The BMW R80 RT is no longer a bargain

Auto Motor Klassiek » Engines » The BMW R80 RT is no longer a bargain
Purchasing classics there

Only ten years ago, BMW R80 's were offered quite a lot. For less. We are not talking about the GS or G / S models, but about the regular R80s. And those were in BMW drivers eyes still a weakness compared to the R100. More for government services and less fortunate. At the time, they were nothing but old BMWs with limited emotional (because not the heaviest, the most expensive or the rarest) value. And the offer was wide.

The BMW R80 RT is the best purchase

Yet those BMW R80 RTs were actually the best in the entire series of boxers of their time. They were the lesser of the R100 in the areas that matter least, but in practice nobody noticed it.

The older model with the stereo attenuation at the rear and its 19 ”front wheel steer well. The subsequent model with single-sided wheel suspension (from 1984) steers fine. If the head clearance is correct. But to the left or to the right: the single wheel in the front wheel can hardly handle its job. That is why many owners installed a second disc. Or let them do that. The suspension of the RT80 is comfortable on the soft side. Thanks to companies such as Hyperpro, huge profits can be made there for reasonable money. Even now such a BMW R80 RT has a classic status. The tub modeled in the wind tunnel provides a lot of protection. Even in the rain. At the time, the factory even pointed this out in brochures. The windshield is adjustable. The cases supplied as standard were - and are - not 100% waterproof.

With Galnikal in the bores

From 1981 (black air filter box) the cylinder bores are provided with a Galnikal layer. The cylinders for that time were usually about the 90.000 km of excess pistons. The valve clearance is a point of attention. These boxers are, just like their brothers, rather sensitive to the valve clearance and the quality of aftermarket mufflers. The rule is: the closer to the original, the better the engine runs. And that should please BMW purists. And around the 40.000 km you are usually ready for a fresh distribution chain. Traces of oil between container and block mean that the crankshaft seal is leaking. Replacement is not difficult, but quite a bit of work.

Smoke signals

If such a boxer has been on the jiffy for a long time, the 'low cylinder' can smoke heavily when starting. If that is over quickly, then there is no problem.

Quite a few older boxers have been rebuilt into café racers, scramblers or other acts. This means that the range of used original parts is pleasant. Parts and their prices are no problem for these engines anyway. There are plenty of BMW boxer specialists and De Hobbyist is even fairly world famous for its parts service. But De Knalpot and the Boxer Toko are standing names, just like Beck from Wijhe. The condition of the paintwork is a thing. Spraying and piping in accordance with factory standards is not given to everyone. By working very precisely, and even with the original paints used by BMW, a company like that from Theo Terwel from Vorden has received customers from all over the world. And that's not because he's the cheapest.

A great purchase

In the meantime, a nice BMW R80 RT does not cost any more capital. And after purchase, the chance that you have to write off is minimal. This makes such a BMW R80 RT an ideal motorcycle: it is classic, reliable, service-friendly and the full 100% can be used in all types of traffic.

A BMW R80 RT with stereo rear suspension

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