R 80 RT

1986 BMW R 80 RT Technical Analysis & Specification Breakdown

At the heart of the 1986 BMW R 80 RT classic motorcycle, BMW features a 797 cc (48.6 cu in) air-cooled two cylinder boxer, four-stroke configuration. In factory specification, peak output is rated at 50 HP (36.5 kW) at 6,500 rpm, transferring power to the rear wheel through a 5-speed gearbox and shaft drive (cardan) final drive. With a specific output of 62.7 HP per liter, the engine character is indicating a tractable, stress-free state of tune focused on everyday usability and broad torque delivery.

On the scales, the R 80 RT measures 243 kg (536 lbs) wet (curb), translating to a power-to-weight ratio of 0.21 HP/kg (4.86 kg per horsepower). Rider ergonomics and chassis geometry center around a 808 mm (31.8 in) seat height — offering a neutral standover height that accommodates most average-inseam riders without sacrificing cornering clearance. The 22-liter (5.8 US gal) fuel tank supports practical everyday commuting and weekend road stints, while factory top speed is listed at 163 km/h (101 mph).

Within MotoLibrary's BMW archive, this model family spans 13 indexed model years from 1982 to 1994, allowing buyers to track year-over-year changes in emissions tuning, weight and equipment.