BMW R 1300 R Superhooligan revealed as Daytona tribute special

BMW R 1300 R Superhooligan

BMW Motorrad has rolled out a one-off BMW R 1300 R Superhooligan at Daytona Bike Week, using the 84th Daytona 200 weekend (March 5 to 7, 2026) as the backdrop for a very deliberate bit of heritage linking.

The custom build is intended to commemorate two key moments from 1976: Steve McLaughlin’s victory in the first Superbike race at Daytona on March 6, 1976, and Reg Pridmore’s title in the inaugural AMA Superbike Championship, both achieved on BMW R 90 S machinery run by the Butler & Smith team.

The paint scheme stood out on the original R 90 S, as did a high price tag, with the design by Hans A Muth

Why it matters…

When the AMA Superbike Series launched in 1976, BMW’s US importer Butler & Smith saw it as a chance to reinforce the sporting image of the then-new R 90 S, backing that intent with serious race prep on both engine and chassis.

A trio of R 90 S bikes dominated the 1976 Daytona Superbike race
Prepared by BMW guru Udo Gietl with special monoshock frames and shortened cylinders for ground clearance

The Daytona result was immediate: McLaughlin beat Pridmore in a photo finish for a BMW one-two, while Gary Fisher’s challenge ended with a gearbox failure after leading earlier in the race. By season’s end, Pridmore sealed the first AMA Superbike crown.

The Superhooligan build: modern R 1300 R, period cues

BMW’s in-house Custom Speed Shop put the Superhooligan together as a tribute project, with the press material listing Philipp Ludwig (project manager), Katrin Torge, Andreas Martin (vehicle design), Theresa Stukenbrock (colour and graphics), and prototype builders Paul Summerer and Thomas Becker.

Underneath, the bike is based on the 145 hp (107 kW) BMW R 1300 R.

Underneath, the bike is based on the 145 hp (107 kW) BMW R 1300 R.

Visually, it leans into “almost naked superbike” themes with number boards and a wide handlebar, then layers in direct R 90 S callbacks, including start number 83 and bodywork painted in period R 90 S colours on items like the front guards and tank side panels.

Hardware highlights BMW has name-checked

BMW’s own description of the project focuses heavily on weight reduction, ground clearance, and higher-speed capability.

• Start number 83 is part of the Daytona tribute theme.

  Wilbers fully adjustable USD fork, extended 30 mm for extra lean angle clearance

• Wilbers fully adjustable rear shock, with matching blue spring finish
• Claimed capability of up to 275 km/h
• BMW M 1000 RR carbon front wheel
• Extensive carbon-fibre components from BMW Motorrad and Ilmberger Carbon Parts
• Advik fully adjustable levers
• Akrapovič titanium exhaust with carbon end silencer
• Milled BMW Motorrad footrests

Painted components reference the period BMW R 90 S colour scheme.

BMW says the Superhooligan will be displayed alongside the Butler & Smith BMW R 90 S and key figures from that 1976 season.

Those listed as attending include Steve McLaughlin and Reg Pridmore, plus Gary Fisher’s daughters Heidi and Kimberly and tuner Udo Gietl.

BMW R 1300 R Superhooligan revealed as Daytona tribute special

On-track, BMW notes brand ambassador Nate Kern is contesting the Mission Foods Super Hooligan series presented by Roland Sands on the R 1300 R Superhooligan during the MotoAmerica Daytona 200 event.

There is a distinct Australian flavour to the event this year, with the Horner brothers entering Beau Beaton on their bespoke Irving Vincent.