Segment:
Classic Motorcycle / Touring Motorcycle
Target Audience:
BMW R80 owners seeking to perform maintenance, repairs, and restorations.
Competitors:
Yamaha XS Series, Honda CB Series, Kawasaki Z Series, Moto Guzzi California
Manual Value Proposition:
Authoritative guide for maintaining and repairing the iconic BMW R80, enabling owners to preserve its performance and value.
Primary Coverage:
Engine, Transmission, Chassis, Electrical System, Bodywork, Maintenance, Troubleshooting, Repair
Secondary Coverage:
Suspension, Brakes, Fuel System, Cooling System, Lubrication, Ignition System, Exhaust System
Type:
Factory Service Manual (FSM) / Workshop Manual
Engine Systems:
Cylinder Head, Valves, Pistons, Crankshaft, Camshaft, Timing Chain, Oil Pump, Lubrication System, Cooling System (Air Cooled), Fuel Injection/Carburetion (Specify type if known, e.g., Bing CV carbs)
Transmission Systems:
Clutch, Gearbox (5-speed manual), Driveshaft, Final Drive
Chassis Systems:
Frame, Swingarm, Forks (Front Suspension), Rear Shocks, Wheel Bearings, Steering Head Bearings
Electrical Systems:
Ignition System (CDI), Lighting (Headlight, Taillight, Turn Signals), Battery, Charging System (Alternator), Starter Motor, Wiring Diagrams
Braking Systems:
Front Disc Brake (Specify caliper type if known, e.g., Brembo), Rear Drum Brake, Brake Lines, Master Cylinder
Fuel System:
Fuel Tank, Fuel Lines, Fuel Filters, Carburetor Overhaul (Bing CV)
Bodywork:
Fenders, Fuel Tank (if separate from chassis), Seat, Handlebars, Controls, Fairings (if applicable)
Maintenance Procedures:
Oil Change, Filter Replacement, Spark Plug Replacement, Valve Adjustment, Carburetor Synchronization, Chain Lubrication/Adjustment, Brake Bleeding, Battery Maintenance
Repair Procedures:
Engine Rebuild (Top End & Bottom End), Transmission Overhaul, Fork Seal Replacement, Shock Absorber Replacement, Wheel Bearing Replacement, Electrical Component Diagnosis and Replacement, Brake System Overhaul
Troubleshooting Procedures:
Engine Starting Issues, Poor Performance, Electrical Faults, Braking System Problems, Transmission Shifting Issues
Diagnostic Capabilities:
Detailed diagnostic procedures, fault code interpretation (if applicable to electronic systems), testing procedures for all major components.
Rebuild Specifications:
Comprehensive specifications for engine and transmission rebuilds, including clearances, torque values, and material specifications.
Wiring Diagrams:
Full-color, detailed electrical wiring diagrams for all model variants.
Engine Type:
Air-cooled, four-stroke, horizontally-opposed twin-cylinder boxer
Displacement:
797.5 cc (48.67 cu. in.)
Bore X Stroke:
84.8 mm x 70.6 mm (3.34 in x 2.78 in)
Horsepower:
50 hp (37 kW) @ 6,000 rpm (approximate)
Torque:
60 Nm (44 lb-ft) @ 4,000 rpm (approximate)
Fuel Delivery:
Dual Bing 94/40/107 (or similar) Constant Velocity (CV) carburetors
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline (minimum 91 RON)
Oil Capacity:
3.0 liters (3.17 US quarts)
Oil Type:
SAE 20W-50 (or 10W-40 in colder climates) API SF or SG rated motorcycle oil
Ignition System:
Electronic Ignition (CDI) with automatic advance
Spark Plugs:
Bosch W7BC or equivalent
Crash Test Data:
Not applicable to motorcycles in the traditional sense; focus on rider safety features and handling characteristics.
Braking System:
Dual piston front disc brake, rear drum brake for reliable stopping power.
Handling:
Stable chassis and predictable handling for confident riding.
Lighting:
Adequate headlight, taillight, and turn signals for visibility.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000 km (3,000 miles) or annually.
Valve Adjustment Interval:
Every 10,000 km (6,000 miles).
Spark Plug Replacement Interval:
Every 10,000 km (6,000 miles).
Carburetor Cleaning Sync Interval:
Every 20,000 km (12,000 miles) or as needed.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 4 brake fluid
Fork Oil Type:
SAE 15W fork oil
Fork Oil Capacity:
Approx. 210 ml per fork leg
Final Drive Oil Type:
SAE 80W-90 GL-5 gear oil
Final Drive Oil Capacity:
Approx. 0.20 liters (0.21 US quarts)
Common Wear Items:
Steering head bearings, wheel bearings, swingarm bearings, clutch plates, exhaust header gaskets.
Typical Faults:
Carburetor performance degradation over time, electrical connectors requiring cleaning/resealing, potential for oil leaks from engine seals.
Bmw Motorrad History:
BMW Motorrad, a division of BMW AG, has a long and distinguished history in motorcycle manufacturing, dating back to 1923 with the R32. Known for engineering excellence, shaft drive, and boxer engines.
R Series Evolution:
The R80 is part of BMW's legendary 'R' series, evolving from earlier models like the R75/5 and R90/6. The R80 was introduced in 1977 and saw continuous refinement, with the 1996 model representing a mature iteration of the classic boxer design.
Manufacturing Location:
Berlin, Germany (Spandau Plant)
Production Years R80:
1977-1987 (original R80 series), with variants and successors continuing.
Motorcycle Awards:
While specific 'awards' for individual model years are rare, the BMW R series, including the R80, is widely recognized for its durability, reliability, and lasting value, often winning accolades in enthusiast polls and vintage motorcycle reviews.
Reliability Reputation:
High, attributed to robust engineering and quality construction.
Certification Standards:
N/A (manufactured to German TÜV and international standards of the era).
