Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Technical, Bike forums > BMW Tech
Thoughts on the R80? Thoughts on the R80?
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
BMW Tech BMW Tech Forum - For Questions specific and of interest to BMW riders only.
Photo by Ellen Delis, Lagunas Ojos del Campo, Antofalla, Catamarca

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Ellen Delis,
Lagunas Ojos del Campo,
Antofalla, Catamarca



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 3 May 2004
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
Posts: 4
Thoughts on the R80?
I recently was offered an R80 at a great price but I'm wondering how suitable they are for overlanding. All mentions on this site seem to refer to the GS and G/S variants. Why is that? According to this site http://verrill.com/moto/bmwchron/index.shtml, the R80 seems fairly similar and even superior in a few respects and yet its praises remain rather unsung on the HUBB and elsewhere on the net. Bearing in mind that I'd only be offroading in an emergency or to get around obstacles, would the plain old R80 be sufficient for an Aus-Euro trip?

[This message has been edited by JasonK (edited 03 May 2004).]

[This message has been edited by JasonK (edited 03 May 2004).]
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 4 May 2004
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: British Columbia
Posts: 246
First off - there are a few R80 but I am assuming that you are refering to the early to mid 80's standard (no fairing, dual rear shocks). An excellent Bike, as you have no doubt heard. Many have done RTW on R80's of various descriptions, from 70's /7's to full faired RT's. To be clear, there is little difference between the R80 and R100 bikes assuming similar year/ model. The R80 has less power, tends to be a bit smoother and perhaps a bit better on gas, if not pushed hard. Almost everything said about the R100 goes for the R80 as well.
The G/S or GS varients are prefered for their longer travel suspension, different front tire size (21' vs 18'), sometimes larger fuel capacity (in PD form - biggg tanks), and slightly more dirt worthy body work.
In short, the R80 would make a fine mount for overland trips, provided the bike is appropriately preped (as any bike needs to be). Search the site for 'R80' and 'R100' and lots of good info will come up.
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 12 May 2004
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jan 2001
Location: Gerrards Cross, Bucks, UK
Posts: 150
Jason,

My girlfriend rode an R80ST on our trip (UK to South East Asia) and it was great - far less trouble than my GS and very suitable for overlanding. The only mod we made, apart from having pannier frames built, was to change the standard 13 litre tank for a 24 litre Paris Dakar, which fitted perfectly.

The only problem was the low front mud guard which filled with mud in Laos and led to her falling off and fracturing an ankle (end of trip).

Plenty of pics of the bike and pannier frames, etc on our site.

Harvey

------------------
no pipe, no slippers
www.chasingthesun.org
__________________
no pipe, no slippers
www.chasingthesun.org
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 13 May 2004
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: May 2001
Location: Central Portugal
Posts: 315
I've owned an the R100 in GS form and ridden countless R80's. The R80 is alot smoother and even the gearbox seems better. I agree with Harvey that a bigger tank would be of benefit for overlanding as the standard tank range is not huge.

If you decide to buy the bike it's worth bearing in mind that, dependind on its age and mileage, there may be some considerable preperation required to make the bike reliable and suitable for a long overland trip. There are loads of threads on this site devoted to this very subject.

[This message has been edited by mcdarbyfeast (edited 12 May 2004).]
__________________
\"Bon Chance\"
Reply With Quote
Reply

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

HU Event and other updates on the HUBB Forum "Traveller's Advisories" thread.
ALL Dates subject to change.

2024:

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

HUBBUK: info

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.



All times are GMT +1. The time now is 10:05.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top