Author Topic: Have a chance to buy a '81 bmw r80g/s. Any input? (Read 6509 times)

amamet · « **on:** July 19, 2015, 07:08:01 PM »

A friend is willing to sell his not ridden in awhile r80g/s. Anyone know about these bikes? What kind of price should I expect. 50k miles leaking oil from underneath and hasn't been ride much lately. I'll imvestigate the leak later this week. I know bmw people love these bikes. It's not a PD model just a GS. Can't upload a picture at the moment but it's the white model with the red dual seat and dual blue stripes on the tank
Thx
Allen

PeteS · « **Reply #1 on:** July 19, 2015, 07:19:10 PM »

Should be a reliable fun bike. They weigh less than a Kawasaki 650KLR with better top speed. The 800s are very smooth. I have no idea what they are worth though. Dirt simple to work on.

Pete

jabberwocky · « **Reply #2 on:** July 19, 2015, 07:35:53 PM »

Those are highly sought after. If it's pretty nice, you may well have to pay more than $1800, but they're worth it.

segesta · « **Reply #3 on:** July 19, 2015, 07:40:11 PM »

The '81 GS is considered by many* to be the original modern "ADV" bike. Sounds pretty cool, and potentially collectible later.

*http://www.cycleworld.com/2012/01/17/1981-bmw-r80-gs-feature/

wrbix · « **Reply #4 on:** July 19, 2015, 08:11:25 PM »

You don't buy it, I will.

Antietam Classic Cycle · « **Reply #5 on:** July 19, 2015, 08:29:34 PM »

$1800?!

I'll take all you've got at that price. They get gobbled up for twice to three times that around here. Leak is likely nothing more than pushrod tube seals.

amamet · « **Reply #6 on:** July 19, 2015, 08:41:18 PM »

Ugh, these bikes drive me nuts. Would love to have 1 solid bike but can't decide. Luckily enough I have a 74 DUCATI 750 gt, 77 lemans 1, 79 G5, '07 triumph scrambler and maybe this gs. My wife rides too so I can keep more than 1. What do you think, keep the Ducati b/c it's fun and a good investment although not a good all day rider (it's setup as a SS replica), the lemans as the go to bike and the gs for my wife?

dl.allen · « **Reply #7 on:** July 19, 2015, 10:43:12 PM »

Those are cult bikes. I've seen riders go for 6 to 8k

Antietam Classic Cycle · « **Reply #8 on:** July 19, 2015, 11:05:31 PM »

I found the footpeg position to be a bit odd. Seemed to be too high and rearward.

This one (a customer's) sold for $9k.

Antietam Classic Cycle · « **Reply #9 on:** July 19, 2015, 11:11:45 PM »

Quote from: oldbike54 on July 19, 2015, 11:09:56 PM

True , designed to stand up on .

Dusty

Awkward even for standing position - at least for me.

Tom · « **Reply #10 on:** July 20, 2015, 02:34:18 AM »

A fun good bike to ride. I was told that they're 75lbs. lighter than a R100GS. Rode both for some mileage. The 80 felt like a dirt bike to me that could do highway mileage with no problems. Good handling on switchbacks. Oh....this was in the Alps and on the Auto-Strada to Venice.

ohiorider · « **Reply #11 on:** July 20, 2015, 09:44:23 AM »

Every now and then, one of the G/S PD editions shows up for sale. I'd probably unload old faithful (1991 R100GS) for a nice G/S PD, but I'd have to come up with a bunch of cash to make up the difference, I'm sure.

jbell · « **Reply #12 on:** July 20, 2015, 03:05:45 PM »

Allen, I'll throw in with the other opinions. Very desirable and should go for $2500 to $6K depending upon condition. I have a friend with an R80ST in his back shed he won't fix or sell.........grrrrr rrrr.

Tom · « **Reply #13 on:** July 20, 2015, 05:44:54 PM »

I have a chance to buy a smoke grey R90s for $2500 and no I'm not telling.

steven c · « **Reply #14 on:** July 20, 2015, 05:51:23 PM »

A friend of mine has the ST version, most enjoyable airhead I have ridden.

roofus · « **Reply #15 on:** July 20, 2015, 06:07:31 PM »

buy it!

great bike!

not much in the looks department . . . .but most of us are past our best anyway!

charlie b · « **Reply #16 on:** July 20, 2015, 06:16:16 PM »

Have you bought it yet?

cruzziguzzi · « **Reply #17 on:** July 20, 2015, 06:55:38 PM »

Quote from: charlie b on July 20, 2015, 06:16:16 PM

Have you bought it yet?

No kiddin'! Where's the "$1,800... hell yes I bought it" picture? Or at least a heads up to one of us who'd pop in an instant for one of these gems under 2 grand.

Todd.

amamet · « **Reply #18 on:** July 20, 2015, 07:04:46 PM »

Have not bought it yet. Waiting to meet with the owner. We both have hectic schedules. I just lost out on a '60 mv agusta 175cs this same very way. Someone saw my post asking about the bike and beat me to the punch. I took too long anyway. If I dont get it 'll let you all know
Allen

cruzziguzzi · « **Reply #19 on:** July 20, 2015, 07:19:16 PM »

Quote from: amamet on July 20, 2015, 07:04:46 PM

Have not bought it yet. Waiting to meet with the owner. We both have hectic schedules. I just lost out on a '60 mv agusta 175cs this same very way. Someone saw my post asking about the bike and beat me to the punch. I took too long anyway. If I dont get it 'll let you all know
Allen

I'm chasing a Jeep CJ-2 just now, the same way. Reach the "aw-crap" moment each night and hope for the best the next day relative to schedules. Me? I'm pullin' for ya.

Todd.

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Author Topic: Have a chance to buy a '81 bmw r80g/s. Any input? (Read 6509 times)