Unique & Functional: “Indigo” BMW R80 Roadster

Rebuilt R80 from Gas & Oil Bespoke Motorcycles… 

The BMW type 247 “airhead” engine has become a motorcycling icon. The engine powered BMW motorcycles for decades, and while it never knocked anyone’s socks off from a pure performance standpoint, the big horizontally-opposed twin has several advantages.  It’s reliable, easy to work on, immensely stable at speed, and the low center of gravity equates to solid handling — traits that have helped attract a cult following over the years.

The R80 is the 798cc version. In 1985, Cycle World noted the R80RT — the full touring version — might be a bit of a boat in stop-and-go traffic, but a dream on the open road.

“A ride through the mountains or on a long, winding country road is a different story. There, the R80RT is a sheer delight, for its comparatively light weight (about 300 pounds less than most American-style touring bikes), along with the exceptionally low center of gravity provided by the opposed-Twin engine, makes it the easiest-handling pure touring bike on the market.” –Cycle World

CW went on to say the Monolever single-shock chassis, first used on the R80G/S adventure bike, defined the world plush, especially on rough country roads and byways. Today, the R80 has become one of the most commonly customized vintage motorcycles in the world. There’s something about those big winglike cylinders, the heritage of the brand, and the legacy of engineering excellence that still draws people to these machines.

This ’86 R80 comes from our friend Matěj and crew of Prague’s Gas & Oil Bespoke Motorcycles. The client wanted a custom bike based on the R80 that would be both unique and functional — not such an easy combination.

“Once again we tried to walk a fresh path, because you know how many customized BMWs are out there. So, it’s not easy to do that and yet to end up with functional bike for normal use that still has R80 characteristics.”

Of course, the first order of business was bringing the nearly 40-year-old machine into top trim, which meant a full engine, transmission, and final drive refurbishment. Then the custom work could begin.

Highlights included a one-off custom subframe with integrated Kellerman LED lighting, modern upside-down forks with some trick custom discs to accommodate the original wheels, streamlined electronics with a contactless ignition, stainless headers, an older aluminum airbox, and a handmade saddle. 

The finishes are of particular note. The bike’s name — “Indigo” — comes from the deep, rich blue hue of the tank, which is complemented by gold badges, re-anodized forks, and calipers. Altogether, it’s one of the more gorgeous color combinations we’ve seen.

The bike is also significantly lighter than before (around 440 pounds) and boasts more rear wheel horsepower than the standard bike made at the crank: 55.6 hp at 6750 rpm. Combined with upgraded brakes and suspension, the result is a bike whose riding characteristics have been transformed right alongside the aesthetics:

“Riding experience is on a whole new level compared to original. It draws attention anywhere it goes. Modern suspension and brakes allows you to squeeze the maximum out of the refurbished powertrain, not to mention better comfort and handling. And I can assure you that the sound is glorious.”

Bravo, Matěj! Below you’ll find our full interview with Matěj about the build, along with more photos of “Indigo” in some of her natural habitats. Photography credits go to Jakub Frey. 

Builder Interview

• What’s the make, model, and year of the donor bike?

BMW R80 from 1986.

• What was the design concept and what influenced the build?

Instructions were clear — unique and functional machine based on an R80 provided by customer. Once again we tried to walk a fresh path, because you know how many customized BMWs are out there. So, it’s not easy to do that and yet to end up with functional bike for normal use that still has R80 characteristics.

• What custom work was done to the bike?

First things first — when you have 40 years old machine, you have to resurrect it. You know the drill: complete engine, transmission, and final gear refurbishing.

Completely custom subframe with built in Kellerman LED.

Main thing here is obviously modern USD forks. That means a custom steering stem, and because we wanted to keep the original rims for character, also custom brake discs. Classic front fender is held just right above the tire.

Stainless headers go around the engine and connect into one SuperTrapp muffler. All electronics are well hidden or at least made to be nice to look at.

We went for an older aluminum airbox, for the gorgeous looks of it. Paint job is semi gloss black, with powertrain in Cerakote. USD forks were treated with original Öhlins gold elox, which plays well with gold calipers and details on the gas tank. Except the gold details and badges the gas tank is a deep indigo colour, which we found so beautiful that we named the bike after it.

Last but not least is a handmade saddle upholstered in genuine brown leather. All around you can find small details such as brass plaques with our logo, because we are proud to have our signature on this bike.

• Does the bike have a nickname?

“Indigo.”

• Any idea of horsepower, weight, and/or performance numbers?

Weight is just under the 200 kilograms. Except for the older airbox, the carbs are original, and whole ignition system was swapped for contactless, and of course we dynoed it with these results: 55,6Hp @ 6759 rpm / 73,3 Nm @ 3026 rpm.

• Can you tell us what it’s like to ride this bike?

Riding experience is on a whole new level compared to original. It draws attention anywhere it goes. Modern suspension and brakes allows you to squeeze the maximum out of the refurbished powertrain, not to mention better comfort and handling. And I can assure you that the sound is glorious.

• Was there anything done during this build that you are particularly proud of?

I don’t think there is some particular detail that stands out, but we are really happy about it as a whole. There’s no groundbreaking design or technical solution, but the overall combination of single factors with precise crafts makes it different from others and that’s what we are proud of.

• Is there anyone you’d like to thank?

Definitely, big thanks to our customer for the trust, patience, and opportunity to create this piece of art. It’s always a pleasure to create nice things for nice people.

Follow the Builder

Web: www.gasandoilmotorcycles.com
Instagram: @gas_and_oil_motorcycles
Facebook: @gasandoilmotorcycles
Photos: Jakub Frey 

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