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What about it looks/smells like an R65? The engine is the same as the R80/7...the R65 had a shorter stroke. Obviously the R80ST was the first of the monolever. Brakes are the same. The ST is a bit lighter than an R80/7...figures. The electrical system is the same as the post 1980 models...electronic ignition. Transmission is essentially the same as the R80/7.
happy wanderer
Day Dreaming ...
Not to worry Martin. Coming off my R1100RT and R100RS and hopping on my R80G/S which is the same frame, engine as your ST I found the same thing. It is a very sensitive machine. You just think about moving a bit in your lane and POP you are there. And yes it wants to dive right in when you decide to lean into a corner. This would be more pronounced on the G/S than the ST due to skinnier tires I would think but yeah, it takes getting used to.
Once you do though, it's a nimble thing of beauty and a joy forever!
Once you do though, it's a nimble thing of beauty and a joy forever!
martinph
Prefers to play
Head light, cockpit and tank. R65 Gear shift exhaust and foot pegs R80gs
Well, I certainly always wanted one. Still do.
The only one I know of in the area sells back and forth among all of the 3 previous owners and they won't let me squeeze in. A little stingy, don't you think ?
Now I wonder if you can fit a much larger fuel tank ?
Charlie
p.s. I wonder if R80 ST is the most rare post 1970 model as far as production numbers and desirability ?
A /5 500 cc may have lower production numbers but lacks the lust factor, in my opinion. What do y'all think ?
The only one I know of in the area sells back and forth among all of the 3 previous owners and they won't let me squeeze in. A little stingy, don't you think ?
Now I wonder if you can fit a much larger fuel tank ?
Charlie
p.s. I wonder if R80 ST is the most rare post 1970 model as far as production numbers and desirability ?
A /5 500 cc may have lower production numbers but lacks the lust factor, in my opinion. What do y'all think ?
According to the BMW Mobile Tradition book "Motorcycles from Berlin 1969-1998", the R80ST was not the lowest production model. Some of the lower productions models are:
R50/5 -- 7865
R75/7 -- 6264 (superseded by the R80/7)
R100T -- 5463
R100CS -- 4038
R80ST -- 5963
R100RS (1986-1992) -- 6081
R65GS -- 1727
Desirability? Maybe...an 800cc bike that probably had good pavement manners but had the suspension to handle offroad. That could also be said for the R65GS...it likely had more capability offroad.
happy wanderer
Day Dreaming ...
Due to the rarity of the R80G/S and the crazy money they go for these days many R80ST bikes have been converted to a G/S.
Doesn't really take too much from what I understand.
Doesn't really take too much from what I understand.
The ST eliminated the 21" front wheel and as you mention used the R65 gauges, head lite, chromed the exhaust, different bars and went from a 37/11 to a 32/10 with street tires for better highway manners. In 1981, when the G/S came out here in the great white north, it was quickly noted by some riders how light and responsive it was and although initially sceptical soon recognized how well the single swing arm worked. It obviously was not exclusive to Canada and it appeared BMW was listening as the ST came to us in 83. As Mike mentions some have converted them to G/S models because of demand for dual purpose rides but in my mind they are a great bike to ride... even as an ST.... There is a ST riders group on yahoo if you want to connect with other owners.
b25bsaboy
New member
6322
Member
Mine came with the 37/11.
Gary Phillips, love what you've with your ST, I would'nt change a thing. Barry Phillips PS I've gotta a silver ST.
lkchris
Active member
The electrical system is same as R65, i.e. there is no terminal board in the headlight and the fuses are in a little container mounted to the front of the frame under the fuel tank. It came with the single coil with 2 terminals (will fail).
ALL BMW Airheads for a given year had the exact same transmission, regardless of engine size.
The engine is the same as an R80G/S, i.e. doesn't have flat top carbs like R80/7.
Actually, the R80G/S is the first monolever, as it came out before the ST.
BMW didn't offer a dual disc conversion kit for the G/S and I think the ST, but IMHO should have. Neither ST or G/S rotors or calipers are interchangeable with a /7.
A G/S Paris-Dakar fuel tank will fit an ST. So will an R100GS tank, but it expects some coverage from the seat, which the ST can't provide.
Like the G/S there isn't frame clearance for the oil cooler thermostat.
There was an ST converted to 1000 that made lots and lots of laps at the National at Laguna Seca.
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