Target Audience:
BMW motorcycle owners, independent repair shops, vintage motorcycle enthusiasts
Value Proposition:
Essential guide for maintaining, troubleshooting, and repairing the iconic BMW R80 motorcycle.
Manual Advantage:
Provides OEM-level detail not found in generic aftermarket manuals.
Illustrative Content:
Detailed exploded views, step-by-step diagrams, and clear photographic examples.
Diagnostic Charts:
Includes structured troubleshooting flowcharts for common issues.
Engine Systems:
Complete engine overhaul, tuning, fuel system, ignition system, lubrication, cooling, exhaust system
Transmission Systems:
Gearbox disassembly, assembly, clutch, lubrication, maintenance
Chassis Systems:
Frame, suspension (front and rear forks), steering, wheels, tires, braking system (front and rear drum/disc)
Electrical Systems:
Wiring diagrams, lighting, battery, charging system (alternator, regulator), starter motor, ignition switch, instruments
Bodywork And Fittings:
Body panels, fuel tank, seat, fenders, handlebars, controls, levers, mirrors
Routine Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug inspection/replacement, chain adjustment, valve clearance checks, battery maintenance
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures for common starting, running, electrical, and braking issues
Repair And Rebuild:
Step-by-step instructions for engine rebuilds, gearbox repairs, brake system overhauls, suspension component replacement
Specifications And Data:
Torque values, clearances, fluid capacities, electrical resistance values, timing settings
Diagnostic Level:
Intermediate to Advanced, covering systematic fault finding
Rebuild Level:
Comprehensive, suitable for complete engine, transmission, and chassis rebuilds
Engine Type:
Air-cooled, four-stroke, horizontally opposed boxer twin
Displacement:
797.5 cc (48.7 cu in)
Bore X Stroke:
84.8 mm x 70.6 mm (3.34 x 2.78 in)
Horsepower Output:
Approximately 50 hp (37 kW) at 6250 rpm (varies slightly by specific sub-model)
Torque Output:
Approximately 63 Nm (46 lb-ft) at 3500 rpm (varies slightly by specific sub-model)
Carburetion:
Dual Bing 32mm constant velocity carburetors
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline, RON 91 or higher recommended
Fuel Tank Capacity:
19 Liters (5.0 US gal)
Oil Capacity:
2.5 Liters (2.6 US qt)
Oil Type Recommendation:
SAE 20W-50 or 10W-40 motorcycle specific oil
Ignition System:
Battery ignition with breaker points or electronic ignition (depending on sub-model and year variations)
Gearbox Type:
Constant mesh, four-speed (some variants may have five-speed)
Clutch Type:
Single dry plate, diaphragm spring
Final Drive:
Shaft drive with universal joint
Gearshift Pattern:
1 down, 3 up (typically)
Gearbox Oil Capacity:
0.15 Liters (0.16 US qt)
Gearbox Oil Type:
SAE 80 or SAE 75W-90 GL-5 gear oil
Length Overall:
Approx. 2180 mm (85.8 in)
Width Over Handlebars:
Approx. 850 mm (33.5 in)
Height Overall:
Approx. 1360 mm (53.5 in)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 1440 mm (56.7 in)
Dry Weight:
Approx. 190 kg (419 lbs)
Gross Vehicle Weight:
Approx. 360 kg (794 lbs)
Front Tire Size:
3.00-18 47P
Rear Tire Size:
4.00-18 64P
Wheel Bolt Pattern:
N/A (Shaft drive)
Front Brake Type:
Single disc brake with hydraulic caliper (some models may have drum)
Rear Brake Type:
Drum brake (some models may have disc)
Crash Safety:
N/A (Motorcycle - not rated by NHTSA/Euro NCAP)
Braking System:
Effective front disc and rear drum brakes for reliable stopping power.
Frame Construction:
Robust double-cradle steel frame for stability and rider protection.
Lighting System:
Standard headlight, taillight, and turn signals for visibility.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000 km (3,000 miles) or annually, whichever comes first.
Valve Clearance Check:
Every 10,000 km (6,000 miles).
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 10,000 km (6,000 miles) or as needed based on condition.
Final Drive Oil Change:
Every 10,000 km (6,000 miles).
Engine Oil Specification:
API SG or higher, JASO MA compatible motorcycle oil 20W-50 or 10W-40.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 (for disc brake models).
Ignition Coil Failure:
Can occur with age, leading to intermittent misfires or no spark. Manual covers testing and replacement.
Carburetor Sync And Tuning:
Regular synchronization of Bing carburetors is crucial for smooth running. Manual details the procedure.
Clutch Lever Adjustment:
Wear in the clutch cable and adjustment points is common. Manual provides adjustment specs.
Electrical Connector Corrosion:
In older bikes, corrosion can lead to electrical faults. Manual includes wiring diagrams for diagnosis.
Fork Seal Leaks:
Front fork seals can degrade over time. Manual covers fork seal replacement and oil changes.
Bmw Motorcycle Legacy:
BMW Motorrad has a long history of producing durable, reliable, and technically advanced motorcycles, particularly known for its boxer-twin engine configuration.
R80 Lineage:
The R80 model is part of BMW's successful 'Airhead' boxer series, evolving from earlier models like the R75 and R90, and preceding models like the R100.
R80 Variants:
Includes R80/7, R80G/S (off-road variant), R80ST (touring variant), and R80RT (fully faired touring variant).
Production Period:
The R80 series was produced from the late 1970s through the early 1990s, with the 1988 model representing a mature iteration.
Manufacturing Location:
Berlin, Germany
