BMW R 1300 R Superhooligan unveiled as 145 HP Daytona tribute

BMW Motorrad has introduced the R 1300 R Superhooligan at the 84th Daytona 200 weekend. This unveiling marks 50 years since Steve McLaughlin won the first AMA Superbike race at Daytona on March 6, 1976. The custom motorcycle comes from BMW Motorrad's Custom Speed Shop and commemorates both McLaughlin's Daytona victory and Reg Pridmore's first AMA Superbike Championship title. Both achievements were accomplished on BMW R 90 S motorcycles for the Butler & Smith team.

Key Highlights

• BMW Motorrad has introduced the R 1300 R Superhooligan at the 84th Daytona 200 weekend.
• This unveiling marks 50 years since Steve McLaughlin won the first AMA Superbike race at Daytona on March 6, 1976.
• The custom motorcycle comes from BMW Motorrad's Custom Speed Shop and commemorates both McLaughlin's Daytona victory and Reg Pridmore's first AMA Superbike Championship title.
• Both achievements were accomplished on BMW R 90 S motorcycles for the Butler & Smith team.

Design and Features

The BMW R 1300 R Superhooligan pays tribute to McLaughlin's 1976 racing bike. It features the number '83' on its race plates. The front fender and tank side panels display the classic BMW R 90 S color scheme from the 1970s. Blue accents appear on the aluminum rear frame and fork tubes, matching the blue brake calipers sourced from the BMW M 1000 RR. The motorcycle also includes a carbon front wheel from the M 1000 RR and additional carbon fiber components for the bodywork.

Racing and Display Plans

BMW Motorrad brand ambassador Nate Kern will race the R 1300 R Superhooligan in the Mission Foods Super Hooligan series. This event takes place during the MotoAmerica Daytona 200 weekend from March 5 to 7, 2026. The motorcycle will also be on display in the paddock. It will be shown alongside the original Butler & Smith BMW R 90 S race bikes from 1976. BMW Group Classic has specially prepared these historic machines in the BMW Museum's in-house racing workshop.

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Historical Significance

The debut of the R 1300 R Superhooligan highlights BMW Motorrad's long history in American motorcycle racing. The bike's design elements and race participation honor the achievements of Steve McLaughlin and Reg Pridmore. Their victories in 1976 helped establish BMW's reputation in the AMA Superbike series. The presence of both the new custom build and the original race bikes at Daytona underscores the brand's commitment to its racing heritage.

Conclusion

With the R 1300 R Superhooligan, BMW Motorrad fuses racing heritage with modern naked-bike aggression, creating a roadster that looks retro but performs like a contemporary superbike. From the 145 HP boxer and Wilbers suspension to the carbon hardware and Akrapovic exhaust, this one-off tribute underlines BMW’s intent to keep its Daytona legacy alive on today’s grids and in enthusiasts’ imaginations.