| MODEL | BMW R 80RT 1981 |
| Year | 1981 |
| Engine Type | Four-stroke, two-cylinder horizontally opposed boxer, pushrod operated, 2 valves per cylinder |
| Displacement / Capacity | 797.5 cc / 48.7 cu in |
| Bore X Stroke | 84.8 x 70.6 mm |
| Compression Ratio | 9.2:1 |
| Cooling System | Air cooled |
| Max Power | 36.4 kW / 50 hp @ 6500 rpm |
| Max Torque | 58 Nm / 5.9 kgf-m / 42 ft-lb @ 4000 rpm |
| Ignition | Battery ignition, Bosch 12 V / 280 W alternator |
| Induction | 2 x Bing constant-depression carburettors |
| Start System | Electric |
| TRANSMISSION SPECS | |
| Lubrication | — |
| Gear Box | 5-speed |
| Clutch | Dry single plate, diaphragm spring |
| Final Drive | Shaft |
| CHASSIS SPECS | |
| Frame | Double-loop tubular steel frame with bolt-on rear section |
| Front Suspension | Telescopic hydraulic fork |
| Rear Suspension | — |
| Front Brakes | Single 285 mm disc, single-piston caliper |
| Rear Brakes | 200 mm drum |
| DIMENSION SPECS | |
| Overall Length | — |
| Overall Width | — |
| Overall Height | — |
| Seat Height | — |
| Wheelbase | — |
| Ground Clearance | — |
| Dry Weight | 231 kg / 509 lbs |
| Wet Weight | — |
| WHEEL SPECS | |
| Front Tyre | 100/90-H19 |
| Rear Tyre | 120/90-H18 |
| FUEL SYSTEM | |
| Fuel Capacity | 19 Litres / 5.0 US gal |
| Fuel Consumption | 5.9 L/100 km / 48 mpg (imp) |
| Top Speed | — |
This 1981 R 80 RT was a UK-market model created by BMW GB, fitting the 800 cc boxer into the full RT touring fairing to undercut the R 100 RT by around 900 pounds. Savings came from deleting the smoked paint, clock, voltmeter and self-levelling rear suspension. Testers liked the fairing, light clutch and handling but found it noticeably slower than the 1000 cc bike, especially two-up.
