Only 80 kilometres from new, 1986 BMW R80 G/S Paris-Dakar Enduro

• Delivered new in Italy
• Kept indoors as a work of art
• Currently resident in Belgium
• Confirmed as a genuine Paris-Dakar model by BMW

A unique offer, this BMW R80 G/S Paris-Dakar is effectively brand new, with only dealer 'mileage' recorded, and has been autographed by the Belgian World Champion, Gaston Rahier, winner of the Paris-Dakar Rally for BMW in 1984 and 1985.

BMW's first 'R80', the R80/7, was introduced in 1977. Like its R75/7 predecessor, the R80/7 was powered by BMW's traditional air-cooled flat-twin engine coupled to low-maintenance, shaft-drive transmission. Recognising the increasing demand for off-road-styled models, BMW re-entered the ISDT in 1979 as a means of publicising its forthcoming range of enduro roadsters. The first of these, the R80 G/S, was announced in September 1980. Based on the equivalent R80/7 roadster, the G/S featured a 21" front wheel; raised mudguards; a high-level exhaust system; a skid plate under the crankcase; and a single-sided 'monolever' swinging arm. The R80 G/S is historically significant as the first model to use BMW's monolever rear suspension system, in which the driveshaft tunnel also functioned as a single-sided swinging arm, resulting in a lighter construction and making changing the rear wheel easier.

Strikingly finished in white with an orange seat, the stock R80 G/S was too heavy for serious rough stuff but nevertheless excelled as a long-distance tourer, a market sector that its successors dominate to this today. BMW positioned the model as a 'Reise-enduro' (travel enduro): an all-terrain motorcycle with excellent touring capabilities; indeed, the designation G/S stands for Gelände/Straße, meaning off-road/road.

Although the R80 G/S was not intended as a competition motorcycle for enduro racing, modified versions won the arduous Paris-Dakar Rally in 1981, 1983 and 1984, and to cash in on these successes, in 1984 BMW launched the R80 G/S Paris-Dakar model, as seen here. The most striking feature of the Paris-Dakar variant was its enormous 32-litre fuel tank, while other special features included a single seat, a rear luggage grid and 'Paris-Dakar' graphics.

With only 80 kilometres on the odometer, this BMW R80 G/S, despite being nearly 40 years old, is still in factory-fresh condition. It was delivered new in Italy, where the first owner parked it in his living room. (The original documents are on file.) The second owner did the same, and applied a preserving treatment to the exhaust so that it would keep its shine. He too kept the bike as an art object but had it registered. Later, the BMW was sold to Belgium, where it has not yet been registered. It comes with an original (unused) service booklet and a second set of keys. BMW Classic has confirmed that this is an original Paris-Dakar edition (certificate on file). A new battery has been fitted and the vendor advises us that the machine is roadworthy, although, of course, the original tyres will need to be changed before use. A remarkable motorcycle that has spent virtually its entire life displayed as a work of art.