damico@fortune.UUCP (Lee Damico) (01/29/85)
Is anyone familar with the '83 BMW R80ST (with single swing arm & mono-
shock)? I'm considering buying one this spring and would like to hear
what others have to say about this model in terms of handling, maintenance,
comfort, how it compares with the R80RT or R65, etc. (The R65 is actually
the most comfortable in terms of seat height -- and weight when compared
to the R80RT -- but I've been told that I might find the bike uncomfortable
on long trips. Has anyone found this to be true?)
One of the motorcycle magazines (I don't remember which one off hand) did
a review of R80ST and the only negative thing they had to say about
it concerned its brakes (which I presume I can upgrade if I thought it
necessary). Any other comments would be greatly appreciated.
Lee Damico
{decvax!decwrl!amd harpo hplabs!hpda ihnp4 ucbvax!amd}!fortune!damicofran@vaxwaller.UUCP (Fran Hall) (01/31/85)
> > Is anyone familar with the '83 BMW R80ST (with single swing arm & mono- > shock)? I'm considering buying one this spring and would like to hear > what others have to say about this model in terms of handling, maintenance, > comfort, how it compares with the R80RT or R65, etc. (The R65 is actually > the most comfortable in terms of seat height -- and weight when compared > to the R80RT -- but I've been told that I might find the bike uncomfortable > on long trips. Has anyone found this to be true?) > > One of the motorcycle magazines (I don't remember which one off hand) did > a review of R80ST and the only negative thing they had to say about > it concerned its brakes (which I presume I can upgrade if I thought it > necessary). Any other comments would be greatly appreciated. > > Lee Damico > {decvax!decwrl!amd harpo hplabs!hpda ihnp4 ucbvax!amd}!fortune!damico I have a BMW R80ST and I love it! Some background: My former bike was a Suzuki GS650G. I put 20K miles on it before I got the BMW. I traded primarily because the Suzuki weighs almost 70 lbs. more than the BMW. Since I am 5'5" and female, this is a consideration. The major drawback to the R80ST for me is that it is very tall. I have made do for 10K miles since last May and will probably not cut the seat down at this point. I did not get an R65 because I did not want to have less power than I had with the Suzuki. I thought the R80ST felt as light and quick as the R65LS when I was test riding them before I bought. I have read tests that indicated that the R80ST stops as well with its single front disc as the R65LS with dual front discs. I have experienced no problems. My bike came with the instrument shroud (very small wind deflector) made for the R65. I would prefer more wind protection (esp. in the winter) but with this deflector the wind hits me at shoulder level and is not offensive. I've been thinking of getting a Rapid Transit fairing. Some people find the R80ST seat too hard and quite uncomfortable. Not me. In '83 I went on a 5 day 1200 mile trip on the Suzuki and last summer a 10 day 2500 mile trip on the BMW. I'll take the BMW over the Suzuki any day. The R80's are soooooo smooth (smoother than the R65's or the R100's). Very little vibration. I was less tired at the end of the day than anyone else last summer because I was exposed to less vibration. And no numb hands or feet because of buzzing pegs or grips. I have been told by people who really know how to ride that the R80ST is the best handling bike (read 'on twisty roads'). I certainly loved the 100+ miles along the upper Salmon River in Idaho last summer. All curves. The bike is just so easy to ride. . . The R80ST won't out accelerate the Japanese bikes but that's not what I ride for. I'm sure you've heard about the kinky BMW sidestand - one just gets used to these things. My mileage has been a disappointing 40-45 commuting to work and 45-50 on long trips. The reserve is limited (maybe 10 miles) but if you run out on reserve in the middle of nowhere you can lay the bike down on its left side and slosh gas from the right half of the tank to the left (where the single fuel line is) and go another 20 miles or so. My only maintenance irregularity has been a blown taillight. I put a Japanese bulb in and it has been fine. I've got 2.5 years on my warranty so I don't worry yet. For me, this is a near perfect all around bike. It is light, responsive, fun to ride, light enough to commute on, big enough to tour on, and I find it very comfortable on long trips. I heard from one source that BMW was continuing the R80ST and discontinuing the R80GS (off road version). Another (the national BMW owners assoc.) claimed that the GS would be continued and the ST dropped. If so, get one while you can. I hope you will keep us posted on your choice and I will be glad to answer any more questions. On a day like today (clear for over 100 miles) I'd rather be out riding than sitting inside. Sigh. Fran Hall @ Varian Walnut Creek (zehntel!varian!fran)