1983 BMW R 80ST Specifications

Name: 1983 BMW R 80ST
Brand: BMW

All-Round • Specs last verified 13 July 2026

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1983 BMW R 80ST Overview

For 1983, BMW offers the R 80ST as an all-round motorcycle with 797 cc on tap. The 1983 BMW R 80ST is built around a Two cylinder boxer engine running OHV valve actuation, a compression ratio of 8.2:1. Internally, bore and stroke are 84.8 x 70.6 mm. Out on the road, the R 80ST delivers. Flat out, it's quoted at 172 km/h. In everyday use, the 1983 R 80ST tips the scales at 197 kg and carries a 19-litre fuel tank. That's roughly 8 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 1983 BMW R 80ST spec sheet below.

1983 BMW R 80ST compared with other bikes in the All-Round category

Measured against other bikes in the All-Round category in our database (up to 497 models, one entry per model), the 1983 BMW R 80ST comes out as follows.

With 797 cc, the R 80ST has the joint 143rd largest engine displacement of 497 bikes in the All-Round category, 36% above the category average of 588 cc.
Top speed of 172 km/h is higher than that of 113 of the other 187 bikes in the All-Round category.
Narrowing the field to the 102 models within five model years of it, the engine displacement of 797 cc is larger than that of 78 of the other 101.

Versus the 1982 model

Compared with the 1982 model, wet weight came down from 198 kg to 197 kg (-1 kg). Displacement and top speed are unchanged.

1983 R 80ST - Pros & Cons

Strengths

Strong front braking: The single disc front brake bites hard and stays consistent - a solid foundation whether it's stock or upgraded with braided lines.
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

Age-related wear: No particular mechanical concern flags for the R 80ST - condition on any used example comes down to how well it's been looked after.

Wear Points & Servicing Notes

Brake disc and pad wear

Single disc 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.

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.

R 80ST - Buying & Maintenance Guide

What to check before buying

A pre-purchase check on the 1983 BMW R 80ST with its 797 cc all-round should cover the same ground every time: service history, drivetrain condition, and any oil seepage around the casings. This model runs shaft final drive, so ask for proof the shaft-drive gear oil has been changed on schedule - it's easy to overlook since there's no chain to draw attention to it. Now 43 years old, this all-round is as likely to show age-related wear (perished rubber, seized fasteners, degraded seals) as mileage-related wear. 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 the R 80ST's 797 cc two cylinder boxer - keep to the manufacturer's interval rather than stretching it. With an 8.2:1 compression ratio, running the octane grade specified in the manual matters more than on a lower-compression engine. Use the viscosity grade the manual specifies, not whatever's on sale.

1983 BMW R 80ST - Frequently Asked Questions

What engine does the 1983 BMW R 80ST have?

The 1983 BMW R 80ST uses a Two cylinder boxer engine with 797 cc of displacement.

What is the top speed of the 1983 BMW R 80ST?

The 1983 BMW R 80ST has a factory-quoted top speed of 172 km/h. Real-world speeds vary depending on rider weight, conditions and state of tune.

How much does the 1983 BMW R 80ST weigh?

The 1983 BMW R 80ST weighs 197 kg. This is the manufacturer's wet figure.

What is the fuel tank capacity of the 1983 BMW R 80ST?

The 1983 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.

What brakes does the 1983 BMW R 80ST have?

The 1983 BMW R 80ST uses single disc at the front and Expanding brake at the rear.

What tyre sizes does the 1983 BMW R 80ST use?

The 1983 BMW R 80ST runs 100/90-19 front and 120/90-18 rear tyres. A good selection of sport, touring and all-weather rubber is available in these sizes.

What is the compression ratio of the 1983 BMW R 80ST?

The 1983 BMW R 80ST runs a compression ratio of 8.2:1. Always use the minimum octane rating specified in the owner's manual.

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
Stroke	70.6 mm	4	4
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

Key Specifications

Engine

Two cylinder boxer

Power

Not recorded

Torque

Not recorded

Top Speed

172.0 km/h / 106.9 mph

Weight

197.0 kg / 434.3 lbs

Fuel Capacity

19.00 litres / 5.02 gallons

Full 1983 BMW R 80ST Specifications

Fuel Capacity 19.00 litres / 5.02 gallons

Wet Weight 197.0 kg / 434.3 lbs

Top Speed 172.0 km/h / 106.9 mph

Bore x Stroke (in,) 3.3 x 2.8 inches

Bore x Stroke (mm) 84.8 x 70.6 mm

Displacement (cc) 797.00 cc

Displacement (ci) 48.63 cubic inches

Engine Type Two cylinder boxer

Fuel Control OHV

Stroke 4

Compression Ratio 8.2:1

Valve System 2

Final Drive Shaft drive (cardan)

Gearbox 5-speed

Brakes - Front Single disc

Brakes - Rear Expanding brake

Tyres - Front 100/90-19

Tyres - Rear 120/90-18

Specifications are compiled from manufacturer documentation and cross-referenced technical sources, and corrected on an ongoing basis. Spot an error? Let us know.