Topic: 82' R80 ST

[Shtonecb500]

Ive been dreaming of getting an airhead for touring duties but i never find them for under 2k. Found this ST rotting away next to another r80/7 that I knew was there already. I grabbed this for its sexy single side swing arm and mono lever, it has the best power to weight ratio of all the airheads i think, and all he switches and gauges were there, clean michigan title all for 1100 bucks. My buddy has a couple airheads and has rebuilt them so ill have help. The cycle yard that sold it to me said the guy had just traded it in not too long ago....I forgot to ask for a key, going to have to go dig in a coffee can full of keys and see if one works i guess.

The front end is off a 70's R90/7 I think, Im guessing PO crashed it or something, bought a R90 parts bike, swapped in the front end and the R90 coils, the old coils are still mounted just un hooked. All the turn signals are busted just hanging out, there were about 10 bungees on it, its covered in oil and needs a bath. It doesnt have luggage racks but it has its side covers, Im trying to source an original exhaust system for it and an R80 GS tank to swap on.

The motogadget M unit that was going to use on my 750 is now going to this R80, I felt deep down inside the m unit was overkill for a 750  and only considered it because I was going to tour the bike....the m unit going to the R80 is more appropriate.

[simon#42]

good choice of airhead . i have a few but the st is the one i use for touring .  you have plenty of work to do mind !

[MauiK3]

Looks like a big job.
I bet the cases would respond well to some vapor blasting
Are parts available for these bikes?

[C317414]

R80STs are great bikes.  They are basically an R80GS set up for street riding.  They are lighter and more responsive than most airhead BMWs.  I was close to buying a very nice one last year, but hesitated for too long and it was sold to someone else.

[simon#42]

parts availability is one of the big advantages with an old bmw . you can get almost everything mechanical new and the supply of used parts is also excellent  . as i am in england it may be different in america but i doubt it and with the way the exchange rate is you will be able to buy cheaply from europe anyway .

[Shtonecb500]

airhead parts are pretty readily available and at the same time not really. When my buddy and i were making an R100 whole to flip, we had to source everything from ebay europe which was pricey and took lots of time. The scrapper i bough it from has a trailer full of bmw stuff so I should be ok. RT, ST, GS components are going to few and far between and expensive.

purchased the correct airbox on ebay for 30 bucks, an original used exhaust could be pieced together for 500-700 otherwise all of the components brand new would push me towards the 2k mark, ignition switches are like 160 brand new but i have the option of going keyless with the m unit.

Will probably need replacement coils for this bike and all new electrical harness, new signals, but most of what i need could all be aftermarket which would save me money.....the important stuff and pricey stuff is all still there...

I looked through a coffee can full of BWM keys and found one for my ignition switch lol....lucky.

[grcamna2]

I like that BMW;it's good you have a source for used parts.
I used to know a place(Bob's)in MD. back in the 90's,but they're pricey.

[calj737]

Check beemerboneyard.com. Lots of used, honest parts. Reasonable pricing.

[Shtonecb500]

Check beemerboneyard.com. Lots of used, honest parts. Reasonable pricing.

thanks for link, i sent to my buddy as they only seems to have stuff for more modern oilheads