Motorcycle specifications BMWR 80 G/S 1980 The adventure begins here

At the beginning of the 80s, BMW saw the rise of trail bikes equipped with large-displacement 4-stroke single-cylinders. Virtually all the Japanese manufacturers had 400cc or 500cc models, establishing their superiority in this segment.

BMW is faced with a major problem: it has no engine to compete directly with the XT, XLR and other DR-S models. No problem, BMW Motorrad will fight with its own weapons: the Flat Twin.

Admittedly, BMW's first big trail bike won't have the advantage of lightness and small size. But it allows the brand to offer a different model, one that is heavier, but also more powerful, more stable and more roadworthy.

The GS uses the 800cc flat engine, which is more than powerful enough to cope with the 500cc armada of the time. It develops 50 hp, while the most powerful Japanese motorcycle of the time can only predict 32 hp (Honda XL500S).

Although the bike's 167 kg dry weight (around 185 kg in running order) and 850 mm seat height make it very imposing, the newcomer remains accessible thanks to its low center of gravity (thanks to the flat twin). The BMW's long wheelbase, necessitated by the length of the powertrain, makes it very stable, but agility is not sacrificed.

without realizing it, BMW Motorrad has invented a new sub-family: the trail bike. While the GS is well-suited to rolling roads, and the Paris Dakar version released the same year has great competition potential, it also boasts excellent road-holding qualities. The driving position is very comfortable over long distances, and it can be equipped for travel thanks to BMW's range of accessories (suitcase, trunk, etc.). What's more, the indefatigable engine lets you drive at a good pace, without ever showing signs of fatigue.

Its qualities earned it one of the longest careers in the trail category, with BMW updating it several times. In 1987, it was equipped with the excellent Paraleveler transmission. The same year, it was joined by a more powerful 1000cc version and a smaller, more basic 650cc model. The latest evolution came out in 1997 and was sold in France until 1999. When it bowed out after 19 years of loyal service.