Description
1978 BMW 798cc R80/7
As Bike magazine put it in July 1980: ‘BMW have built their reputation almost solely on the touring virtues of their flat twins, so it was a pleasant reminder when I rode the R80 that a balance of performance and ride properties can produce a versatility based on excellent rather than average capability in every department.’
BMW’s R80 was introduced in 1977 as the R80/7. As the R75 before it, power came from BMW’s traditional air-cooled flat-twin engine coupled to low-maintenance shaft final drive transmission. Superbly engineered to, the R80/7 was far from cheap and in 1978 cost around 40% more than Yamaha’s similarly shaft-driven XS750 tourer.
The motorbike offered
The BMW R80/7 on offer here comes to us from a deceased estate of a former dealer and collector. Originally purchased from Butler and Smith, this remarkable machine is offered in stunning, original, unrestored, and unmolested condition, having been ridden only 1,781 miles from new, as indicated on the odometer. After a thorough inspection of the bike, we have no reason to doubt the originality of the mileage. All original paint is in excellent condition throughout and shows great luster and shine. All finishes are excellent, with some imperfections conducive with age, though it is obvious the machine was fastidiously stored. Be sure to examine the photos to see the original and just about perfect finishes on such items as the housing of the gauges and front and rear lights.
The bike has just been fully recommissioned with servicing to the spark and fuel systems and all cycle parts. The bike, as a result, starts easily and runs perfectly. All lighting systems work perfectly, and the bike is complete with original owner’s manual and tire pump.
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