Adventure Motorcycles
1988BMW R 80 GS
21 fields on record
The 1988 BMW R 80 GS is a lightweight adventure enduro designed for riders seeking versatile on and off-road capability. Its air-cooled 797cc boxer twin delivers reliable mid-range power with excellent fuel efficiency, while the shaft drive and robust chassis make it ideal for long-distance touring and moderate trail exploration.
- Capacity
- 797.0 ccm
- Engine
- Boxer, four-stroke
- Gearbox
- 5-speed
- Dry weight
- 194.0 kg
- Seat height
- 850 mm
- Power
- 50.0 HP (36.8 kW) @ 6500 RPM
What’s new for the 1988 BMW R 80 GS
vs the 1987| Spec | 1987 | 1988 |
|---|---|---|
| Top speed | 173.0 km/h (107.5 mph) | 150.0 km/h (93.2 mph) |
| Wet weight | 196.0 kg (432.1 pounds) | 225.0 kg (496.0 pounds) |
| Fuel capacity | 19.60 litres (5.18 US gallons) | 26.00 litres (6.87 US gallons) |
How it rides
Editorial estimate from the spec sheet - not lab tested- Best for
- Built for long-distance overland travel and mixed on/off-road exploration rather than outright speed.
- Built for
- A rugged, understated classic with boxer-twin charm that favors durability and versatility over performance theatrics.
- Not ideal for
- Not for riders seeking fast acceleration, sport-bike agility, or plush long-haul comfort on tarmac.
Scores are derived from the spec sheet using the same model across every bike, so they compare like for like.
Will it fit you?
Worked out in your browser - nothing is sent to usEngine
- Capacity
- 797.0 ccm
- Power
- 50.0 HP (36.8 kW) @ 6500 RPM
- Engine type
- Boxer, four-stroke
- Power/weight ratio
- 0.2577 HP/kg (dry)
- Bore x stroke
- 84.8 x 70.6 mm
- Compression
- 8.2:1
- Cooling system
- Air
- Valves per cylinder
- 2
- Torque
- Not on record - add it
Transmission
- Gearbox
- 5-speed
- Transmission type
- Manual
- Final drive
- Shaft
Performance
- Top speed
- 150.0 km/h (93.2 mph)
Dimensions & weight
- Seat height
- 850 mm
- Dry weight
- 194.0 kg
- Wet weight
- 225.0 kg
- Fuel capacity
- 26.00 litres
- Ground clearance
- Not on record - add it
Brakes & wheels
- Front brakes
- Single disc
- Rear brakes
- Expanding brake
- Front tyre
- 90/90-21
- Rear tyre
- 130/80-17
Compiled from manufacturer documentation and user contributions, corrected on an ongoing basis. Spotted something wrong? Tell us.
What changed, year to year
Differences highlighted| Specification | 1980 | 1984 | 1987 | 1988 | 1991 | 1994 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 797 cc | 797 cc | 797 cc | 797 cc | 797 cc | 797 cc |
| Dry weight | 194 kg | 194 kg | 194 kg | 194 kg | 194 kg | 194 kg |
| Seat height | 850 mm | 850 mm | 850 mm | 850 mm | 850 mm | 850 mm |
| Fuel capacity | 19.5 L | 19.5 L | 19.6 L | 26 L | 26 L | 24 L |
Illustrative - generated automatically by diffing the year records already on file, not a manufacturer-published changelog.
Rider Reviews
Common questions
What is the engine size of the BMW R 80 GS?
The 1988 BMW R 80 GS has a Capacity of 797.0 ccm (48.64 cubic inches).
What engine power does the BMW R 80 GS have?
The 1988 BMW R 80 GS has a Power of 50.0 HP (36.8 kW) @ 6500 RPM.
How many gears does the BMW R 80 GS have?
The 1988 BMW R 80 GS has a Gearbox of 5-speed.
How much does the BMW R 80 GS weigh?
The 1988 BMW R 80 GS has a Dry weight of 194.0 kg (427.7 pounds).
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