Market Position:
The BMW R80 series represented BMW's commitment to reliable, air-cooled boxer twins, offering a blend of touring capability and sporty handling for riders of the era.
Competition:
Competed against other middleweight European and Japanese motorcycles, often favored for its build quality, shaft drive, and distinctive boxer engine character.
Key Features:
Shaft drive, robust boxer twin engine, comfortable ergonomics (especially on RT models), and classic BMW styling.
Engine:
Air-cooled, two-cylinder boxer engine, including disassembly, assembly, component inspection, and specifications.
Fuel System:
Carburetor system (e.g., Bing CV), fuel tank, fuel lines, fuel pump (if applicable), and adjustment procedures.
Ignition System:
Electronic ignition system, ignition coils, spark plugs, timing, and troubleshooting.
Transmission:
Five-speed gearbox, clutch, driveshaft, final drive, lubrication, and repair procedures.
Suspension:
Front telescopic forks (including oil levels, seals, and internal components) and rear swingarm with twin shock absorbers (adjustment and replacement).
Brakes:
Front and rear brake systems (disc brakes typically), including master cylinders, calipers, brake lines, pads, fluid replacement, and bleeding procedures.
Electrical System:
Wiring diagrams, battery, charging system (alternator, regulator), lighting, switches, starter motor, horn, and troubleshooting.
Chassis And Frame:
Frame inspection, headstock bearings, steering assembly, and general chassis components.
Bodywork:
Fenders, fuel tank, seat, side covers, fairings (if applicable), and instrument panel.
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, lubrication points, valve adjustments, and spark plug checks.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic charts for common problems, identifying causes, and corrective actions.
Repair Overhaul:
Detailed step-by-step instructions for component disassembly, cleaning, inspection, repair, and reassembly.
Alignment Adjustment:
Carburetor synchronization, ignition timing adjustment, brake lever adjustments, and chain tensioning (if applicable).
Depth:
Complete overhaul and repair, suitable for professional mechanics and experienced DIY enthusiasts. Includes detailed torque specifications and tolerances.
Engine Type:
Air-cooled, four-stroke, flat-twin (boxer) engine
Displacement:
797.5 cc (approximately)
Bore X Stroke:
81 mm x 78 mm
Compression Ratio:
8.2:1 (typical)
Horsepower:
50 hp (37 kW) at 6,000 rpm (approximate, model dependent)
Torque:
63 Nm (46 lb-ft) at 4,500 rpm (approximate, model dependent)
Carburetors:
Typically twin Bing 32mm CV (Constant Velocity) carburetors
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline (minimum 91 RON/87 AKI)
Length:
Varies by model (e.g., R80RT typically longer than R80/7)
Width:
Varies by model (including handlebars/fairings)
Height:
Varies by model (including seat height)
Dry Weight:
Approx. 190-210 kg (419-463 lbs) depending on model variant
Fuel Tank Capacity:
18-26 liters (4.7-6.9 US gallons) depending on model and tank type
Ratings:
N/A (Motorcycle safety ratings are typically not categorized like cars).
Brakes:
Dual disc front brake, single disc rear brake (typically).
Lighting:
Halogen headlight, integrated taillight/brake light, turn signals.
Frame Design:
Steel tube frame designed for stability and rider feedback.
Oil Change:
Every 5,000 km or annually. Crankcase oil and transmission oil changes are distinct.
Valve Adjustment:
Every 10,000 km.
Spark Plug Check:
Every 5,000 km.
Engine Oil:
SAE 20W-50 or SAE 10W-40 (depending on climate), API SF or higher. Capacity: 2.5 liters (with filter change).
Transmission Oil:
SAE 80W-90 GL-5 gear oil. Capacity: 0.35 liters.
Final Drive Oil:
SAE 80W-90 GL-5 gear oil. Capacity: 0.15 liters.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 4 (or specified equivalent) for hydraulic brake systems.
Fork Oil:
Typically SAE 15W fork oil. Capacity: 215 ml per fork leg.
Common Issues:
Oil leaks (especially around cylinder base gaskets and input shaft seals), wear on the final drive splines, regulator failures, carburetor wear (leading to difficult tuning).
Preventative Maintenance:
Regularly check and tighten engine mounting bolts, inspect final drive splines for wear, and maintain the electrical system's charging components.
Brand Heritage:
BMW Motorrad boasts a long history dating back to the early 20th century, renowned for its engineering, reliability, and rider-focused design.
Model Lineage:
The R80 series is part of BMW's long-standing airhead boxer tradition, evolving from earlier models like the R75 and R90, and leading to later 800cc and 1000cc variants.
Production Years:
The R80 series was produced from 1977 through the late 1980s/early 1990s. The 1986 model falls within a key period of its production.
Manufacturing Location:
Berlin, Germany
