when it was gone I had no regrets. My
priorities were right, Jesus then motorcycles, something even my Christian
friends didn’t get. But I did, but only by the spirit of God. I had one, a
first one, and tell stories at bike shows when I see them on display. A legend
now, at the time it was just my ride, today some 40 years later, they are
idolized, fully collectible, and expensive, if you can find one. Blame it on
Bob....the savior of BMW motorcycles, fortunately my savior saves souls. And
wants to have no other God before him.
I often miss that bike, and wonder how things may have become different if
I had kept it. But in the end, I am still glad I sold it. It came down to my
choice, just like it comes down to our choice about Jesus, and I made the right
choice both times. James warns us a double minded man is unstable in all
matters, I was and didn’t know it. Serving both God and BMW. But choosing God
first has opened up many doors to ride, and he has given me the passion for
motorcycling. And at almost 1 million miles ridden, that one bike may have
stood in the way. It was my choice to buy, and my choice to sell, for love does
not demand its own way. God will never force his will on you, no matter what or
if you ride. But in the spirit, we see the truth, and God guides us. Today
that bike is a part of my testimony, I just didn’t know it then. The events of
today are forming your testimony, so seek God today. Be led by the spirit, and
when seeking God first, he gives you the desires of your heart. And when he is
the desire of your heart, well bikes will come and go, Jesus never quits you.
$3430 was an expensive entry fee, what Jesus paid for us is priceless. He
was there in the events that led up to me buying it, and then selling it too.
He was with me when I rode, and when it blew up. It had become my God, even
girls commented I rather ride than be with them, but Jesus changed all that. He
showed me the proper priorities, and although I paid a price, if I had not sold
it the price may have been to much for me to handle. I could have blamed it on
Bob, but it is our choice, just like it was mine.
So excuse me when I get misty eyed around any R90S at a show. And listen
to the stories, some true, some not so true. I was there, I know and still
know. She was and is a part of my testimony, something no one can take away.
Maybe the famous quote of Jim Elliot says it best, who gave his life as a
missionary. “He is no fool who gives up what he cannot keep to gain what he
cannot lose.” I gave up a motorcycle, I didn’t give up riding. Or give up on
God. Be led by is spirit, and go places no bike can ever take you. The R90S is
legendary, and a legend, only Jesus is forever. Bob knew, I know, now you
know. Jesus saves...and you thought only loud pipes did.
love with compassion,
Mike
matthew25biker.blogspot.com