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1981 BMW R 80/7 Overview
For 1981, BMW offers the R 80/7 as an all-round motorcycle with 797.5 cc on tap. The 1981 BMW R 80/7 is built around a Four stroke, two cylinder horizontally opposed Boxer, pushrod operated 2 valves per cylinder engine, a compression ratio of 9.2:1. Out on the road, the R 80/7 delivers 55 hp @ 6500 rpm of peak power and 64 Nm @ 5500 rpm of torque. Flat out, it's quoted at 180 km/h. In everyday use, the 1981 R 80/7 tips the scales at 215 Kg, carries a 22-litre fuel tank, offers a seat height of 810 mm and spans a 1447 mm wheelbase. That's roughly 7.5 kg heavier than the average all-round motorcycle in our database. Every technical detail, from suspension travel to tyre sizes, is covered in the full 1981 BMW R 80/7 spec sheet below.
1981 R 80/7 - Pros & Cons
Strengths
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Strong power output: Peak output on the R 80/7 is 55 hp @ 6500 rpm and 64 Nm @ 5500 rpm of torque - strong numbers for what it is.
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Large fuel range: With a 22-litre tank, this isn't a bike you'll be stopping for fuel every hour - a real asset on longer trips.
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Low-maintenance final drive: Shaft final drive is about as close to maintenance-free as motorcycle drivetrains get.
Considerations
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🔧
Carburetor fuelling: Carburetion is more hands-on than fuel injection - plan on periodic jetting and cleaning as part of routine ownership.
Wear Points & Servicing Notes
Heat management in traffic
Air cooling on the R 80/7 keeps the mechanical layout simple, but heat management in slow traffic needs more attention than on a liquid-cooled bike - plan routes and gear accordingly in warmer conditions.
Carburetor maintenance
Being carbureted, the R 80/7 is more sensitive to stale fuel and altitude changes than a fuel-injected bike - a carb clean and rejet restores crisp throttle response after any extended lay-up.
Brake disc and pad wear
2 x ∅260mm discs, 1 piston caliper up front provides the primary stopping power; inspect disc thickness and pad wear at each tyre change to catch scoring before it becomes a rotor replacement.
Suspension condition on used examples
Suspension duties are handled by Telescopic hydraulic forks up front and Long swinging arm with adjustable strut at the rear. Weeping fork seals aren't a dealbreaker on a used bike, but they're a fair basis for negotiating price.
Final drive maintenance
Shaft final drive on the R 80/7 removes chain and belt maintenance entirely - the trade-off is a little extra unsprung weight and periodic gear-oil changes.
R 80/7 - Buying & Maintenance Guide
What to check before buying
A pre-purchase check on the 1981 BMW R 80/7 should cover the same ground every time: service history, chain and sprocket condition, and any oil seepage around the casings. Start it from cold if you can - a well-kept R 80/7 settles to a smooth idle within seconds.
Oil and filter changes
Oil changes are the cheapest insurance you can buy for a R 80/7's engine - keep to the manufacturer's interval rather than stretching it. Use the viscosity grade the manual specifies, not whatever's on sale.
Carburetor upkeep
A R 80/7 that's sat unused is almost always a carb-cleaning job before it runs right again - float bowls and pilot jets first, since they clog before anything else.
1981 BMW R 80/7 - Frequently Asked Questions
What engine does the 1981 BMW R 80/7 have?
The 1981 BMW R 80/7 uses a Four stroke, two cylinder horizontally opposed Boxer, pushrod operated 2 valves per cylinder. engine with 797.5 cc of displacement. It is air cooled.
What is the top speed of the 1981 BMW R 80/7?
The 1981 BMW R 80/7 has a factory-quoted top speed of 180 km/h. Real-world speeds vary depending on rider weight, conditions and state of tune.
How much does the 1981 BMW R 80/7 weigh?
The 1981 BMW R 80/7 weighs 215 Kg. This is the manufacturer's wet figure.
How much power does the 1981 BMW R 80/7 make?
The 1981 BMW R 80/7 produces 55 hp @ 6500 rpm of power and 64 Nm @ 5500 rpm of torque. These are peak figures.
What is the fuel tank capacity of the 1981 BMW R 80/7?
The 1981 BMW R 80/7 has a 22-litre fuel tank. At around 5-6 litres per 100 km, that is roughly 366-440 km between stops.
Is the 1981 BMW R 80/7 suitable for shorter riders?
The 1981 BMW R 80/7 has a seat height of 810 mm. This is a moderate seat height that suits a wide range of rider heights.
What brakes does the 1981 BMW R 80/7 have?
The 1981 BMW R 80/7 uses 2 x ∅260mm discs, 1 piston caliper at the front and Single ∅200mm Drum at the rear.
What tyre sizes does the 1981 BMW R 80/7 use?
The 1981 BMW R 80/7 runs 3.25 - H19 front and 120/90-18 rear tyres. A good selection of sport, touring and all-weather rubber is available in these sizes.
What gearbox does the 1981 BMW R 80/7 have?
The 1981 BMW R 80/7 is fitted with a 5 Speed transmission.
BMW R 80/7 Spec Evolution
The BMW R 80/7 was produced across 3 model years (1979-1984). The table below highlights the key specifications that changed across the production run - useful whether you are comparing years or tracking down a specific variant.
| Specification |
1979 |
1983 |
1984 |
| Max Power |
36.4 kW / 50 hp @ 6500 rpm |
50 hp / 36.4 KW @ 6500 rpm |
55 hp / 40 KW @ 6500 rpm |
| Wet Weight |
215 kg / 473 lbs |
210 Kg / 462 lbs |
215 Kg / 473 lbs |
| Fuel Capacity |
24 Litres / 6.3 US gal |
22 Litres / 5.8 gal |
24 Litres / 6.3 gal |
| Wheelbase |
1465 mm / 57.67 in |
1447 mm / 56.9 in |
1465 mm / 57.67 in |
| Ground Clearance |
165 mm / 6.49 in |
140 mm / 5.51 in |
165 mm / 6.49 in |
| Suspension - Front |
Telescopic hydraulic forks |
Telescopic hydraulic forks. |
Telescopic hydraulic forks. |
| Height |
1080 mm / 42.5 in |
1106 mm / 43.5 in |
1080 mm / 42.5 in |
| Length |
2210 mm / 87.0 in |
2175 mm / 88.6 in |
2210 mm / 87.0 in |
Key Specifications
Engine
Four stroke, two cylinder horizontally opposed Boxer, pushrod operated 2 valves per cylinder.
Power
55 hp / 40 KW @ 6500 rpm
Torque
64 Nm / 6.5 kgf-m / 47 ft lb @ 5500 rpm
Top Speed
180 km/h / 112 mph
Fuel Capacity
22 Litres / 5.8 gal
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Full 1981 BMW R 80/7 Specifications
Year
1980-84
Year
1981 - 83
Make Model
BMW R 80/7
Make Model
BMW R 80/7
Seat Height
810 mm / 31.9 in
Wheelbase
1447 mm / 56.9 in
Wheelbase
1465 mm / 57.67 in
Ground Clearance
140 mm / 5.51 in
Ground Clearance
165 mm / 6.49 in
Height
1106 mm / 43.5 in
Height
1080 mm / 42.5 in
Length
2175 mm / 88.6 in
Length
2210 mm / 87.0 in
Width
800 mm / 31.2 in
Width
746 mm / 29.3 in
Fuel Capacity
22 Litres / 5.8 gal
Fuel Capacity
24 Litres / 6.3 gal
Wet Weight
210 Kg / 462 lbs
Wet Weight
215 Kg / 473 lbs
Displacement
797.5 cc / 48.7 cu in.
Displacement
797.5 cc / 48.7 cu in.
Engine Detail
Four stroke, two cylinder horizontally opposed Boxer, pushrod operated 2 valves per cylinder.
Engine Detail
Four stroke, two cylinder horizontally opposed Boxer, pushrod operated 2 valves per cylinder.
Bore x Stroke
84.8 x 70.6 mm
Bore x Stroke
84.8 x 70.6 mm
Compression Ratio
9.2:1
Compression Ratio
9.2:1
Cooling System
Air cooled
Cooling System
Air cooled
Fuel Consumption
5.9 L/100 km / 17.0 km// / 40 mpg
Fuel Induction
2 x Bing constant depression carburetors
Fuel Induction
2 x Bing constant depression carburetors
Ignition
Battery ignition
Ignition
Battery ignition
Spark Plug
Bosch W 175 T 30
Spark Plug
Bosch W 7 D / Beru14-7DU / Champion N9YC
Starter
Electric
Starter
Electric
Clutch
Dry single plate, with diaphragm spring
Clutch
Dry single plate, with diaphragm spring
Final Drive
Shaft
Final Drive
Shaft
Gear Ratios
1st 4.40 / 2nd 2.86 / 3rd 2.07 / 4th 1.67 / 5th 1.50
Gear Ratios
1st 3.38 / 2nd 2.43 / 3rd 1.93 / 4th 1.67 / 5th 1.50
Transmission / Drive
5 Speed
Transmission / Drive
5 Speed
Suspension - Front
Telescopic hydraulic forks.
Suspension - Front
Telescopic hydraulic forks.
Suspension - Rear
Long swinging arm with adjustable strut.
Suspension - Rear
Long swinging arm with adjustable strut.
Wheel Travel - Front
175 mm / 6.8 in
Wheel Travel - Front
200 mm / 7.3 in
Wheel Travel - Rear
125 mm / 4.9 in
Wheel Travel - Rear
125 mm / 4.9 in
Alternator
Bosch 12 V/280 W
Alternator
Bosch 12 V/280 W
Brakes - Front
2 x ∅260mm discs, 1 piston caliper
Brakes - Front
2 x ∅260mm discs, 1 piston caliper
Brakes - Rear
Single ∅200mm Drum
Brakes - Rear
Single ∅200mm Drum
Tyres - Front
3.25 - H19
Tyres - Front
90/90-17
Tyres - Rear
120/90-18
Tyres - Rear
4.00 - H18
Wheel Ratio - Rear
1:3.20 or 1 3.36
Wheel Ratio - Rear
1:3.20 or 1 3.36
Wheels - Front
1.85 - B19
Wheels - Front
MTH 2.50 x 17E
Wheels - Rear
2.50 - B18
Wheels - Rear
MTH 2.50 x 18E
Specifications are compiled from manufacturer documentation and cross-referenced
technical sources, and corrected on an ongoing basis.
Spot an error? Let us know.
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