BMW R 80 ST

In 1982, BMW presented a road version of the R 80 G/S. The BMW R 80 ST (ST for "Straße" road) effectively adopted the concept of the G/S, although the chassis was tuned for riding on roads, with consequent shorter spring travel, a smaller 19 inch front wheel was mounted and standard road-going tyres were fitted. A large number of test riders were enthusiastic but the concept of a motorcycle closely related to an Enduro was apparently too progressive for the conservative BMW customer base. They wanted a thoroughbred road motorcycle with unrestricted options for pillion and touring capability. The anticipated sales figures failed to materialise.