In 1980, the BMW R 80 G/S was launched and well-received by the public, and even Das Motorrad magazine stated that the G/S was the best Enduro motorcycle ever built by BMW. After the success of the G/S, BMW joined with a street version alongside the G/S in 1982.
The 1982 BMW R 80 ST, where ST stands for road, adopted the concept of the successful model with an 800cc engine and borrowed the frame from the R 65 model along with its single-sided swingarm and the raised exhaust system.
For road use the model had shortened suspension, the front was guided by a smaller 19 inches wheel and normal road tires were mounted. From the R45 and R 65 LS series, the bike featured a low front mudguard, the cockpit, and a round headlight.
In the power department, the R 80 ST heartbeat was set by the 797cc flat-twin engine with a power output of 50 hp at 6,500 rpm and 57 Nm (42 lb-ft) of torque with a peak at 5,000 rpm. Combined with a five-speed manual transmission and a curb weight of 198 kg (436 lbs), the bike registered a top speed of 174 kph (107 mph).
The model came with standard features such as laced wheels, a dual seat, a blacked-out steel frame, lower handlebars, crash guards, and a side stand.