BMW Motorrad has revealed the R 1300 R Superhooligan, a special custom race bike unveiled during the Daytona 200 weekend. The launch marks 50 years since the first AMA Superbike race at Daytona, which took place on March 6, 1976.That historic race was won by Steve McLaughlin, who rode a BMW R 90 S for the Butler & Smith racing team. The new R 1300 R Superhooligan celebrates that legendary victory and the early success of BMW in American superbike racing.The bike also honours Reg Pridmore, who won the inaugural AMA Superbike Championship on a BMW R 90 S.
Custom Build by BMW Motorrad’s Speed Shop
The BMW R 1300 R Superhooligan was created by a small team from the BMW Motorrad Custom Speed Shop. The motorcycle is based on the upcoming BMW R 1300 R, but it receives extensive racing upgrades and custom styling.The bike carries McLaughlin’s famous ‘83’ race number and features a paint scheme inspired by the 1976 BMW R 90 S race machine. The front fender and tank side panels display the classic colour theme used on the historic bike.BMW has also added blue accents on the aluminium rear frame and fork tubes. These accents match the brake calipers sourced from the BMW M 1000 RR.
Powerful Boxer Engine and High Performance
The R 1300 R Superhooligan uses the same 1,300cc boxer-twin engine found in the standard R 1300 R. The motor produces 145 hp and 149 Nm of torque.BMW states that the race machine can reach top speeds of up to 275 km/h. The performance setup makes the bike suitable for competitive racing in the Super Hooligan category.The motorcycle also features a carbon front wheel from the BMW M 1000 RR. Several other body panels are made from carbon fibre, helping reduce weight and improve performance.
Upgraded Suspension and Racing Hardware
BMW has equipped the Superhooligan with high-end suspension and racing components. The bike uses a fully adjustable Wilbers USD fork, which has been extended by 30 mm. This modification improves lean angle clearance during aggressive cornering.At the rear, the bike gets a Wilbers adjustable rear shock. The braking and control system also receives upgrades. The motorcycle includes fully adjustable Advik hand levers and milled BMW Motorrad footrests for better rider ergonomics.The bike produces a distinctive exhaust note through an Akrapovič titanium exhaust system with a carbon fibre end can.
Race Debut at MotoAmerica Super Hooligan Series
BMW Motorrad brand ambassador Nate Kern will race the R 1300 R Superhooligan in the **MotoAmerica Mission Foods Super Hooligan series.The bike will compete during the Daytona 200 weekend from March 5 to March 7, 2026.During the event, BMW will also showcase the original Butler & Smith BMW R 90 S race machines from 1976. These historic motorcycles have been carefully restored and prepared by BMW Group Classic at the BMW Museum racing workshop.
Celebrating BMW’s Racing Legacy
With the R 1300 R Superhooligan, BMW Motorrad celebrates five decades of superbike racing heritage. The custom machine connects the brand’s historic racing success with modern performance technology.By combining the powerful R 1300 R platform, advanced racing components, and classic BMW racing colours, the Superhooligan stands as a tribute to one of the most important moments in American motorcycle racing history.
