Strip an R80RT to make a "naked bike"?

Steve Wike · 2016-07-03T19:29:12Z

I have a (recently acquired) 1984 R80RT, which has a factory fairing with a big bracket that appears to be spot-welded to the steering head of the frame (although the parts fiche shows it as a separate part), and several other bolt-on brackets that support it. I am considering removing the fairing, removing the frame-mounted main bracket and associated bucket for electricals, and replacing it with some stock R-bike fork ears, turn signal stalks, headlight bucket, etc., to make a "naked R80". I might go with a small "S-bike" type fairing, or semi-cafe style, but would like to personalize the bike to be what I would like it ti be, and "keeping it original" isn't such a big deal with a non-vintage bike like this. Has anyone here had any experience in such a conversion? It it were all bolted-on stuff, I wouldn't hesitate, since I could always easily re-attach the fairing if desired. Frankly, I was surprised when I realized that the fairing bracket was actually a welded-on component of the frame on this bike. I have enough metal working knowledge and experience to be sure I can cleanly remove the big front mount by drilling into the spot welds and popping them off, lightly grinding off the remaining weld from the neck and touching up the paint, so I am not concerned about "damaging" the frame head at all.

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Steve Wike

(@steevo)

Posts: 55

Trusted Member

Topic starter

Oh, and I have a complete RT-add-on kit available for sale to anyone that wishes to go the other way.
All stock BMW parts, fairing, mounts, harness, etc.

Posted : 09/03/2016 23:29

Richard W

(@wobbly)

Posts: 2642

Member

Very clean job of it. I like !!

You'll love the stainless brake lines. However, that funny loop over the front fender will entrap air and keep the calipers from self-bleeding. You may want to study that a bit more.

Owning an old Airhead is easy.
Keeping an old Airhead running great is the true test.

Posted : 09/04/2016 23:17

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