Highlights

Strip-down and rebuild carried out in 2021–2022, with supporting file
Used for overland travel, including off-road trips across Africa
Rebuilt to factory standard specification

The Appeal

The BMW R80GS is one of the most significant motorcycles of the modern era. It effectively created the large-capacity adventure bike segment, pairing BMW's proven air-cooled boxer twin with real off-road ability. The air-cooled GS models have become increasingly collectible, prized for their mechanical simplicity and rugged character.

This 1987 example was used exactly as intended, for serious overland travel, including trips across Africa. Between 2021 and 2022, the late owner undertook a strip-down and rebuild to factory standard specification, with a file of details accompanying the sale. The bike was last ridden on a trip through Italy in 2023 and last started in December of that year. It has since been garage stored and received a valet earlier this year. The seller would love the bike to go to someone who will appreciate its history.

There are some points to note: the paint is faded in places, there is a crack on the rear cover, and the odometer has been replaced. The MOT has also expired. For an enthusiast seeking an R80GS with authentic adventure credentials and a documented rebuild, this is well worth a closer look.

Key Information

Mileage: 85,000 km indicated; the odometer has been replaced and the reading is not believed to be accurate (estimated actual approximately 92,393 km)
Country of registration: UK
MOT status: expired since July 2024
Technical specs: 800cc air-cooled flat-twin, five-speed manual
Paperwork: rebuild file available documenting the 2021–2022 work, V5C, MOT certificates, invoices, Botswana Motor Vehicle Regulation Book, previous registration documents
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The Detail

All rebuild work carried out by the late owner, apart from having the wheel rims professionally chromed
New leather seat fitted
All instruments reported to be in working order
Clutch issues experienced during a trip to Italy in 2023; believed to have been resolved
Paint is faded in some places
Crack on the rear cover
A new replacement odometer is included with the sale
The seller, who has ridden as a passenger, describes the bike as surprisingly fast for its age with a smooth ride off road
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BEFORE YOU BUY

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