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1985 BMW R 80G/S Overview
The 1985 BMW R 80G/S is an all-round motorcycle built around 797.5 cc of displacement. Under the tank sits a Two cylinder boxer engine running OHV valve actuation, a compression ratio of 8.2:1. The bore and stroke measures 84.8 x 70.6 mm. 1985 BMW R 80G/S delivers 37 kW @ 6500 rpm of peak power and 56.7 Nm @ 5000 rpm of torque. The factory-quoted top speed stands at 173 km/h, making it a capable performer in its class. From a practical standpoint, the 1985 R 80G/S tips the scales at 186 kg, carries a 19.50-litre fuel tank, offers a seat height of 860 mm and spans a 1465 mm wheelbase. That's roughly 21.5 kg lighter than the average all-round motorcycle in our database. Scroll down for the complete 1985 BMW R 80G/S spec sheet covering every technical detail from suspension travel to tyre sizes.
1985 R 80G/S - Pros & Cons
Strengths
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Strong power output: 1985 BMW R 80G/S makes 37 kW @ 6500 rpm with 56.7 Nm @ 5000 rpm of torque - competitive figures for its class.
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Large fuel range: The 19.50-litre tank is generously sized, translating to extended range between stops - ideal for touring or longer commutes.
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Low-maintenance final drive: Shaft final drive means no chain to clean, lube or adjust - meaningfully less routine maintenance than a chain-driven equivalent.
Considerations
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Carburetor fuelling: Carbureted engines need occasional jetting attention and can be reluctant in cold weather or at altitude compared to modern fuel-injected alternatives.
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Tall seat height: The 860 mm seat height will challenge shorter riders - tiptoeing at low speeds is something to factor into your decision.
Wear Points & Servicing Notes
Heat management in traffic
R 80G/S's air-cooled design means engine-bay temperatures build up more in stop-start traffic than on a liquid-cooled equivalent - a function of the cooling method itself, not a defect. Mesh riding gear and avoiding prolonged idling help in hot climates.
Carburetor maintenance
The R 80G/S uses carburetion rather than fuel injection, which means jetting is altitude- and temperature-sensitive and benefits from a clean-and-rejet after extended storage or an exhaust change.
Brake disc and pad wear
The Single ∅260mm disc front brake gives strong, progressive stopping power. Disc thickness and pad depth are worth checking at every tyre change, since worn pads can score the disc surface.
Suspension condition on used examples
Up front, the R 80G/S runs Telescopic hydraulic forks and Monolever swinging arm at the rear. On a used example, check fork seals for weeping oil and test the rear linkage for play - seals are a relatively cheap fix but useful when negotiating price.
Final drive maintenance
Final drive is by shaft - no chain or belt maintenance at all, though the drive-shaft oil should be changed on the manufacturer's interval.
Frame & chassis check
The frame is Double loop tubular frame with bolt on rear section - worth a visual check for corrosion or impact damage around the head-stock and swingarm pivot on any used example, since frame damage is far costlier to fix than any service item.
R 80G/S - Buying & Maintenance Guide
What to check before buying
When inspecting a used 1985 BMW R 80G/S, start with the basics: check the service book for oil change frequency, inspect the chain and sprockets for wear, and look for oil seepage around the engine casings and rocker covers. A cold start test is invaluable - a well-maintained R 80G/S should fire up cleanly and settle to a smooth idle within a few seconds.
Oil and filter changes
Regular oil changes are the single most important maintenance task on any R 80G/S. Stick to the manufacturer's interval - typically every 6,000 km or once a year, whichever comes first. Always use the correct viscosity grade as specified in the owner's manual.
Carburetor upkeep
Keep the carburetors clean and free of deposits. If the R 80G/S has been stored, strip and clean the carb float bowls before attempting to start it. Pilot jets are the first to block and the last to be checked - always include them in any carb rebuild.
1985 BMW R 80G/S - Frequently Asked Questions
What engine does the 1985 BMW R 80G/S have?
The 1985 BMW R 80G/S uses a Two cylinder boxer engine with 797.5 cc of displacement. It is air cooled.
What is the top speed of the 1985 BMW R 80G/S?
The 1985 BMW R 80G/S has a factory-quoted top speed of 173 km/h. Real-world speeds vary depending on rider weight, conditions and state of tune.
How much does the 1985 BMW R 80G/S weigh?
The 1985 BMW R 80G/S weighs 186 kg. This is the manufacturer's wet figure.
How much power does the 1985 BMW R 80G/S make?
The 1985 BMW R 80G/S produces 37 kW @ 6500 rpm of power and 56.7 Nm @ 5000 rpm of torque. These are peak figures.
What is the fuel tank capacity of the 1985 BMW R 80G/S?
The 1985 BMW R 80G/S has a 19.50-litre fuel tank. At around 5-6 litres per 100 km, that is roughly 325-390 km between stops.
Is the 1985 BMW R 80G/S suitable for shorter riders?
The 1985 BMW R 80G/S has a seat height of 860 mm. This is towards the tall end of the spectrum and will require most riders under 175 cm to tiptoe at stops.
What brakes does the 1985 BMW R 80G/S have?
The 1985 BMW R 80G/S uses Single ∅260mm disc at the front and 200mm Drum at the rear.
What tyre sizes does the 1985 BMW R 80G/S use?
The 1985 BMW R 80G/S runs 3 - 21 front and 4 - 18 rear tyres. A good selection of sport, touring and all-weather rubber is available in these sizes.
What gearbox does the 1985 BMW R 80G/S have?
The 1985 BMW R 80G/S is fitted with a 5 Speed transmission.
BMW R 80G/S Spec Evolution
The BMW R 80G/S was produced across 7 model years (1980-1987). 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 |
1980 |
1981 |
1982 |
1983 |
1985 |
1986 |
1987 |
| Wet Weight |
186 kg / 409 lbs |
186 kg / 409 lbs |
186 kg / 409 lbs |
186 kg / 409 lbs |
196.0 kg / 432.1 lbs |
196.0 kg / 432.1 lbs |
196.0 kg / 432.1 lbs |
| Engine Detail |
Four stroke, two cylinder horizontally opposed Boxer, pushrod operated 2 valves per cylinder. |
Four stroke, two cylinder horizontally opposed Boxer, pushrod operated 2 valves per cylinder. |
Four stroke, two cylinder horizontally opposed Boxer, pushrod operated 2 valves per cylinder. |
Four stroke, two cylinder horizontally opposed Boxer, pushrod operated 2 valves per cylinder. |
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Four stroke, two cylinder horizontally opposed Boxer, pushrod operated 2 valves per cylinder |
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| Engine Type |
Two cylinder boxer, four-stroke |
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Two cylinder boxer, four-stroke |
Two cylinder boxer |
Two cylinder boxer |
Two cylinder boxer |
Two cylinder boxer |
| Top Speed |
167 km/h / 104 mph |
167 km/h / 104 mph |
167 km/h / 104 mph |
167 km/h / 104 mph |
173.0 km/h / 107.5 mph |
167 km/h / 104 mph |
173.0 km/h / 107.5 mph |
| Fuel Capacity |
19.5 L / 5.1 US gal |
19.5 L / 5.1 US gal |
19.5 L / 5.1 US gal |
19.5 L / 5.1 US gal |
19.50 litres / 5.15 gallons |
19.5 Litres / 5.1 US gal |
19.60 litres / 5.18 gallons |
| Displacement |
797.5 cc / 48.7 cu in. |
797.5 cc / 48.7 cu in. |
797.5 cc / 48.7 cu in. |
797.5 cc / 48.7 cu in. |
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797.5 cc / 48.7 cu-in |
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| Brakes - Front |
Single ∅260mm disc |
Single ∅260mm disc |
Single 260mm disc |
Single ∅260mm disc |
Single disc |
Single disc |
Single disc |
| Brakes - Rear |
∅200mm Drum |
∅200mm Drum |
200mm Drum |
∅200mm Drum |
Expanding brake |
200mm Drum |
Expanding brake |
Key Specifications
Engine
Two cylinder boxer
Power
37 kW / 50 hp @ 6500 rpm
Torque
56.7 Nm / 5.8 kgf-m / 41 ft lb @ 5000 rpm
Top Speed
173.0 km/h / 107.5 mph
Fuel Capacity
19.50 litres / 5.15 gallons
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Full 1985 BMW R 80G/S Specifications
Year
1984 - 86
Make Model
BMW R 80G/S
Seat Height
860 mm / 33.9 in
Wheelbase
1465 mm / 67.6 in
Ground Clearance
175 mm / 6.88 in
Height
1150 mm / 45.2 in
Length
2230 mm / 87.7 in
Width
820 mm / 32.3 in
Fuel Capacity
19.50 litres / 5.15 gallons
Fuel Capacity
19.5 Litres / 5.1 US gal
Wet Weight
196.0 kg / 432.1 lbs
Wet Weight
186 kg / 409 lbs
Stroke
4
Fuel Control
OHV
Engine Type
Two cylinder boxer
Displacement (ci)
48.63 cubic inches
Displacement (cc)
797.00 cc
Bore x Stroke (mm)
84.8 x 70.6 mm
Bore x Stroke (in,)
3.3 x 2.8 inches
Stroke
4
Fuel Control
OHV
Engine Type
Two cylinder boxer
Displacement
797.5 cc / 48.7 cu-in
Engine Detail
Four stroke, two cylinder horizontally opposed Boxer, pushrod operated 2 valves per cylinder
Bore x Stroke
84.8 x 70.6 mm
Compression Ratio
8.2:1
Compression Ratio
9.2:1
Cooling System
Air cooled
Fuel Consumption
5.2 L/100 km / 19.1 km/l / 45 US mpg
Fuel Induction
2 x Bing constant depression carburetors
Ignition
Battery ignition
Spark Plug
Bosch W 7 D / Beru14-7DU / Champion N9YC
Starter
Electric & Kick
Valve System
2
Valve System
2
Clutch
Dry single plate, with diaphragm spring
Final Drive
Shaft
Final Drive
Shaft drive (cardan)
Gear Ratios
1st 4.40 / 2nd 2.86 / 3rd 2.07 / 4th 1.67 / 5th 1.50:1
Gearbox
5-speed
Gearbox
5-speed
Transmission / Drive
5 Speed
Frame Type
Double loop tubular frame with bolt on rear section
Suspension - Front
Telescopic hydraulic forks
Suspension - Rear
Monolever swinging arm
Wheel Travel - Front
200 mm / 7.8 in
Wheel Travel - Rear
170 mm / 6.6 in
Alternator
Bosch 12 V/280 W
Brakes - Front
Single ∅260mm disc
Brakes - Front
Single disc
Brakes - Rear
200mm Drum
Brakes - Rear
Expanding brake
Tyres - Front
3.00 - 21
Tyres - Front
3.00-21
Tyres - Rear
4.00 - 18
Tyres - Rear
4.00-18
Wheel Ratio - Rear
1:3.20
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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