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 10.5 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 1983 BMW R 80ST spec sheet below.

1983 R 80ST - Pros & Cons

Strengths

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 drive (cardan) 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 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.

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
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

Not published by manufacturer

Torque

Not published by manufacturer

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.