Description
1983 BMW 798cc R80RT
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 was far from cheap and in 1978 cost around 40% more than Yamaha’s similarly shaft-driven XS750 tourer.
The motorbike offered
The 1983 BMW R80RT on offer here comes to us from a former dealer, collector, off-raod racer and enthusiast with a substantial collection of American and European bikes. A barn-find when discovered, the bike has been stored for many years, having covered only 3,391 miles from new.
Recently liberated, the bike was carefully cleaned and given a partial re-commissioning, to determine the mechanical condition. It will need further work, but starts and runs, though in need of a new battery. Rubber parts should be carefully inspected and replaced as needed, though they appear to be in reasonable condition. The glaringly obvious issue is that it needs a new headlight, but the housing and all wiring are present and correct.
Unfortunately, the bike was less than perfectly stored, and the paint took the brunt. Faded white with discolored badges, the bike would benefit from a repaint. Or just leave it and ride the wheels off it as-is! A full tool roll accompanies the bike.
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