Overview
BMW R80RT
The motorcycle earned the nickname Problem Child due to its reluctance to ‘come apart’ over the four-month course of the build in 2022.
It was ‘shed built’ by a father and daughter team, won first prize at the Kickback Custom Show held in the same year and featured in BIKEBOUND Custom magazine and Café Racer Magazine.
(Build photographs, Kickback Custom Show, BIKEBOUND and café Racer articles available on memory stick.)
The donor bike had covered approximately 55,000 miles at the time of customization. And has only done 500 miles since.
The design influence is taken from old Triumphs of the 60s and 70s. It has BSA pattern mud guards, Triumph handlebars and AJS covered shock absorbers to create the classic triumph look on a BMW. The spotlights are old Bates lamps.
The bike is now 40 years old and registered as Classic/Historic and exempt Tax and MOT. (Despite this an MOT was carried out in May 2025)
The motorcycle is in exceptional condition however, it was first registered in 1984 and although reconditioned to a high standard in 2022 it is NOT NEW. Like all custom builds it will require checking: For fixing tightness, carburettor balance and all the usual rebuild motorcycle checks. It is still effectively running in.
The engine is stock aside from the earlier style air-box and old style air filter. The crankcase breather circuit has had pipe work modified to suit the replacement old style air-box.
Electrical wiring has been modified to accommodate the digital speedometer and other non standard modifications. (A wiring diagram is available to show the modifications).
The original circuit board connector panel/fuse board has been used along with mostly original wiring. (Wiring is tight behind the new smaller headlight bowl).
A modern regulator rectifier has been installed according to instructions provided by the supplier, and the wiring diagram provided.
High performance coils are fitted and leads are made up using classic cloth bound HT cable. (It is uncertain how these will perform in the wet and they are an old style lead construction).
All fluids and filters were new at the time of building in March/April 2022. Engine oil was replaced in March 2025. Old style Mineral oil has been used as advised.
BMW original fine mesh fuel filters are installed in the tank between Petcock and tank fitting.
The motorcycle has been run and set up on modern unleaded fuels without issue. It is recommended that Super Unleaded is used where available.
The carburettors were fully reconditioned by East Anglia Vapour Blasting.
The motorcycle is running slightly lower than stock, both front and rear (10 mm at the front and 20 mm at the rear).
Work done to the bike;
Frame, all casings, swing arm and wheels powder coated.
Battery mounts relocated under the seat, hidden by cut down original side panels.
New bearings and seals throughout.
Engine stripped, older air box and valve covers sourced to offer the older smoother look. New rings and stainless push rod covers.
Bearings inspected and found to be imperfect order, but new rings as a matter of course due to changing the pushrod covers.
New regulator rectifier and modified loom to accommodate revised headlight (Lucas type) three in one tail lights, LED front indicators and Daytona Digital clock.
Seat frame heated bent and reworked to suit aftermarket BMW seat.
Cut down BSA stainless mud guard to rear. Front custom stainless steel.
Monza Fuelcap.
Kevil’s speed shop top yolk conversion, progressive springs in rebuilt Forks, and AJS rear shocks.
Carbs professionally cleaned and cara coated.
Period style tubed tyres.
Keyhan exhaust headers with modified megaphone mufflers
Modified Harley Davidson fender rack at rear.
