BMW R80 G/S Paris Dakar review. The classic bikes that won Dakar. Part 2 of 6.

The BMW GS first arrived in the eighties and BMW thought the Paris Dakar race would be the perfect event to prove its toughness and reliability. They proved to be correct and the GS went on to win Dakar in 1981, 1983, 1984 and 1985.
To celebrate its 4 wins, BMW produced this special edition and 200 examples had their tank signed by their star rider Gaston Rahier, making them highly collectable today.
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[@richdw1]

This channel is sublime Its a complete antidote to the inane, loud, infantile influencers who think reading out a cars specifications whilst howling "Amazing!" at everything they get their hands on makes them an expert. Harry's Garage is the equivalent to a 25 year old Scotch compared to the warm can of Carling of the supacarrr influencer berks....

[@jeremythomas6980]

Well said that man

[@thefridgeman]

When he left Evo I was wondering if he would keep making them. Was happy to see that he did. Cars came and went, new garage was build, etc. Quality stayed the same.

[@dragospahontu]

@@jeremythomas6980 we need a Honda Africa!

[@veemacks7255]

Add to that the obsession they have with straight-piping and making their cars as loud as possible. I think they really believe that when they're going through tunnels at 8,000 rpm with near enough no exhaust that all the other motorists are thinking "wow, that's cool" when actually 99% of them are thinking "What a tosser".

[@humanbeing1675]

Agree. Totally.

[@watcherit1311]

So nice to see a legendary bike in action for having fun, as opposed to just discussing it as a museum piece!

[@Charlie-jp6mx]

i see them (maybe ive seen the same many times, i dont know) here in Berlin

[@averyspies8328]

Really like the bike videos, keep them coming

[@ichiban8558]

Yer bloody hooligan! If the farmer catches you, you'll be in for it!

[@jeremythomas6980]

Love it

[@reggief340]

That is the fastest farmer I’ve seen to date. Go look at Harrys farm also on KZbin

[@geoffshilton6998]

I worked for BMW as a zone sales manager for Scotland in 79/80 and had 6 bikes I used for dealer visits. The GS 80 was the best road bike and the one I enjoyed the most.

[@tomfrantz]

Good report. Great video IMO.

[@parkarlsson7955]

I had one! Well, not the original Paris Dakar R80 G/S but an R80 G/S -82 with a Paris Dakar kit from some kit manufacturer. The tank was made in glass fiber, leaked a bit.. fixed that and had a great time with it in France, the Alpes Maritimes. Worked on yachts, drove the BMW for work and pleasure. Excellent handling, remember standing still at red lights without putting my feet down. I drove a lot in the "arriere pays" and it was an amazing scenery and great small roads up in the Alps! Bought it second hand from motorcycle dealer Otto Bruc(?) in Nice. Drove it summertime in the slopes at Isola 2000.. Anyway thank you for showing this great bike! Later, 1991, drove it to Sweden where I finally sold it and it is still here in Sweden.

[@cbrboy76]

Cracking vid, as usual. As a gs1150 owner its cool to see its grandad. It great to see harry enjoying his bikes and using them as intended, no garage queens in his garage. Rare bike, quite valuble & in showroom condition and harry is wacking across his fields and doing jumps on it, respect.

[@sergiofacchinetti2954]

Holy crap you where flying on the intro

[@Paul-fb1em]

Holy Crap. That's the expletive my wife uses when she gets miffed. Always cracks me up.

[@ianjames3078]

I’m almost stunned.......how fantastic to see an R80GSPD being ridden off road. Explained the whole R engine really well, that low CoG makes riding them so addictive. Cracking little videos Harry, can’t wait to see you back out in Morocco making more when you can. Stay safe and thanks for the entertainment.

[@WaliVohra]

KZbin, listen, Harry doesn’t make bad videos, it’s not a thing that exists in the world. He’s the best and that’s an end, you should sort yourself out

[@alistairmcdonald9715]

It was Harry's bike collection that drew me into the channel. These last two bike videos have been the highlight of my time enjoying a great KZbin channel. Never been a disappointing video yet, keep them coming.

[@maxflight777]

Same here Alastair.

[@InstrumentAaa]

Yup they got me as well! Really happy to see more bike vids!

[@twotubefamily9323]

Harry you really are the best thing on KZbin ..

[@franciscosilva2511]

I remenber having a french motorcycle magazine with it, a big poster of the "petit" french rider, Gaston Rahier. He on his "big" motorcycle. And he did win with his race suite with Playboy...😉 It was time, when Dakar was Dakar.

[@fidgetpants4058]

My art teacher had one of these in the late 80's he'd alternate between this and a honda 400/4... I've always liked the look of them ever since 👌

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Excellent to see another of your bike collection Harry, and in the case of the R80 G/S the start of something very big for BMW Motorrad of course....maybe with a bit of help from Charley and Ewan maybe. Oh how I wish I had my own field or two to ride around on, I've exhausted all my local green lanes and hence sold the one dirt-bike I had (my GS is for the Strasse only!).... Top vid as ever...more bikes please!

[@ryanforeman3650]

Evening tmf! I was watching your multistarda 950 vid yday and shall be watching the Cb650r video after this one, both bikes I'm very interested in to join my zx6r

[@Porsche996driver]

Hey it’s Mister Fly!

[@peterwilliams1004]

Hah, them GS's 'll never catch on.

[@veemacks7255]

I'm scared just watching him zoom across bumpy fields at high speed. With history of owning 3 trail bikes and knowing how much they're determined to throw you off, I'm amazed. #BallsOfSteel

[@gordonmackenzie4512]

Every now and again I take my XT350 into the woods. Gets the heart beating faster.

[@y4nnickschmitt]

Well the BMW is quite a bit heavier than trailbikes so its not as keen to throwing you off. Plus the center of gravity is quite low wich further helps it behave!

[@veemacks7255]

@@y4nnickschmitt Yeah but it just takes one rut or mound that's determined enough to grab that front wheel and the handlebars are ripped out of your hands (probably breaking one wrist/arm as it happens) and then you're heading over the bars and hoping the bike doesn't land on you.

[@y4nnickschmitt]

@@veemacks7255 Sure that could happen. And if you're so focused on that kinda stuff, guess what's gonna happen. Exactly that! ✌️😉

[@veemacks7255]

@@y4nnickschmitt I think maybe it was because I wasn't focused on that kinda stuff that it *did* happen.

[@brucearena]

Your vintage motorcycle collection is really something else and this particular specimen is wonderful. I don't understand why BMW doesn't have a back-to-basics under 200kg/1000cc boxer engine platform on its lineup. Cheers Harry!

[@drink4711]

Harry, you ride like a young hooligan. Great job!

[@jonoedwards4195]

He needs an 85 and a 96 GSXR for dis Fantasy 4711

[@gafrers]

This Dakar Winner bikes series is awesome.

[@otm646]

Thank you for doing this series. Highlighting some of the most important bikes in a way no one else can. These videos will be gems decades on.

[@peterlazarus1876]

I've learnt so much over the past year by watching your videos Harry. Thank you for nourishing your channel with such fine content 👍.

[@olivierleduc6436]

I am so happy to see bike videos from Harry again!

[@guinnessharvey4476]

This guy is living the life I dream of. Keep the context coming Harry. Really love watching you with your cars, bikes and tractors

[@glennturnbull8568]

Thanks Harry, great to see more bikes being reviewed.

[@humanbeing1675]

Harry...full speed offroad😀 Great opening scene!

[@mravi97]

And just as I thought HG can't get any better, it erupts in a completely new dimension! Loving it!

[@Komuniecki]

I absolutely love how you know the detailed history around anything you own Harry. Your passion and the integrity of the collection is second to none in the published world. It's such a pleasure to come to this space and I always learn something new, even if I've been interested in it for years. Thank you for your excellent content. From Canada.

[@cgoodwin2875]

I extended my brake pedal on my R100GS and it gave me so much more control. Worth buying a spare to modify and leave the original intact. Thanks for making me miss my old one....

[@daftnord4957]

even on my r1150gs i put a foot pedal extension on. i always tended to barely grab the end of the pedal otherwise

[@cgoodwin2875]

@@daftnord4957 Yes I have 3 boxer BMW's and all of them are awkward.

[@billywilliams8833]

Excellent Video, Lovely to see this Bike being ridden and not just hidden in a Garage. Thanks Harry.

[@juansequeirabaquero1780]

This gentleman here and this channel are automotive treasures.

[@iaintdonknow]

You're truly living the dream, thank you for sharing all your thoughts and experiences with us!

[@tomkruze2749]

Your videos are So simple and Perfect. You truly depict what it is like to experience these fantastic bikes. You even explain to the non riders what it’s like to ride so they can really FEEL the bikes. Please keep doing what you are doing. One of the best series on KZbin

[@bogthing1]

Love these rips through the fields, thank you!

[@joneldridge5513]

Brilliant, Harry..just brilliant! Brings back so many memories, for me when I was hooked by the Dakar bikes..still am..

[@bebben86]

I love this channel, and I really love this little series about the bikes. Thank you! :)

[@navarredr]

I watch a lot of car channels, but HG is my favorite. Really enjoying this series. Cheers!

[@daveschilkie465]

I love the bike videos. I have been riding for 46 years. I really like the mix of bikes and cars. Thank you.

[@worldwidemattcam]

I've been waiting for this episode for aeons! It's great! Thank you so much for all your work, I thoroughly appreciate it and enjoy it. It puts a beaming grin across my face to hear you praise the bike as "sexy" because it's always comforting to know others share your ailment! Thanks again. M

[@theflyingfrenchman9760]

Thanks for the videos. Brings me back to watching on tv the start of the race on the 1st of January in Paris. Can’t wait for the Africa Twin and Tenere to show what they were capable of. You have a nice playground to let them sing.

[@robertrittner2419]

Thank you for sharing your collection, very enjoyable to watch.

[@davidperry2492]

Great to see our man Harry having fun around his fields a lovely old iconic BMW boxer. Top stuff Harry.

[@Rob-cv3vh]

Great video, thank you. In the 80s my school librarian used to ride a pale metallic green BMW K series which all of us high school boys were naturally fascinated by. He was a huge Paris Dakar fan with posters in his office and loved telling us about the exploits of BMW bikes there and the nature of the race which we struggled to comprehend the scale of. I knew you’d have one of these, it’s stunning.

[@MarcS4R]

I own both , the Elefant and the R80 Dakar. Fantastic bikes. Can't wait to see the Cagiva video.

[@Uvall127a]

Always enjoy the bike videos Harry. Many happy memories bombing around on bikes not like this but from the era.

[@danielmarshall4587]

THANK YOU Harry, I'm really enjoying these "bike collection" videos.

[@ryanforeman3650]

Cracking video again Harry. Really enjoying these bike vids

[@andreasfrese1604]

I also got a '88 R100GS since 27 years. A great bike with an impressive history. I love your videos with all the background history and the comparison between all the Paris Dakar bikes. All the best from Germany

[@philippeheritier9364]

I have been riding this bike since 1988 and it has become a part of me. I have never had any technical problem with this bike. Fantastic.

[@windronner1]

Harry’s a man of many motors. Great 👍 video. Enjoy them all!!

[@robertbaldrey3623]

Another great video Harry, one of my favourite bikes and so good to see it used in anger. Keep up the bike content as well as the cars - it’s all fascinating.

[@jimc793]

I had an R80 G/S for 20 years. I remember the Metzeler Twinduro tires that came stock and you're' a good rider Harry. Purchased new in 1981 and put a Paris Dakar kit on it in the late 80s. Big tank with Gaston Rahier "signature," single seat , rear rack and added Ohlins shock on rear and had front forks internals beefed up but the forks were very dainty. Years later replaced it with a R1200 GSA in 2008. HUGE difference in weight and power. Wish I had them both, still.

[@Kevccordion]

I just answered an ad for someone selling a gs dakar like this one before I saw this video, quite the coincidence! Love the style!!

[@eddienoel1149]

You can tell you are a bike man at heart

[@reinmansmith]

Oooh Harry!! Loving these bike videos, thank you 🙏..... Top marks to your camera man for capturing you riding across the field in silhouette against the sky, great shot!! So good to see these bikes being ridden as they should be 👍 The BMW GS really is the Range Rover of the motorbike world .....

[@hymek7017]

Fantastic Harry, thank you. Can't help grinning all the way through.

[@usaspiesonallies9576]

Good evening Harry, for many months now, I cannot wait a single day for a new car review, stories told about your car collection, etc. In times of media overload, you bring to many of us true essence of simple enjoyment of life‘s positive aspects. I assume even Arthur Schopenhauer could manage to smile after watching one of your episodes. Keep it coming sir. Grüße aus Schleswig-Holstein

[@philmaundrill]

Great video Harry! I’m not much of a bike fan, but you make them all really interesting - especially with the Paris Dakar history lessons! Thanks...

[@dogson5000]

You the man Harry! Class on another level yet again, these videos are so good.

[@thehopster23]

Cracking video Harry, blasting around the farm looks like epic fun!!

[@dennisdrenthe1058]

As a car nut I follow this channel mainly for these Paris Dakar bike vids! They're great! Good insights Harry. It's time for my motorcylcle license.

[@stepheneldridge6998]

Cheers Harry, love these Dakar bike videos 📹 👍. Iooking forward to seeing more! Cheers, Steve

[@fredtracy1673]

Great video, and nice collection of bikes. I look forward to more. Cheers from Canada 🇨🇦

[@HarryHipster]

I've bought the last version of the R80 GS, the last air-cooled version of the classic BMW boxer engine in 1996 and I'm still happy and proud owning it. I get many thumbs-up when people see me riding it. Even if it has been designed for off-road purposes it's a much better on-road bike. Beautifully balanced with enough torque and surprising handling and cornering abilities you can go the pace of much stronger and bigger bikes if you wish. But more than this it's this relaxed feeling on this comfortable, stable, yet agile classic motorcycle that always gives me a smile on my face. Love it.

[@twarken5078]

Loving the bike videos, Harry!

[@duncanorr5926]

My father owned 2 r80rt's and has road new gsa's for about 6 years now. Loves them and swears by them. Great vid and can't wait to see more bike content.

[@jaystewart3395]

I like the way you handle and enjoy your bikes and cars for an old boy you’re great. And your mrs and family is something to aspire to...love your videos

[@echanos]

I had to smile at the opening shot. You can tell from a long distance that Harry is carrying some serious momentum across that field with the dust cloud behind him. Another fun video.

[@jimcadogan6723]

Another great video with some great filming and info thanks again

[@timhouston1638]

Flippin' awesome Harry! Thanks for another great video :)

[@kasztan2008]

Great, I was waiting for bike reviews. I've always seen them in the background, glad you took some time to talk about them. BTW: I was worried when I saw the intro, you are flying there ! proper speed :)

[@vivasangabriele1608]

I have the blessed privilege to own the original, winning 1985 HPN belonged to Gaston Rahier. Watching Harry’s channel, brings me that cozy atmosphere of a gentlemen driver club, made of that very smell of Castrol, Creed and Islay malts. Hats off, dear Harry! 🏆🇬🇧🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

[@harrysgarage]

What? Owning the winning '85 bike?! I thought BMW had them all but maybe not. Does it still run and, if so, do you ride it occasionally? It's a very different bike to the R80GS I was riding in this vid..

[@vivasangabriele1608]

@@harrysgarage Actually, BMW owns the "reserve" unit, displayed in its museum, together with a rebuilt one. I had this lucky strike to grab this motorbike through a German friend, in 2011. Long story but, just true! I am a keen collector of cars and classic bikes (not up to your glorious level) but, some good, special units in my garage are definitely making me a glad 55er. I started with Dinky, Matchbox and Corgi and....... I never braked for 50 years. Have a blessed weekend, my Friend!

[@gogathome]

Loving the bike videos Harry. Excellent tip on getting into 1st gear, have the same issue with my R1150 and your tip of letting the clutch out works a dream, thanks a million :)

[@jamesbramblett3346]

What a beautiful machine! Such a great racing history in the Dakar. Congratulations

[@andrewfrench4087]

Excellent work Mr Metcalfe; very reminiscent of The Great Escape . Good idea to leave out the barbed-wire fence scene though !

[@ghowells5433]

Great to see some modern bike reviews, alongside the classic bikes which are great

[@boboshop55]

I own one myself! Sadly Gastons signature has faded with time, but the miles have been worth it! Best bike I've ever owned. So much Fun!! ✌✌

[@joelwilkinson4496]

I've owned an XT500 and currently using an R80GS on a farm so these videos have been fantastic to watch. And I had a good laugh listening to you talking about the side stand because my gosh they're a difficult little thing.

[@harrysgarage]

Thanks. That side stand is rubbish, isn't it?! It doesn't look strong enough either, I hate using the thing. I know you can get a modified version that stays down, rather than spring back up but I think the original one is very un BMW and a bit crap really!

[@joelwilkinson4496]

@@harrysgarage haha yes they are. I've had a few moments where I nearly landed one of the pots on my leg. Thanks so much for replying Harry, love your work.

[@leopost5636]

@@harrysgarage i get rid of all my boxer sidestands , worthless things , the centerstands often need welding flat strips underneath to repair the wear

[@davidbutler3661]

I've had my 1981 R80G/S for 27 years and I always get off before putting the side stand down. I think it works OK when used in this manner. Mine had the signature on the tank when I bought it but it has worn off over the years, if I had known it was so rare I might have tried to preserve it. All in all they are a great bike and I will never part with mine. Here in Australia there are plenty of places to ride it and make the most of it's abilities all year round.

[@nickhill3362]

Harry these bike reviews are great fun and very interesting 👍

[@markkuhonkala7240]

Such a charismatic bike. I should know, because I have a later spec paralever model in my shed, a 1989 model R80GS Basic replica sort of thing, with upgraded tunable suspension (Marzocchi & Öhlins) and a Siebenrock 1000cc kit waiting to be installed. Having owned loads of different old and new adventure & offroad bikes over 15 years, my R80GS - ’Finnduro’ as I call it - remains the sole survivor in my shed!

[@len333p]

Harry, you have your video content an presentation just perfect. I’m riding the bike with you!

[@windinthewillows6248]

Love the series Harry, look forward to the next one. 👍

[@brianmerillat5378]

Excellent I really enjoy you riding those bikes! Bravo!

[@hvalour1]

Awesome vid harry, such a cool bike! Nice driving.

[@benblakemore4195]

Bloody not bad for an old fella harry haha😊😊 thats some great riding and another comprehensive and exciting video. Cheer harry kind regards N.Z.

[@thedarrendasher8134]

Fantastic Harry, me and the wife enjoyed watching this, my Dad still has his R100GS, R100RS and K100RS at seventy five years young. I have a 1250GS which I really like too. Looking forward to you testing the Elefants, still have a couple of Dukes along with the GS in the garage but always wanted an Elefant. More bikes please Harry, be interesting what you say about your Z13, my Dad had one back in the day and I used to fall asleep on the back when we went touring.

[@5ebra1]

Another great video Harry. Wish I had a field.

[@StevenVanLoven]

Harry on a bike. I love this. Thanks for the review .

[@happy_camper]

Loving these videos

[@joaquinjavaloyesruiz8040]

Admirable bike for a modern GS1250 owner like me.

[@blueyondermoto]

Love this Paris Dakar series, golden age. The hunting for the rear brake is something I've found on my modern Beemers too. I've fitted an extender to my R1200R Sport.

[@user-nt9nd7xm5f]

Not hanging around there Harry, excellent video thank you. I know you’ve got other stuff on but I’d watch a Harry’s Garage / Farm video daily ! 🏎🏍💨

[@Dynamic26Duo]

This was wonderful. The G/S will always be special for me. Such a good bike..

[@cmcollett2]

Anyone who has ever rode trail in the UK knows that this is skilled riding, especially on such a big bike.

[@TheAgwarn]

Love the bike videos, can’t wait for the other Dakar bikes!

[@maxflight777]

11;00..that jump ! Excellent. I’ve been riding bikes all my life and have completed many off-road holidays and trail rides. I’m just a couple of years younger than you, but my skills have declined more than yours! Well done! You deserve a pat on the back.

[@maxflight777]

My favourite of all the Dakar bikes. Thanks Harry. PS We lost Hubert a few months ago, RIP. Makes you realise that we are not here for ever. Viewers need to make the most of every single day.

[@roosthrower]

Thanks for the review of this bike, Seen one of these in Sydney Australia other day, never seen one before, I really wanted one till I seen the price. Would be good bike to have for a back lane or Sunday short cruise on road. Amazing how far they have come, wouldn't like to spoil it thru the woods and mud. You just took me on a ride and it feels like I have test ridden one..thanks Harry great story on the gem of a bike.

[@bellevue260]

Love to see you using your vehicles as intended.

[@BalthasarOutdoor]

Just love these vidoes and especially the R80GS PD - what an absolute stunner. What about a semi-offroad adventure vidoe to get us trough the Covid days?

[@bryandickerson5365]

@Harry’s Garage Cars, farming, motorcycles - I guess we really are brothers from other mothers! I’’m new to “adventure” bikes, though, so these videos are really fun and informative for me, thanks! Also - I didn’t know that Gaston Rahier went on to race Paris-Dakar! I knew of him as the Suzuki 125 MX champ alongside 500 champ Roger DeCoster - they were my heros! My buddies and I called them Roller DeCoaster and Gas-on Racer!