🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

BMW

Model:

R80GS

Production Years Covered:

1978-1996

👋 Introduction

Positioning:

The BMW R80GS is a legendary adventure touring motorcycle, renowned for its robust engineering and off-road capability. This manual serves owners and technicians of a highly regarded dual-sport machine.

Competition:

Competed against other large-displacement dual-sport motorcycles of its era, such as certain Honda Africa Twin models (later in the production run), Yamaha Tenere, and Suzuki DR series, but distinguished itself with its unique shaft drive and boxer engine configuration.

Motorcycle Features:

Iconic boxer-twin engine, shaft final drive, durable construction, capable off-road and on-road performance, often equipped with luggage systems for touring.

📋 Manual Details

Manual Coverage Scope:

Comprehensive workshop and repair service for the BMW R80GS motorcycle across multiple model years.

Page Count:

336

Manual Type:

Workshop Repair Service Manual

Language:

English

File Format:

PDF

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Overhaul:

Detailed procedures for engine disassembly, inspection, repair, and reassembly of the R80GS boxer engine.

Transmission Service:

Maintenance, repair, and overhaul of the gearbox, including clutch operation and final drive.

Suspension And Steering:

Front fork (including Monolever or Paralever variants depending on specific year within range) and rear shock absorber maintenance, adjustment, and replacement. Steering head bearing service.

Braking System:

Front and rear brake system service, including caliper maintenance, fluid replacement, and disc inspection.

Electrical System:

Wiring diagrams, troubleshooting guides for ignition, lighting, charging system, and starter motor.

Fuel System:

Carburetor adjustment, rebuilding, and fuel tank/line maintenance.

Frame And Bodywork:

Inspection and repair of the frame, fenders, fuel tank, seat, and exhaust system.

Routine Maintenance:

Oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug checks, valve clearance adjustments, lubrication points, and tire pressure checks.

Troubleshooting Diagnostics:

Systematic diagnostic procedures for common issues and fault finding.

Major Repairs:

Complete engine rebuild, transmission overhaul, suspension component replacement, and electrical system repairs.

Component Rebuilding:

Detailed instructions for rebuilding carburetors, alternators, starter motors, and brake calipers.

Depth Of Coverage:

High. Covers from basic maintenance tasks to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed component specifications and tolerances.

📊 Manual Specifications

PDF Quality:

High-resolution, text-searchable PDF for easy navigation and information retrieval.

Printability:

Designed for easy printing of individual sections or the entire manual.

Binding:

N/A (Digital PDF format)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital PDF format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

Air-cooled, four-stroke, two-cylinder boxer engine

Displacement:

797.5 cc (798 cc)

Bore X Stroke:

81 mm x 78 mm

Compression Ratio:

8.2:1 (typical, may vary slightly by year)

Horsepower Output:

Approx. 50 HP (37 kW) at 6,500 RPM (peak power, may vary slightly by year)

Torque Output:

Approx. 56 Nm (41 lb-ft) at 4,000 RPM (peak torque, may vary slightly by year)

Carburetor Type:

Dual BMW Bing 32/32 (or similar, e.g., 32mm constant velocity carbs)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline, minimum 91 RON (87 AKI)

Valve Actuation:

Overhead valves (OHV), pushrod actuated

🔧 Transmission

Gearbox Type:

5-speed manual transmission

Final Drive:

Shaft drive to rear wheel

Clutch Type:

Single dry plate, diaphragm spring clutch (hydraulically operated)

Gear Ratios:

Specific gear ratios are detailed within the manual for each gear.

Transmission Fluid:

Refer to manual for specific API GL-5 gear oil recommendations; typically SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90.

📐 Dimensions

Length:

Varies slightly by model year and configuration, refer to specific model year data.

Dry Weight:

Approx. 190-200 kg (419-441 lbs), depending on equipment.

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Refer to manual for specific GVWR.

Fuel Tank Capacity:

Approx. 20 liters (5.3 US gallons), including reserve.

🛡️ Safety Features

Safety Standards:

Designed to meet safety standards of its production era; manual provides guidance on maintaining safety features.

Braking System Type:

Dual disc front brake, single disc rear brake (disc types and sizes vary by year).

Lighting:

Headlight, taillight, brake light, turn signals; manual covers troubleshooting and replacement.

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment Features:

N/A (This is a classic motorcycle; typically basic instrumentation like speedometer, odometer, tachometer, and warning lights).

Rider Aids:

N/A (No electronic rider aids like ABS or traction control typically found on this era of motorcycle).

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically every 5,000-10,000 km or annually, refer to manual for precise intervals based on riding conditions.

Valve Adjustment Interval:

Every 10,000 km or as specified in the manual.

Spark Plug Replacement:

Refer to manual for recommended interval, typically based on mileage or time.

Engine Oil Type:

Multi-grade oil, e.g., SAE 20W-50 or 20W-40, meeting API SE/SF/SG specifications. Manual specifies exact grades and quantities.

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 4 brake fluid for hydraulic clutch and brake systems.

Coolant Type:

N/A (Air-cooled engine)

Common Wear Items:

Clutch wear, output shaft seal leaks, front fork seal leaks, starter motor brushes, gearbox bearing wear.

Electrical Gremlins:

Corrosion in connectors, weak battery charging (alternator issues), ignition module failures are sometimes reported.

Carburetor Tuning:

Carburetors can require periodic synchronization and adjustment for optimal performance.

📚 Vehicle History

Bmw Motorcycle Heritage:

BMW has a long-standing reputation for building robust, reliable, and technologically advanced motorcycles, particularly known for their boxer engines and shaft drive systems.

R80Gs Development:

The R80GS was an evolution of BMW's successful R-series boxer platform, specifically designed for increased off-road capability and adventure touring, building upon the GS (Gelände/Straße - Terrain/Street) concept.

Manufacturing Location:

Germany

Production Period:

1978-1996, representing a significant production run for a premium motorcycle.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Motorcycle Reputation:

Widely recognized as one of the most capable and reliable 'adventure' motorcycles of its time, with a strong following among riders who value durability and go-anywhere capability.

Reliability Ratings:

Generally regarded as highly reliable when properly maintained, with many examples still in active service after decades.