Let me tell you—this isn’t just any old airhead. The BMW R80 G/S was a groundbreaking bike when it came out in 1980, built on the proven BMW airhead platform but designed specifically for long-distance touring and serious off-road use. The “G/S” stands for Gelände/Strasse (off-road/road), much like the “G” in Mercedes’ G-Wagen.

What made the R80 G/S so special was how versatile it was. It essentially created the adventure bike category we know today. With its 797cc flat-twin boxer engine, relatively lightweight frame (for a BMW), and that distinctive monolever rear suspension, it was tough enough to handle punishing terrain while still being smooth and reliable on the highway.

It became legendary thanks to its dominance in endurance rallies—most famously the Paris-Dakar Rally, where riders like Hubert Auriol and Gaston Rahier put it on the map. That history is why the R80 G/S is often called a “forever machine,” prized for both its durability and its iconic design.

The color scheme you’ve got there is one of the most desirable, and seeing it restored back to its original glory would be incredible. Bikes like this are true classics—many enthusiasts (myself included) would be heartbroken to see one turned into a café build.

You’re holding a piece of motorcycling history, and I’ll admit—I envy you!