presentation of the R 80 ST 1983
BMW has been gracing us with ST models since the 1980s. For recent models, this acronym stands for Sport Tourer, but the very first ST was far removed from this concept.
in 1982, building on the success of the R 80 G/S, BMW decided to produce a more road/urban version of its adventure queen. Thus was born the R 80 ST (the ST certainly standing for STrasse). To achieve this, the GS was stripped of its trail wheels, had its suspension lowered and was dressed in a much more sober (classy? ) look.
the idea is to offer a motorcycle with the same qualities as the GS, but with a slightly livelier front end and tires more suited to road conditions, at the expense of off-road and cross-country capabilities.
technically, the engine is perfectly suited to this more on-road use. It already powers several models, including the R 80 T and RT. The GS chassis is also perfectly suited to this new orientation. Its new drivetrain makes it much more agile and easy to use. The bike is much more playful than the GS on small roads.
aesthetically, the bike is much more trail-oriented, even if it retains many of the same styling elements. While the tank and seat are the same, the ST swaps the plastic fork head for a much more elegant chrome headlamp (that of the R 65). The plastic side covers are inspired by the GS, but the one on the left has been redesigned to partially hide the ugly muffler. The latter, painted on the GS, is chrome-plated here. At last, the ST gains a much more tasteful paint finish. Gone are the bright colors of the off-roader, replaced here by a plain paint (burgundy or gray) with a tasteful metallic gray or gold trim.

The result of this transformation is rather successful. The bike has undeniable qualities and a well-balanced look: the sleek allure of a trail bike and the class of a tourer. Unfortunately, it wasn't as successful as we'd hoped. This Hybrid Trail/Road bike failed to find its audience, and BMW discontinued production of this model after just 3 years and 5,963 units produced.
Tanthallas - Photos: Manufacturer & Internet
Key facts BMW R 80 ST (1983) : What you need to know before you buy
Highlights
- Engine comfort
- Mechanical access
Weak points
- Poids
- Price
Prices
| Basic version | |
|---|---|
|
4,850€
|
Performance
- Max speed : 174 km/h (108.10 mph)
- 0-100 km/h acceleration : 5.60 s
- Average fuel consumption : 5 liters/100km (0.47 mpg)
-
Estimated range
: 380 km (236 miles)
Calculated range until tank is empty, not verified.
Specifications BMW R 80 ST 1983
- Chassis
- Frame : Tubular steel structure
- Fuel capacity : 19 liters (5.02 US gallons)
- Seat height : 845 mm (33.27 in)
- Length : 2,180 mm (85.83 in)
- Width : 790 mm (31.10 in)
- Min height : 1,150 mm (45.28 in)
- Wheelbase : 1,446 mm (56.93 in)
- Dry weight : 198 kg (437 lb)
- Front axle
- Telescopic fork Ø nc, Wheel travel : 175 mm (6.89 in)
- Braking 1 disc Ø 260 mm (10.24 in), 2-piston caliper
- Front tire : 100 / 90 - 19 → Order this type of tire
- Pressure : 1.9 bar
- Transmission
- 5 stage gearbox
- Secondary cardan shaft
- Rear axle
- Mono-damper, Wheel travel : 153 mm (6.02 in)
- drum brakes Ø 200 mm (7.87 in) (simple came)
- Rear tire : 120 / 90 - 18 → Order this type of tire
- Pressure : 2 bar
- Motor
- two-cylinder flat , 4 strokes
- 2 carburetors Ø nc
- Cooling system : by air
- tumbled
- 2 valves per cylinder
- 798 cc
- 50 ch (49.30 hp) to 6,500 rpm
- 5.90 mkg to 3,750 rpm
- Power-to-weight ratio : 4.02 kg/ch
- Weight / torque ratio : 33.56 kg/mkg
- Compression : 8.2 : 1
- Practical information
Used
Compare the R 80 ST to its competitors
FAQ Your frequently asked questions about the R 80 ST 1983
- What is the power of the R 80 ST 1983?
-
The R 80 ST 1983 develops a power of 50 ch (49.30 hp)
- What is the torque of the R 80 ST 1983?
-
The maximum torque of the R 80 ST 1983 is 5.90 mkg to 3,750 rpm.
- What is the maximum speed of the R 80 ST 1983?
-
The R 80 ST 1983 is capable of reaching a top speed of 174 km/h (108.10 mph) on the track.
- What is the weight of the R 80 ST 1983?
-
The R 80 ST 1983 has a a dry weight of 198 kg (437 lb).
- What is the fuel consumption of the R 80 ST 1983?
-
Average fuel consumption is estimated at 5 l/100km (0.47 mpg) according to the WMTC cycle.
- QWhat is the seat height of the R 80 ST 1983?
-
To ensure good accessibility, the R 80 ST 1983 offers a minimum seat height of 845 mm (33.27 in).
- What is the price of the R 80 ST 1983?
-
The price of the R 80 ST 1983 is 4,850€ in France
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