WHAT IS IT?
Motorcycle manufacturers have been making bikes with purported on and off-road capabilities since the 1950s. Called “scramblers,” they were typically street bikes with a raised exhaust, knobbier tires, and perhaps some suspension modifications. The introduction of the G/S (German for Off-road/On-road, “Gelände/StraĂźe”) in 1981 created what would become a huge new class of motorcycle called an Adventure Bike. Larger than scramblers of old and capable of long highway trips and challenging terrain, this model turned around the financial situation for struggling BMW motorcycles and a G/S has been in production ever since, now available in multiple sizes from 310cc to a whopping 1,300 cc version. The R80 had an 800cc flat twin-cylinder engine and produced 50hp. Almost immediately, BMW also produced a works version that finished in fourth place at the 1981 Paris Dakar rally, increasing the notoriety of the BMW adventure bike and spawning an ongoing series of Paris Dakar special editions.
WHY THIS BIKE HAS BEST ONE ON THE PLANET CHOPS
This is a first-year example of a significant model that appears to have been lovingly preserved and ridden a bit but still shows only 2,300 miles from new. It includes the original solo saddle and luggage rack (the dual seat is the only clear modification) and is resplendent in BMW Motorrad colors. It is fully equipped with BMW accessories like saddlebags and paperwork as well. Sure, one could buy two new BMW GS models for the asking price, but this is an incredible example of a motorcycle of which 6,631 were originally built and sold in its debut year.
this model turned around the financial situation for struggling BMW motorcycles
THE VERDICT
(Delivered by Juror Andy Reid)
This is not the best one on the planet but it’s close. The Hella lights are aftermarket mod and take away from the bike as being perfect. In addition, the R80 G/S stickers on the side panels look like they may have been applied a little low on the side panels making me think this one has been painted at some point. I know this as I am looking at one that is correct and never painted in my own garage. The Paris Dakar tank and seat kit are nice additions but the bike is simply not perfect.
Thera are a number of better examples of a great GS out there.
https://www.cycletrader.com/listing/1981-BMW-R80+G%2FS-5031691720#sid=242135
