Description
Click here for an VINData Motorcycle History Report on this 1983 BMW R80RT. Additional photos are available here for your perusal.
Back in the late 70s and early 80s, BMW had begun to move away from its trademark boxer engine. The Japanese competition was dominating the market with its efficient inline fours, and the horizontally-opposed twin was proving a little long in the tooth. Accordingly, BMW released its own water-cooled triples and fours in the form of the K75 and the K100.
While this allowed the German brand to close the gap on the likes of Honda, Kawasaki, Suzuki, and Yamaha, the boxer fanbase remained steadfast in its loyalty. And for good reason — BMW had been making incremental improvements to the bikes since the series’ introduction.
Alongside the top-of-the-line R100, BMW also introduced the R80/7, a road-going adaptation of its venerable G/S, and a successor to the R75/7. Powered by an air-cooled 797cc Boxer twin, it reportedly made around 50 horsepower at 6,500rpm and 42.8lb-ft of torque at 4,000rpm. Though it wasn’t an especially lightweight machine at 456lbs, it proved exceptionally well-balanced and versatile. As Cycle World said in its period review: “when you light these things up it’s generally to go somewhere in style, in comfort, and rapidly. Zoom. Graded by this standard, the R80 is very much in the Beemer tradition.”
This example is VIN: WB104480XD6186176. The seller acquired the bike in October 2021.
The odometer shows 16,494 miles. The seller states that true mileage is unknown.
Maintenance:
Per the seller, “Completely rebuilt from the ground up. This is a very nice rebuild and conversion of a 1983/84 R80RT to an R80. This bike was rebuilt as a naked bike with no fairing nor bags. BMW did not build a plain R80 at that time, so this is a one-of-a-kind motorcycle and registered as such. The frame, sub-frame, and rear swing-arm were cleaned and painted. All the parts that were reusable were used in the rebuild. Some parts are new, some are restored, some are as-is. The engine has been redone as well as the brakes and forks. The repaint of the body parts is a two-part black automotive epoxy paint with a hint of metallic. Tires are new Metzeler Roadtec 01 front and rear.”
He adds that he replaced the steering head bearings, the control cables, the brake lines, all seals and gaskets, as well as the PCV valve, the clutch assembly, and the battery. Moreover, he installed a new timing chain and tensioner, master cylinder kit, and Nikasil cylinders.
Modifications:
Hagon shocks.
6.3 gallon fuel tank.
Progressive springs.
Braided stainless steel brake lines.
Aftermarket replica mufflers.
Painted wheels with tubeless rim conversion.
Painted frame.
Not pictured: LED lighting in instrument cluster.
Inside of the tank:
It is riding on Metzeler Roadtec 01 tires with date codes of 4220 and 4620.
The sale includes five keys.
Cosmetic Blemishes: please see the album up top for all known cosmetic blemishes. Here is a selection:
Currently located in Walnut Creek, California, this BMW is offered on a clean California title. Have any R80RT stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!
