1982 BMW R 80ST Specifications

All-Round • Specs last verified 13 July 2026

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1982 BMW R 80ST Overview

For 1982, BMW offers the R 80ST as an all-round motorcycle with 797.5 cc on tap. The 1982 BMW R 80ST is built around a Two cylinder boxer engine running OHV valve actuation, a compression ratio of 9.2:1. Out on the road, the R 80ST delivers 36.4 kW @ 6500 rpm of peak power and 58 Nm @ 4000 rpm of torque. Flat out, it's quoted at 171 km/h. In everyday use, the 1982 R 80ST tips the scales at 198 Kg, carries a 19-litre fuel tank, offers a seat height of 845 mm and spans a 1447 mm wheelbase. That's roughly 9.5 kg lighter than the average all-round motorcycle in our database. Every technical detail, from suspension travel to tyre sizes, is covered in the full 1982 BMW R 80ST spec sheet below.

1982 R 80ST - Pros & Cons

Strengths

  • Strong power output: Peak output on the R 80ST is 36.4 kW @ 6500 rpm and 58 Nm @ 4000 rpm of torque - strong numbers for what it is.
  • Large fuel range: With a 19-litre tank, this isn't a bike you'll be stopping for fuel every hour - a real asset on longer trips.
  • Low-maintenance final drive: Shaft final drive is about as close to maintenance-free as motorcycle drivetrains get.

Considerations

  • Carburetor fuelling: Carburetion is more hands-on than fuel injection - plan on periodic jetting and cleaning as part of routine ownership.
  • Tall seat height: A 845 mm seat puts flat-footing out of reach for a lot of riders - sit on it in person before committing.

Wear Points & Servicing Notes

Heat management in traffic

Air cooling on the R 80ST 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 80ST 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

Single ∅285mm disc, 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 fork up front and BMW Monolever swinging arm 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 80ST removes chain and belt maintenance entirely - the trade-off is a little extra unsprung weight and periodic gear-oil changes.

Frame & chassis check

The Double loop tubular frame with bolt on rear section chassis holds up well with normal use; on a used bike it's still worth checking the head-stock and swingarm pivot area for impact damage or corrosion.

R 80ST - Buying & Maintenance Guide

What to check before buying

A pre-purchase check on the 1982 BMW R 80ST 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 80ST settles to a smooth idle within seconds.

Oil and filter changes

Oil changes are the cheapest insurance you can buy for a R 80ST'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 80ST 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.

1982 BMW R 80ST - Frequently Asked Questions

What engine does the 1982 BMW R 80ST have?
The 1982 BMW R 80ST uses a Two cylinder boxer engine with 797.5 cc of displacement. It is air cooled.
What is the top speed of the 1982 BMW R 80ST?
The 1982 BMW R 80ST has a factory-quoted top speed of 171 km/h. Real-world speeds vary depending on rider weight, conditions and state of tune.
How much does the 1982 BMW R 80ST weigh?
The 1982 BMW R 80ST weighs 198 Kg. This is the manufacturer's wet figure.
How much power does the 1982 BMW R 80ST make?
The 1982 BMW R 80ST produces 36.4 kW @ 6500 rpm of power and 58 Nm @ 4000 rpm of torque. These are peak figures.
What is the fuel tank capacity of the 1982 BMW R 80ST?
The 1982 BMW R 80ST has a 19-litre fuel tank. At around 5-6 litres per 100 km, that is roughly 316-380 km between stops.
Is the 1982 BMW R 80ST suitable for shorter riders?
The 1982 BMW R 80ST has a seat height of 845 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 1982 BMW R 80ST have?
The 1982 BMW R 80ST uses Single ∅285mm disc, 1 piston caliper at the front and 200mm Drum at the rear.
What tyre sizes does the 1982 BMW R 80ST use?
The 1982 BMW R 80ST runs 100/90-H19 front and 120/90-H18 rear tyres. A good selection of sport, touring and all-weather rubber is available in these sizes.
What gearbox does the 1982 BMW R 80ST have?
The 1982 BMW R 80ST is fitted with a 5 Speed transmission.

BMW R 80ST Spec Evolution

The BMW R 80ST was produced across 3 model years (1982-1984). 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 1982 1983 1984
Wet Weight 198 Kg / 436 lbs 197.0 kg / 434.3 lbs 197.0 kg / 434.3 lbs
Top Speed 171 km/h / 106 mph 172.0 km/h / 106.9 mph 172.0 km/h / 106.9 mph
Fuel Capacity 19 Litres / 5.0 US gal 19.00 litres / 5.02 gallons 19.00 litres / 5.02 gallons
Brakes - Front Single ∅285mm disc, 1 piston caliper Single disc Single disc
Brakes - Rear 200mm Drum Expanding brake Expanding brake
Final Drive Shaft Shaft drive (cardan) Shaft drive (cardan)
Compression Ratio 9.2:1 8.2:1 8.2:1
Tyres - Front 100/90-H19 100/90-19 100/90-19

Key Specifications

Engine

Two cylinder boxer

Power

36.4 kW / 50 hp @ 6500 rpm

Torque

58 Nm / 5.9 kgf-m / 42 ft/lb @ 4000 rpm

Top Speed

171 km/h / 106 mph

Weight

198 Kg / 436 lbs

Fuel Capacity

19 Litres / 5.0 US gal

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Full 1982 BMW R 80ST Specifications

Year 1982
Year 1982
Make Model BMW R 80ST
Make Model BMW R 80ST
Seat Height 845 mm / 33.3 in
Seat Height 845 mm / 33.3 in
Wheelbase 1447 mm / 56.9 in
Wheelbase 1447 mm / 56.9 in
Ground Clearance 170 mm / 6.69 in
Ground Clearance 170 mm / 6.69 in
Height 1150 mm / 45.2 in
Height 1150 mm / 45.2 in
Length 2180 mm / 85.8 in
Length 2180 mm / 85.8 in
Width 790 mm / 31.1 in
Width 790 mm / 31.1 in
Fuel Capacity 19 Litres / 5.0 US gal
Fuel Capacity 19 Litres / 5.0 US gal
Wet Weight 198 Kg / 436 lbs
Wet Weight 198 Kg / 436 lbs
Top Speed 171 km/h / 106 mph
Top Speed 171 km/h / 106 mph
Max Power 36.4 kW / 50 hp @ 6500 rpm
Max Power 36.4 kW / 50 hp @ 6500 rpm
Max Torque 58 Nm / 5.9 kgf-m / 42 ft/lb @ 4000 rpm
Max Torque 58 Nm / 5.9 kgf-m / 42 ft/lb @ 4000 rpm
Standing Start ¼ Mile 14.1 sec / 148.5 km/h / 92.3 mph
Standing Start ¼ Mile 14.1 sec / 148.5 km/h / 92.3 mph
Stroke 4
Fuel Control OHV
Engine Type Two cylinder boxer
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 4.9 L/100 km / 20.4 km/l / 48 mpg
Fuel Consumption 4.9 L/100 km / 20.4 km/l / 48 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 7 D / Beru14-7DU / Champion N9YC
Spark Plug Bosch W 7 D / Beru14-7DU / Champion N9YC
Starter Electric
Starter Electric
Valve System 2
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 1.50:1
Gear Ratios 1st 4.40 / 2nd 2.86 / 3rd 2.07 / 4th 1.67 / 5th 1.50:1
Gearbox 5-speed
Transmission / Drive 5 Speed
Transmission / Drive 5 Speed
Frame Type Double loop tubular frame with bolt on rear section
Frame Type Double loop tubular frame with bolt on rear section
Suspension - Front Telescopic hydraulic fork
Suspension - Front Telescopic hydraulic fork
Suspension - Rear BMW Monolever swinging arm
Suspension - Rear BMW Monolever swinging arm
Wheel Travel - Front 175 mm / 6.8 in
Wheel Travel - Front 175 mm / 6.8 in
Wheel Travel - Rear 153 mm / 6.0 in
Wheel Travel - Rear 153 mm / 6.0 in
Alternator Bosch 12 V/280 W
Alternator Bosch 12 V/280 W
Brakes - Front Single ∅285mm disc, 1 piston caliper
Brakes - Front Single ∅285mm disc, 1 piston caliper
Brakes - Rear 200mm Drum
Brakes - Rear ∅200mm Drum
Tyres - Front 100/90-H19
Tyres - Front 100/90-H19
Tyres - Rear 120/90-H18
Tyres - Rear 120/90-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 1.85 - B19
Wheels - Rear 2.50 - B18
Wheels - Rear 2.50 - B18

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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