For many, the R80 is the perfect base for a custom build: balanced, robust, and with a huge range of parts available. Here, you'll find everything you need to turn your R80 into a café racer, scrambler, or roadster – including the appropriate TÜV-certified parts.
Hardly any motorcycle is as well-suited for customization as the BMW R80. The air-cooled 800cc boxer engine hits the sweet spot of sufficient power, manageable weight, forgiving technology, and by far the largest selection of custom parts.
Why the R80 is the ideal custom base
- Balanced character: enough torque without being difficult to handle.
- Robust technology: the 2-valve boxer is considered virtually indestructible.
- Huge range of parts: there is hardly any other base with so many road-legal custom parts available.
- Beginner-friendly: the R80 is forgiving of mistakes – ideal for your first project.
Which R80 do you have? Twinshock vs. Monolever
- R80 Twinshock (until approx. 1984): two shock absorbers, symmetrical rear – the classic café racer look.
- R80 Monolever (from approx. 1985): single-sided swingarm, one shock absorber – very easy to customize.
R80 custom styles: What suits you?
R80 Café Racer
Flat seat cowl, slim seat, clip-on handlebars, clean rear end. The boxer silhouette naturally carries the café racer look.
R80 Scrambler
Knobby tires, high-mounted exhaust, robust handlebars, off-road capable suspension.
R80 Roadster
The purist, everyday-ready custom: tidy, classic, without fairings.
Popular R80 custom parts
Café racer rear conversion kit with TÜV certification
2-1 slip-on high exhaust with ABE (general operating permit)
SE-Performance ignition system
Getting more power out of the R80
From carburetor tuning and dual ignition to engine tuning: Engine & Performance · Ignition & Dual Ignition.
TÜV & Registration
Our parts are designed for road legality. Pay attention to tire approvals and registerable add-on parts.
Build it yourself or have it built?
Wrenching yourself? You've come to the right place with the R80 – hardly any model is more rewarding. Prefer a finished result?
Frequently asked questions about the R80 (FAQ)
Yes – robust, balanced, beginner-friendly, and with a huge range of registerable custom parts.
Two shock absorbers = Twinshock (until approx. 1984), single-sided swingarm with one shock absorber = Monolever (from approx. 1985).
Yes, if registerable parts are installed professionally. Our custom parts are designed exactly for this.
The R80 is an all-rounder: café racer, scrambler, and roadster all turn out excellently.
Still unsure which model? → Customizing a BMW – which model?
Sport Evolution – your BMW custom workshop from Neuwied.
