BMW Celebrates 50 Years with R1300 R Superhooligan Tribute
BMW Motorrad is commemorating its 50th anniversary in the US market by unveiling the R1300 R Superhooligan, a custom bike that pays homage to BMW's historic 1976 AMA Superbike win. This special build celebrates the success of the BMW R90 S racebikes, which dominated the inaugural AMA Superbike race at Daytona and secured the championship that year. The tribute also highlights BMW's continued presence in racing, with the R1300 R currently competing in the AMA Super Hooligan series.
BMW Motorrad is marking a significant milestone—50 years in the US market—with a custom motorcycle that blends heritage with modern performance. The new BMW R1300 R Superhooligan is a striking tribute to a pivotal moment in the brand's racing history: the 1976 AMA Superbike season. That year, Steve McLaughlin piloted a BMW R90 S to victory in the first-ever Superbike race at Daytona, a feat followed by Reg Pridmore securing the AMA Superbike title on a similar machine for the Butler & Smith team. These victories were remarkable, showcasing the R90 S's potent combination of handling, power, and reliability against a field largely dominated by Japanese four-cylinders.
While BMW's flat-twin engines have evolved significantly since those early days, the spirit of competition remains. Today, the R1300 R model continues to represent BMW in the AMA Super Hooligan series, with rider Nate Kern campaigning the bike. The R1300 R Superhooligan tribute bike itself is a product of the BMW Motorrad Custom Speed Shop, involving a dedicated team including project managers Philipp Ludwig and Katrin Torge, vehicle designer Andreas Martin, color and graphic designer Theresa Stukenbrock, and prototype builders Paul Summerer and Thomas Becker. This custom build not only honors past achievements but also underscores BMW's ongoing commitment to motorcycle racing and innovation.