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Description

BMW R 80 G/S PARIS-DAKAR — SEPTEMBER 1986, MONOLEVER SERIES

"A particularly rare and fully documented 1986 BMW R 80 G/S Paris-Dakar, distinguished by its Swiss one-seat homologation CH 607230 and factory-fitted ‘CH’ short gearbox".

The ultimate embodiment of the Paris-Dakar legend.

A benchmark example with documented factory provenance and continuous history from 1986 to the present day.

Origin: Switzerland

Certification: Official BMW Group Classic certificate, Matching Numbers & Paris-Dakar factory specifications

Specification: Swiss type approval, www.Typenscheine.ch, type: 607230, with only 78 examples fitted with a factory-stamped "CH" close-ratio gearbox out of the 3,206 R 80 G/S Paris-Dakar motorcycles produced between 1984 and 1987. BOGE rear shock absorber with separate remote gas reservoir, an Enduro option also fitted to BMW rally motorcycles.


THE GENESIS OF THE LEGEND AND THE MONOLEVER SUPREMACY

When BMW unveiled the R 80 G/S in 1980, the Bavarian manufacturer did more than create a new motorcycle: it established the Adventure Sport segment. Forged and consecrated by Hubert Auriol's victories in 1981 and 1983 and Gaston Rahier's victories in 1984 and 1985 on the Paris-Dakar rally tracks, the factory-built "Paris-Dakar" version transcended competition to become an immediate commercial and cultural icon.

The example presented here was produced on 9 July 1986 at the Berlin-Spandau factory, delivered to a Swiss dealership on 8 September 1986 and sold to its first owner on 11 September 1986. These dates are of particular significance to marque historians and enthusiasts, as they fall within the final months of the original single-sided swingarm Monolever series, before the heavier R 80 GS Paralever was introduced in late 1987.

It embodies the quintessence of BMW's original engineering philosophy. Lighter, more streamlined and equipped with a direct final-drive layout of legendary reliability, the 1986 Monolever version is regarded by knowledgeable enthusiasts as the purest, most focused and most desirable iteration ever produced.


THE SWISS MECHANICAL EXCEPTION, SWISS TYPE APPROVAL CH 607230

During the 1980s, Switzerland imposed some of the most stringent noise and environmental regulations in Europe. To comply with these demanding requirements, BMW Motorrad equipped motorcycles exported to Switzerland with specific factory configurations. BMW's Bavarian engineers developed exclusive mechanical specifications, identified and stamped at the factory. The Swiss type-approval document, Typenschein CH 607230, details the adaptations required to obtain approval for distribution on the Swiss market. BMW Motorrad did not simply restrict the exhaust system.

  • Factory-stamped "CH" gearbox. A specific transmission housing incorporating revised gear ratios and gearing. Combined with the short 37/11 final-drive ratio, this configuration provides shorter overall gearing and remarkably lively mid-range response, ideal for Alpine passes and technical terrain. It also enabled the motorcycle to comply with the applicable noise-level tests.
  • Optimised 32 mm Bing carburettors. Specific tuning with modified airbox and jets.
  • Factory option: BOGE shock absorber with separate remote gas reservoir. Among the most sought-after options in the 1986 catalogue was this rear shock absorber with remote reservoir. Unlike the standard units, which were more susceptible to heat build-up, this nitrogen-charged system provided consistent and durable damping performance. Preserved in fully operational condition, this exceptionally rare equipment further reinforces the motorcycle's authenticity.

THE 1987 AUSTRALIAN EXPEDITION. A SOUL AND AN ARCHIVE

While some collector motorcycles are little more than display objects, this example possesses a fascinating dimension that will immediately appeal to the knowledgeable enthusiast. Only a few months after its delivery new in Switzerland in September 1986, its first owner decided to fulfil the machine's original purpose: crossing continents.

During 1987, the motorcycle was crated and shipped by freight to Perth for a transcontinental expedition across the Australian Outback. The machine covered thousands of miles of tracks and red-earth roads.

The accompanying documentation preserves the living memory of this journey, including photographs showing the motorcycle amid the wild Australian landscapes.


THE COLLECTOR'S DOCUMENTARY ARCHIVE, FOUR PILLARS OF PROVENANCE

Like the most prestigious collector vehicles, whose value is built upon the clarity and continuity of their history, this R 80 G/S Paris-Dakar benefits from exceptionally comprehensive documentary provenance, with very few comparable examples currently available on the market.

  • The original 1986 purchase invoice: Issued by the official Swiss BMW dealer network, specifying the options and original purchaser.
  • The Swiss type-approval document: Typenschein CH 607230, identifying the close-ratio gearbox, factory-stamped "CH", and the single-seat homologation.
  • The BMW Group Classic certificate: Official authentication issued by BMW's headquarters in Munich, confirming Matching Numbers (frame and engine) and the factory-built Paris-Dakar specification.
  • The Swiss technical inspection: MFK / roadworthiness inspection, April 2025, with no observations or remarks.
  • The 1987 expedition archives.

MECHANICAL CONDITION AND PRESERVATION INTEGRITY

  • 797 cc Boxer engine: Original engine (Matching Numbers). Compression readings measured as perfect and balanced across both cylinders. Sealing condition monitored and checked.
  • 32-litre Paris-Dakar steel fuel tank: Bearing Gaston Rahier's signature; interior free from corrosion.
  • Chassis & electrics: Original, unmodified wiring harness. Fork and BOGE shock absorber with remote gas reservoir fully operational and serviced.
  • Fluids, lubrication, cabling and braking system in perfect condition.
  • Odometer (1999): showing 50,200 km.

SUMMARY: A "BLUE-CHIP" ASSET

On the international collector motorcycle market, the BMW R 80 G/S Paris-Dakar Monolever has moved beyond the status of a mere two-wheeled vehicle to become a first-class collector asset.

By eliminating major authenticity risks through its BMW Group Classic certificate, its exceptionally rare Swiss factory CH specification, its preserved original condition and its extensive documentary archive, this example offers a high degree of provenance security and a compelling long-term appreciation outlook.

"In the world of exceptional vehicles, ultimate value lies not only in the object itself, but in everything that can be irrefutably proven. This BMW R 80 G/S Paris-Dakar is not simply a motorcycle; it is a monument to mechanical history and adventure, exceptionally well documented and ready to join the most discerning collections."


Source: www.Typenscheine.ch, BMW R80 GS, type 607230

Note: There are scuffs on the underside of the right cylinder cover, see photo.

Viewing: Private inspection by appointment in the Canton of Vaud, Switzerland.

Condition & Registration

Condition category
Original
MOT
MOT until
04/2028
Registered
Ready to drive
Accident free

Inspection Report

Report available
Condition grade
Report provider
S.A.N canton de vaud Suisse

Documents & Invoices (1)

Technical Details

Vehicle data

Make
BMW
Model name
R 80 G/S "Paris Dakar"
Type
Enduro/Scrambler
First registration date
09/1986
Year of manufacture
1986
Mileage (read)
50,200 km
Chassis number
6289186 R80G/S
Engine number
29860050
Gearbox number
1111
Matching numbers
Yes
Number of owners
1
Café Racer
No

Technical details

Engine Type
Boxer | 4 stroke | OHC
Power (kW/hp)
37/50
Cubic capacity (cm³)
798
Cylinders
2
Starter
Electric starter
Cooling
Air
Gearbox
Manual
Gearshift
Pedal Control Left
Gears
5
Transmission
Cardan
Front brakes
Disc
Rear brakes
Drum
Fuel type
Petrol
Curb weight (kg)
235

Individual Configuration

Exterior color
White
Manufacturer color name
AlpinWeiss
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