Description
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: 6126080. The seller purchased the bike in 2016 from Emerson Motor Works in Rochester, Vermont, and states, “It was my daily driver and touring bike for many years, and it was definitely loved, enjoyed, and cared for. Most recently I’ve moved into ADV riding which is one of the main reasons I’m selling this bike at this time.”
During his ownership the seller has covered approximately 20,000 miles. The odometer shows 81,906 miles.
Maintenance:
Per the seller, “All standard maintenance as per BMW guidelines/maintenance schedule performed since purchase. February 2017, clutch replacement and full carburetor rebuild, all fluids drained and replaced. March 2017, right control/on handlebar master cylinder upgrade with braided stainless steel brake line. Various rubber components replaced, e.g. throttle cable boot, speedometer boot, foot peg rubber, handlebar grips, etc. February 2021, top end work, including new valves, valve guides and springs, rings, cylinder hone, push rod tube, push rod seals, head gasket, valve cover gasket, new pistons. Vapor blast cylinders and valve covers. Valve cover and engine badge repaint. Regular servicing throughout ownership. New throttle cable, new NGK spark plug wires, new clutch cable. New Progressive springs front forks and new Progressive rear shocks. Receipts available for top end work.”
Modifications:
Valve cover and engine badge repaint.
Inside of the tank:
It is riding on Continental tires with date codes of 1919 and 0120.
The sale includes one key and owner’s manual.
Cosmetic Blemishes: please see the album up top for all known cosmetic blemishes. Here is a selection:
Currently located in Treadwell, New York, this BMW is offered on a clean New York title. Have any R80/7 stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!
