Segment:
Airhead BMW motorcycles, known for their robust engineering and touring capabilities.
Competitors 1980:
Other large displacement touring motorcycles from Japanese and American manufacturers.
Vehicle Appeal:
Durability, comfort for long-distance riding, and distinctive boxer engine character.
Manual Value Proposition:
Provides essential knowledge for owners to maintain and repair their classic BMW, preserving its value and performance.
Engine:
Comprehensive engine disassembly, assembly, troubleshooting, and tuning for the BMW R80 boxer twin.
Fuel System:
Carburetor overhaul (likely Bing type), fuel lines, fuel tank maintenance, and fuel pump (if applicable).
Ignition System:
Ignition timing, spark plugs, coils, ignition control unit, and troubleshooting.
Transmission:
Gearbox disassembly, reassembly, clutch service, and driveline components.
Brakes:
Brake system maintenance, fluid replacement, caliper overhaul, master cylinder service, and adjustment.
Electrical System:
Wiring diagrams, lighting, battery system, charging system (alternator/generator), starter motor, and instrument panel diagnostics.
Suspension:
Front fork maintenance (seals, oil), rear shock absorber servicing, and swingarm bearings.
Wheel And Tires:
Wheel bearing maintenance, spoke tensioning, and tire fitting/balancing advice.
Frame And Bodywork:
Frame inspection, body panel repair, fairing (if applicable) removal/installation, and seat maintenance.
Routine Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug checks, chain lubrication and adjustment (if applicable).
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures for common performance issues, starting problems, and electrical faults.
Rebuilding:
Detailed step-by-step guides for engine and transmission rebuilds, including torque specifications.
Refurbishment:
Guidance on restoring worn components and improving overall vehicle condition.
Restoration:
Information relevant to bringing an older R80 back to its original factory specifications.
Depth:
Extensive and highly detailed, covering from basic adjustments to complete engine and gearbox overhauls.
Diagnostic Coverage:
Includes detailed diagnostic information for identifying and resolving mechanical and electrical issues.
Engine Type:
Air-cooled, four-stroke, horizontally opposed (boxer) twin-cylinder engine.
Displacement:
797 cc (cubic centimeters)
Bore X Stroke:
9.5:1 (typically)
Valve Train:
Overhead valve (OHV), pushrod actuated.
Power Output:
Approximately 50 hp (37 kW) at 6,200 rpm (varies slightly by sub-model).
Torque Output:
Approximately 60 Nm (44 lb-ft) at 4,500 rpm (varies slightly by sub-model).
Carburetor:
Dual Bing constant velocity carburetors (e.g., 32mm or 40mm depending on specific R80 model).
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline (typically 91-95 RON).
Fuel Tank Capacity:
Approximately 18 liters (4.75 US gallons).
Transmission Type:
5-speed manual gearbox.
Gearbox Variants:
Primarily a single 5-speed unit, but gear ratios could differ between R80/7 and later R80 models.
Clutch Type:
Single dry plate clutch, operated by cable.
Final Drive:
Shaft drive (cardan shaft).
Gearbox Oil Spec:
GL-5 80W-90 gear oil is common, but manual should be consulted for precise specifications.
Length:
Approximately 2,180 mm (85.8 inches) (varies by model).
Width:
Approximately 790 mm (31.1 inches) (varies by model).
Height:
Approximately 1,230 mm (48.4 inches) (varies by model).
Dry Weight:
Approximately 190 kg (419 lbs).
Wet Weight:
Approximately 200 kg (441 lbs) (with fluids).
Crash Safety:
Not applicable to motorcycle safety standards of the era in the same way as cars.
Braking System:
Dual disc front brakes, single disc rear brake (standard on most R80 models from this era), with hydraulic actuation.
Lighting:
Halogen headlamp, rear taillight, brake light, and turn signals.
Frame Construction:
Steel tube frame, providing robust support for the boxer engine and rider.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 5,000 km (3,000 miles) or annually.
Valve Adjustment Interval:
Every 10,000 km (6,000 miles).
Spark Plug Replacement:
Inspect every 10,000 km, replace as needed.
Engine Oil Type:
Commonly SAE 20W-50 or SAE 15W-40 motorcycle-specific mineral or semi-synthetic oil. Manual will specify precise BMW recommendations.
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approximately 2.5 liters (2.6 US quarts) (with filter change).
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 4 or DOT 5.1 brake fluid (consult manual for specific chassis requirements).
Fork Oil Type:
Typically SAE 15W fork oil, with specified fill level.
Common Wear Items:
Carburetor wear, output shaft seal leaks, fork seal leaks, and potential clutch wear over time.
Electrical Gremlins:
As with many motorcycles of this era, electrical connections and grounds can require periodic cleaning and maintenance.
Charging System:
Early models had a less robust charging system; later upgrades are available and detailed in such manuals.
Bmw Motorcycle Legacy:
BMW has a long history of building reliable and durable motorcycles, particularly known for their boxer engines and shaft drive.
R Series Heritage:
The R80 is part of BMW's highly successful 'Airhead' R series, which dominated their motorcycle lineup for decades.
R80 Introduction:
The R80 model line was introduced in the late 1970s as a middle ground between the smaller R65 and larger R100 models.
Production Period R80:
The R80 series, including variants like the R80/7 and later R80RT, R80ST, R80GS, was produced from 1977 through the 1980s.
Manufacturing Location:
Berlin, Germany (BMW Motorrad plant).
Motorcycle Industry Awards:
While specific awards for the 1980 R80 are not prominently documented, the 'Airhead' series is widely recognized for its build quality and longevity, earning a strong reputation among riders and critics.
Owner Satisfaction Ratings:
High owner satisfaction due to reliability and classic appeal, often cited in motorcycle enthusiast publications.
