Barn Find BMW R80/7 Motorcycle - First Wash in 30 Years!

Hi guys, I'm excited to announce the next build on the channel! I found this 1978 BMW R80/7 for sale on Facebook Marketplace in Floral City, Florida. It was severely neglected and looked like it had been sitting outside under a tarp in the same spot for years! The owner claimed that it ran when I talked to him on the phone but when I arrived at his house he was unable to get it started. He cranked it over many times so I knew it was not locked up but continually cranking eventually drained the battery. I used this to my advantage to negotiate the price down as the bike was not worth the asking price in the condition that it was in.
Once I got the bike home I noticed a lot of bad wiring connections along with the smell of really bad gas. I bought a new battery and spark plugs and cleaned up the questionable electrical wiring. Then I drained the tank and poured some fresh gas in. To my amazement it actually fired up pretty easily. It is really a testament to how tough these bikes are! Upon further inspection I found a registration sticker that was dated in 2006 so I'm assuming that is the last time this bike was on the road. By the looks of it I would bet it was decommissioned even longer than that.
In this video we do a full deep clean on the bike and start taking it apart to assess just how bad of shape it is in. I have no solid plans as of right now about which style I will build this bike so I look forward to getting feedback from all of you! #abandoned #barnfind #motorcycle
Thanks for watching! If you want to see more details about the build head over to my instagram @baycityrestorations
Custom Cafe Racer Parts - www.caferacerwebshop.com?ref=baycity
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[@moukafaslouka4796]

These classic bikes should never be converted to scramblers or cafe racers. Bring it back to its former glory by fully restoring it. Enjoy riding it everyday.

[@BayCityRestorations]

This one is back on the road in its former glory

[@georgel3657]

Everyone does the cafe racer thing I would love to see this restored to absolute original glory

[@DanaTheInsane]

I have an R60/5 and I constantly get asked if I'm going to make it a "cafe racer" drives me nuts.

[@kimballwiggins3976]

100%

[@MrSebfrench76]

i recently saved a 1985 K100 RT ,full original with its complete baggagerie, in perfect condition for 1500 euros(1500 USD), it that was prone to be turned into a dumb café racer. I hate this stupid mode. Mine will remain " as it".

[@phillipmitchell5879]

R80 was the smoothest airhead. This 1 has good bones. I hope it's made into a classic style resto.

[@MrJKJKJK1974]

You can buy and build scramblers, cafe racers etc. out of anything. That lovely bike is well within your capabilities to restore as a classic. I say keep the originals, original.

[@gaboufleur]

Restore it to as close to the original as possible. I think that's the only way to go for such a classic bike. Thanks

[@verovieira1]

i agree !

[@fullfunk]

no theres already hundreds of original looking ones and they are ugly...

[@sahabatbonsai8864]

Awesome

[@pd1jdw630]

Truth

[@jhellnowh]

Classic restoration

[@gianlucamatarazzo8704]

Love this bike. Old and solid, reliable and trusty. I believe it worth to be brought back in time, as she was when she left the seller's shop. Can't wait for next video, hurry up! Greetings from Rome

[@NOTAFULLUN]

Clean and ride. It wears its life beautifully. Just polish it.

[@finn.hermansen]

I would just restore it to a classic

[@handyandy5929]

Always keep it classic! 😎

[@HolyMoleyJoelyPoley]

Love your videos mate. I watch them on my lunch break, pure ASMR. You know your stuff. Wish I could restore something like that.

[@BayCityRestorations]

Appreciate you watching! 😎

[@Geitzeist]

I used to have this exact same year/model bike. I rode it from WA to LA (Louisiana). the seat was rusted, so I cut the back part off and turned it into a solo seat. My old '73 R75/5 had a factory police seat, so I was just recreating that. I kept the Krauser bags and it was mostly stock, except it had a rear disc brake upgrade and aluminum rims. Awesome bike. These are incredibly reliable and fun to ride.

[@daniele3363]

Cafe Racer for me I Love your cafe racer builds just make another special edition cafe racer that would make my day!

[@claydupuy5576]

Can’t wait to see next video!

[@Infektedcustomz]

This bike will make for an epic transformation!

[@robinoconnor1203]

It would be nice to see this restored to original condition, leave the Krauser / BMW side cases and rack in place, fit flat European bars and a R90S style bikini fairing. Too many BMW twins from this era are being ruined converting them to so called Scramblers and cafe racers. Original bikes are becoming very scarce worldwide.

[@shingerz]

Brilliant video 👍🇬🇧

[@jorgedanielenriquez2191]

Clásic bikes restoration. Thanks!!

[@TMKNWA]

So excited about this build

[@zacharyporter5639]

Holy chrome moly! when you found the rats nest in the air box area, i thought, " how the heck was that thing even running??" must've been one awesome machine when it was new! can't wait to see more of this build!

[@TritonNEWS]

Fantastic Job

[@Psycrow11]

Nice to see someone clean the bike before starting the project!!

[@BayCityRestorations]

It was filthy! Had to knock some of that grime off before tearing into it

[@ivanalberca1526]

Looks great at the begining of the video. That's the way

[@g.w.7893]

Boxers are built like tanks. A great testament to that on display here.

[@BayCityRestorations]

100% couldn’t believe how easy I was able to get it running after all that time it sat.

[@CAJLAMB]

Such a cracking donor bike. I built a Street Tracker out of my 1986 R80 (monoshock model).

[@eng.Bonevv]

Classic restoration.

[@lannyhammett119]

classic without a doubt

[@lleblarry]

Classic, please. The BMW footpeg rubbers demand it!

[@MrJE728]

Would go for the brat/scrambler look. Glad to see that it will soon be back on the roads.

[@GodspeedRides]

Can't wait to see the restored BMW R80.

[@chrissmith7669]

What a beautiful bike

[@owenmatthew5551]

Bobber style gonna be lit af 🔥

[@andrewd7586]

I have a 1980 R100s, restored to complete original! I bought it because it was & its stunning! I’m doing my 2003 R1150R into a cafe/scrambler/mongrel beast!😈💪🏼🤣 If you’ve modified other BM’s, I’d go the classic route. That old girl deserves it!👍🏼😎🇦🇺

[@julkamierzejewska6414]

absolutely classic!!!

[@alexduey7868]

Cafe racer looks slick but it will look great as any of those options!

[@EvLoutonian]

It's perfect! Don't change a thing!

[@tomprzyb1830]

Classic !!!! :)

[@davidgreve2181]

I would love to be a part of this rebuild. These bikes Can shine again. And did looks like you already know WHaT you're doing. I'm a BMW fan from the 50s mine was an R/51/3 built in 53. Great bike too.

[@plunder1956]

I once rode an R-80-RT it was lovely.

[@carrestore]

that was perfect 👍👍👍

[@darkiee69]

Classic. And that seat must be after market, have never seen that style of seat on a BMW before.

[@BayCityRestorations]

I believe is aftermarket too. So was the front fairing that was on it.

[@briansmythe3219]

Nice Broess I had one of Them Great Bike, Ive still got a R50/2 1952 model just got to rebild the motor

[@howardskinner4916]

Keep the appearance close to stock. Rebuild the engine with an eye to more performance. Beautiful bike! Repair it and ride it.

[@khunjamesch5771]

Classic 👌

[@davidroe7698]

Definitely classic.

[@andywawa7227]

great beginning mate :-)

[@BayCityRestorations]

thank you! :)

[@Gav671]

Just subbed. Love the show.

[@ferragensstacruz620]

love this bike. Cafe racer will be my choise

[@nokiadude82]

Bobber would look awesome

[@LucasCbassBR]

Scrambler would be very impressive!

[@jaydrathsinhpuwar]

Bratstyle too actually tbh anything looks good on this 😂

[@jaketaylor8837]

Especially with a longer 1.5 man seat like on some of the viragos

[@jaydrathsinhpuwar]

@@jaketaylor8837 exactly 💯

[@eaglestrikes1]

Great video thank you. Did you video the rest of the restoration? Many thanks

[@eaglestrikes1]

Just found it! Many thanks

[@bigbraintime8632]

Hi there i am here😁😁😁

[@lucianoperezgaimberan2380]

I would go with classic or cafe racer build. I think classic would be awesome due to the poor condition of the moto right now. Great video!

[@BayCityRestorations]

Full classic resto would definitely make for a great before and after!

[@berndrunde2203]

I put my 60/5 away last winter and when I brought it out this spring also in my starter motor space some mice moved in. Seems to be a good location...

[@BayCityRestorations]

Nice warm place for them to hide And easy access with that top scoop being open too!

[@ZM4-978]

I think original, many people want this bike Many people from the netherlands 😎

[@williammoses6460]

Get in touch with the Airheads for really granular information. Some of these don’t have a groove cut in a transmission shaft to hold the circlip and a bearing can migrate. Very messy. Also try brake fluid as a penetrating fluid. Apply it with a paintbrush, let it sit overnight.

[@alloomis1635]

i had an r80, very decent bike. i was young and foolish then, so i decided that i needed something more exciting. bought a 1 liter ducati, ended up having to re-do the wiring entirely.eventually it ran, and fast. but a bit ponderous. if you want to do long-haul riding, bmw 750/800 is the best. smooth, reliable, easy maintenance and quite flickable.

[@nigelspackman948]

Classic only!!!!

[@bigred8438]

I have to say I would go for the classic look.

[@aircap]

I have a ‘78, best bike I ever had!

[@jetlag4free621]

Motolove! Love my own yamaha. Always putting up the good stuff like Delta Parole, Metallica, Alice In Chains and others when I am working on her. Moto is life

[@rustyshackelford6900]

Classic with performance upgrades

[@BayCityRestorations]

Definitely want to do a better front brake setup.

[@kylkim93]

Built it into an overlander touring bike, like it was meant to be! (Ok, so it's not a GS, but any bike is an adventure bike if you're brave enough) 😉 Myth Motorcycles finished a pretty neat R80 GS recently.

[@rudybristow5563]

Classic !

[@erhantemel1087]

Classic ❤️

[@Gesanglehrer]

very interesting

[@hendrikczeczatka6514]

Classic!!!! 😄

[@DORSIAKILL]

You could do good with stuck metal parts using a map gas torch and heating them up a bit.

[@attilatamasmakai6850]

Looking at the last 3 finished versions - using a Hungarian idiom - I pissed in my trousers. GREAT JOB!

[@BayCityRestorations]

Thank you!

[@attilatamasmakai6850]

@@BayCityRestorations Sorry, I meant the last 4 - of course.

[@Bob-3639]

Classic without tha fairing👍

[@marschall3440]

Classic with a slight touch of cafe racer

[@nickjahraus9780]

Touring style roadster. That's my plan... one day. Ignition upgrade, airbox mod, some valving and intake messaging, oil-pan extension, raising the engine in the frame. Re-engineer the back subframe or a PD style swap with appropriate luggage mounts. Not a full fairing but something mid-size for a little wind protection and electronics housing. Go from 6.5 to 10 gallons or just removable cans for added miles? The latter would make it easier for the 'around town' mode when not traveling. Can I extend the driveline a couple of inches, hmmm? Sure, keeping it stock would be cool, yet there are enough of those about. But a close to stock modified ride closing in on 75hp and able to leg it out 300 miles in a day comfortably would be so much more.

[@ranajaydeb2906]

A scrambler buils would be a treat to the eyes

[@barrywebber100]

Absolutely fascinating, another vote for original restoration, thanks for posting.

[@BayCityRestorations]

Thanks Barry, check out my next video of the full restoration.

[@barrywebber100]

@@BayCityRestorations I just did! Great job!

[@simonwarmer8777]

I’ve got a R100RS ‘77, kept it as original as possible, except without the windscreen, naked. And of course with an original flat one piece saddle with the drop shaped metal end.

[@Pip457]

A Nice café racer.

[@G-G._]

enjoy it and ride it.

[@michaelclutton8446]

I have owned this exact model for well over 40 years, it was 6 months old when I bought it. It took nearly every penny I had at the time. It's still in regular use. Do a Classic restore Regards Mike in the UK

[@BayCityRestorations]

Love to hear that! Do you know if the large seat that came on mine was an original option at the time? When I look up images of this specific model I don't see any bikes with this seat which leads me to believe it is aftermarket that was put on at some point.

[@michaelclutton8446]

Hi the first thing I thought when I saw your video was the seats not original, it wasn’t one of BMWs better ideas but the original seat had a first aid kit in a compartment under the front of the seat, this meant there was little padding just where you sat. I removed this after a few years, I am going out on the Bike today it’s probably one of the best bikes all round that I have ridden, in my opinion it would be such a shame to modify it Regards Mike

[@DanaTheInsane]

CLASSIC!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@BayCityRestorations]

Check out my next video 😁

[@CreativeComander]

Awesome

[@bxhhddby2191]

I would just restore it.. those bags in the back are rad

[@martmexpue]

Krauser Koffer :-)

[@muktisaputra3230]

Modif like officer looks good .cause the line on the engine

[@shafismaili1347]

I haven't got a clue what I'm talking about, but wouldn't mind if you kept the tourer fairing & saddle bags.

[@myrestorations]

Great 👍

[@ollitiainen121]

Restomod classic!

[@piriguin2211]

Love the vid, was like ASMR lol. A Bobber with a touch of rat rod would be amazing! Awesome vid 🤙🏼

[@BayCityRestorations]

Appreciate you watching!

[@cristianferber5834]

Great video… I’m your new subscriber… Greetings from Germany

[@BayCityRestorations]

Welcome aboard! Thanks for watching!

[@jose21madrid]

I would defenitely do classic factory restoration. Café racer is always another opción, but original style is very attractive in this kind of seventies bikes.

[@RjazanovSergey]

at 1:40 i thought it tears of happines on the tank )))

[@JDnBeastlet]

Classic, classic, classic. There... I said it thrice.

[@mikiethebikie]

Classic, says a former RT1100 owner.

[@panpieklo]

Can’t wiat for next one

[@jeffhammond8969]

Back to stock for this!

[@doubleR-8]

I'd love it if you went modern bobber??

[@ezequielsilva2709]

Vai ficar bom!

[@chrishay8385]

Crickey I wish all the nuts and bolts would undo like that on my projects!.my u tube project would just show me fighting(and losing mostly) trying to get frozen and horribly seized nuts and bolts apart.any how good luck with a cool project there sir.

[@BayCityRestorations]

😂 I cut out a lot of the struggle with the getting the exhaust off this thing.

[@johnjemmison9286]

100% classic

[@nickjuh010]

Rat Rot!! Will be awesome!!! Looking forward to it

[@BayCityRestorations]

Always wanted to do a mad max style build :)

[@nickjuh010]

I say go for it!! Curious what you make of it!!

[@Moonlightbay07]

Back to its old glory please

[@gtodad7311]

Whatever you do......keep the spokes, maybe a modern front fork and brakes. Style wise I seem to agree with everything you've done so far so whatever you feel while your in the build man.