The Motorcycle That Invented BMW’s Adventure-Bike Money Machine
Back in the late 70s and early 80s, motorcycles were generally more versatile than what we see today. Standard motorcycles of the time were more or less the epitome of a versatile motorcycle. Light enough to handle daily rides, comfortable enough to travel across the country, and robust enough to handle most terrain. If you wanted something more off-road oriented, then there were several lightweight dual-sport bikes to choose from, but you would have to sacrifice some level of touring potential. BMW wanted to build a bike that would challenge the status quo.
A Different Kind Of Tourer
BMW had already earned a reputation for building some of the very best touring bikes money could buy back in the early 80s (touring bikes also looked a little different back then, but that is another story). But, they had identified a small, but significant gap in the market. There was a demand for a motorcycle that was an effective tourer, yet also capable of going off-road. A motorcycle specifically for the adventure rider.
Unfortunately, the bike was so far ahead of its time that most of the motorcycling press of the time didn’t really know what to make of the machine. It was too heavy to be a dual-sport, yet was equipped with knobby mixed-terrain tires (specifically developed for the model), and was therefore limited in what it could achieve as a street bike. It was something new, and completely different to what was on the market back then.
The BMW R80 G/S Was The Very First Adventure Bike
The R80 G/S was an unconventional solution to a problem many riders simply didn’t know they had. But, as time wore on, everyone began to see the advantages of a motorcycle like the G/S. Just like the modern equivalent, the original adventure bike was a compromised machine. It was not particularly good at touring, and it wasn’t very good off-road, either. It was, however, better than any street bike off-road, and significantly more comfortable than the average dual-sport. It afforded riders the opportunity to take the road less traveled, and have an adventure.
The R80 G/S Had The Trademark Air-Cooled Boxer Twin
Power: 50 Horsepower
Just like a certain German sports car brand was obsessed with air-cooled flat-six engines, BMW was obsessed with air-cooled boxer twins. So much so that this engine configuration had become synonymous with the brand by the time the R80 had come out, and was anything but innovative. As such, these twins were never particularly powerful, making around 50 horsepower on a good day. The boxer design was also seen as a rather odd choice for a dual-purpose motorcycle, and in some ways, is still an odd choice, but it works.
Simple And Reliable
By the time the G/S came out in 1980, this powertrain was as proven as they come, having been refined over several decades. The fact that these engines were reliable proved to offset the liability of having two giant heads sticking out each side while riding on a trail. Riders certainly did punch holes in those heads, but not often enough to discourage other buyers. When things go wrong, these engines are simple enough for any shade tree mechanic to work on, which is worth more than any innovation when you are riding home from a far-flung destination.
The R80 G/S Is Still A Competent ADV
Price Range: $8,000 – $10,000
Although it was seen as a heavy bike when it came out, by modern standards, its wet weight of 410 pounds actually makes it fairly light for an ADV. In most respects, it will feel more like a dual-sport than an ADV, with its relatively uninspiring power-to-weight ratio. For off-road use, it has enough power, but it will feel a little sluggish on the highway when compared to more modern alternatives. Reviewers praised the bike for its light, nimble handling and, as long as it is in reasonable condition, it should still handle well for an old motorcycle. If not, it might be worth fitting some modern tires, brake pads, and refreshing the suspension.
It is still an old motorcycle, though, and it is important to approach any prospective purchase with a degree of caution. Project bikes will cost less, and restored models (like the bike pictured above) will cost more, but a solid runner that you can actually ride without fear will set you back around $8 to $10k. While this is not exactly cheap, it is a lot less than what some classic motorcycles from the era cost these days, and the G/S was by no stretch of the imagination a cheap motorcycle when it came out. They cost around $5k back in 1980, which was a lot back then.
The GS Has Become An Icon Of The Motorcycle Industry
Over the years, the GS has gone through a multitude of generations, and has become something of a money machine for the Bavarian brand. Today, they are among the most popular large displacement motorcycles in the world. The adventure bike segment, well, for one it has become a segment, has also gone from strength to strength in recent years.
It is fair to say that there is an ADV for every shape, size and level rider these days, and it all started with the R80 G/S. While these bikes are great for those looking for a more simplified motorcycling experience, there are other newer GS models that offer great value on the used market.
Owners tend to look after ADVs like this, and it is well within the realms of possibility to find a much newer “pavement princess” for around the same price as the R80 G/S. The air-cooled R 1200 GS pictured above makes around twice as much power, doesn’t weigh quite as much as the latest bikes, yet is just as comfortable thanks largely to BMW’s famed Telelever (front) and Paralever (rear) suspension.
Sources: Bring a Trailer and Cycle World Magazine (April 1981)
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