BMW Motorrad is marking an important anniversary this year: It’s been 50 years since the brand won the superbike race at Daytona. It was the first-ever race of its kind, and Steve McLaughlin brought victory for the German motorcycle manufacturer on March 6, 1976.
To commemorate its historic win, BMW Motorrad is unveiling a new custom bike at the 84th Daytona 200 weekend: the BMW R1300 R Superhooligan. It will be making its public appearance from March 5 to 7, 2026, five decades since the brand’s big win.
This bike was built by BMW Motorrad Custom Speed. The new custom bike features a dynamic design with a handful of references to BMW’s monumental win. It has the same starting number 83 and the same colorway as the BMW R90 S from 50 years ago.
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The Superhooligan also gets BMW M1000 RR brake calipers finished in a bright blue, which can also be seen on the aluminum rear frame, the fixed fork tubes, and the adjustable suspension strut. Speaking of which, the Wilbers upside-down front fork has been extended by 30mm for increased lean angle clearance.
The AMA Superbike Series was launched in 1976 as a national US championship, and it was BMW US importer Butler & Smith that fielded the three BMW R90 S units. Udo Gietl was the team’s chief mechanic and engine tuner, while Todd Schuster optimized the chassis. Butler & Smith signed McLaughlin together with Reg Pridmore and Gary Fisher to ride the race bikes. McLaughlin and Pridmore finished in first and second, respectively, during the maiden race.
Fisher’s machine ran into transmission issues after leading for several laps, preventing what could have been a triple win for BMW. At the end of the first season, however, Reg Pridmore eventually became the first AMA Superbike champion.
More photos of the BMW R1300 R Superhooligan:
