🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

BMW

Model:

R80

Year:

1979

Engine Code:

R80/7

👋 Introduction

Market Segment:

The BMW R80 series represented BMW's entry into the larger displacement touring and everyday motorcycle market in the late 1970s, competing with Japanese and British offerings.

Competitors:

Competed against models like the Honda CB750, Kawasaki KZ750, Suzuki GS750, and various Triumph Bonneville models, offering a shaft-driven, robust, and comfortable alternative.

Unique Selling Points:

Shaft drive, air-cooled boxer twin engine known for reliability and low-end torque, comfortable ergonomics for touring, build quality associated with BMW.

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

Comprehensive service, repair, and maintenance for the BMW R80 1979 motorcycle.

Estimated Pages:

200-300 pages (typical for a full service manual of this era)

Type:

Full Service and Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital (likely PDF), potentially Printable

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine:

Detailed procedures for disassembly, assembly, inspection, and repair of the R80 twin-cylinder boxer engine, including cylinders, pistons, crankshaft, camshaft, valves, timing, lubrication system, and cooling.

Fuel System:

Carburetor tuning and rebuilding (likely Bing carburetors), fuel tank, fuel lines, and fuel pump (if applicable).

Transmission Drivetrain:

Clutch operation and adjustment, gearbox disassembly and assembly, driveshaft, final drive, and universal joints.

Electrical System:

Ignition system (points, coil, spark plugs), charging system (alternator, rectifier, battery), lighting system (headlight, taillight, indicators), starter motor, and wiring diagrams.

Suspension:

Front fork maintenance, seal replacement, oil levels, and rear shock absorber adjustment and replacement.

Brakes:

Drum brake and disc brake servicing, including pad replacement, caliper overhaul, brake fluid replacement, and bleeding procedures.

Wheels Tires:

Wheel bearing inspection and replacement, tire mounting and balancing, spoke tensioning.

Chassis Frame:

Frame inspection, steering head bearing adjustment, and general chassis components.

Bodywork:

Fender, tank, and seat removal and installation procedures.

Routine Maintenance:

Oil changes, filter replacement, spark plug inspection, chain adjustment, brake adjustments, tire pressure checks.

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic charts and procedures for common problems, electrical faults, and engine performance issues.

Repair Rebuild:

Step-by-step instructions for major component overhaul and replacement, including engine rebuilds, transmission repairs, and suspension overhauls.

Adjustments:

Valve adjustments, carburetor synchronization, ignition timing adjustments, clutch and throttle cable adjustments.

Torque Specifications:

Crucial torque values for all fasteners and critical components.

Depth:

Highly detailed, covering everything from basic service to full engine and transmission rebuilds. Suitable for both amateur mechanics and professional technicians.

📊 Manual Specifications

Digital Quality:

Clear, legible text and diagrams. Searchable PDF functionality is expected for ease of use.

Print Readability:

High-resolution scans or original formatting ensuring clarity of diagrams and text for printing.

Binding:

N/A (for digital format), if printed would be spiral-bound or saddle-stitched for workshop use.

Paper Quality:

N/A (for digital format), typically printed on durable, oil-resistant paper for workshop environments.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

Air-cooled, four-stroke, horizontally opposed twin-cylinder (boxer)

Displacement:

797.5 cc (797.5cc)

Bore X Stroke:

82 mm x 75.6 mm

Compression Ratio:

9.2:1 (typical for R80/7)

Valve Train:

OHV, two valves per cylinder, pushrod actuated

Horsepower:

Approx. 50 hp (37 kW) at 6,500 rpm

Torque:

Approx. 62 Nm (46 lb-ft) at 5,000 rpm

Carburetors:

Dual Bing 32mm (likely Type 94/32 or similar)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline, minimum 91 octane (RON+MON)/2

Fuel Capacity:

24 Liters (6.3 US gallons)

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

5-speed manual gearbox

Clutch:

Single dry plate, hydraulically operated

Final Drive:

Shaft drive to rear wheel

Gear Ratios:

Specific gear ratios are detailed in the manual, crucial for performance tuning and rebuilds.

Transmission Fluid Type:

Gear oil, API GL-5, SAE 80W/90 (specific BMW recommendation to be confirmed in manual)

📐 Dimensions

Length:

Approx. 2,220 mm (87.4 in)

Width:

Approx. 850 mm (33.5 in)

Height:

Approx. 1,230 mm (48.4 in) (to handlebars)

Dry Weight:

Approx. 215 kg (474 lbs)

Gross Vehicle Weight:

Approx. 400 kg (882 lbs)

Front Tire Size:

3.00-18 or 100/90-18

Rear Tire Size:

4.00-18 or 120/90-18

Wheelbase:

Approx. 1,440 mm (56.7 in)

Wheel Bolt Pattern:

N/A (Cast alloy or spoked wheels, specific hub details in manual)

🛡️ Safety Features

Crash Safety:

Motorcycle safety ratings are not comparable to automotive standards; focus on design and handling for safe operation.

Braking System:

Dual front disc brakes with caliper, single rear drum brake (later models may have rear disc). Brake fluid type: DOT 3 or DOT 4.

Lighting:

Halogen headlight, brake light, taillight, and turn signals.

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment System:

N/A - This is a 1979 motorcycle, technology was minimal. Analog gauges, basic lighting.

Assistance Features:

N/A - No electronic rider aids. Focus on rider skill and well-maintained mechanical systems.

🔧 Maintenance

Engine Oil Change:

Every 5,000 km (3,000 miles) or annually. Check manual for specific interval.

Valve Adjustment:

Every 10,000 km (6,000 miles). Manual will provide clearance specifications.

Gearbox Oil Change:

Every 10,000 km (6,000 miles) or annually. Manual will specify grade and quantity.

Final Drive Oil Change:

Every 10,000 km (6,000 miles) or annually. Manual will specify grade and quantity.

Engine Oil Type:

Multi-viscosity, e.g., SAE 20W/50 or SAE 20W/40 motorcycle specific oil. Manual is definitive.

Engine Oil Capacity:

Approx. 2.5 Liters (2.6 US Quarts) with filter change. Manual to be consulted for exact capacity.

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 or DOT 4

Common Wear Items:

Pushrod seals, final drive splines, clutch slave cylinder seals, charging system components (rectifier), and carburetor floats can be common wear items.

Maintenance Tips:

Regular lubrication of shaft drive splines and meticulous valve adjustment are key to longevity. Proper ignition timing is critical.

📚 Vehicle History

Heritage:

BMW Motorrad has a long history dating back to the 1920s, known for engineering excellence, shaft drive, and boxer engines.

R Series Development:

The R80 is part of the '/7' generation of BMW airheads, succeeding models like the R75 and evolving from earlier boxer designs. It was a key model in BMW's lineup for touring and everyday use.

Production Period:

The R80/7 was produced from 1977 to 1984. The R80 model itself had variations and continued production in different forms.

Manufacturing Location:

Berlin, Germany

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Industry Awards:

While specific awards for the R80 might not be widely publicized, BMW motorcycles of this era were generally recognized for their engineering, reliability, and durability.

Owner Satisfaction:

High owner satisfaction for the R80 series, often lauded for their 'go anywhere' capability and long-term usability.