1980
BMW R80G/S
Colours used
in this example.
Pearl white and Cream set the main colour direction. Softer background tones keep the motorcycle in focus.
Suggested pencil shades, not exact factory paint matches. Test colours on your paper before building richer layers.
Layer colour gently around the curves.
Use light layers and preserve the fine outlines.
Use light layers and preserve the fine outlines.
Use light layers and preserve the fine outlines.
Keep the background softer than the bike.
Look a little closer.
Explore the details from different angles.
1981 R 80G/S, front quarter
A 1981 example of the launch-generation G/S.
Photo: Gastair · Source · CC BY-SA 4.01981 R 80G/S, left
Side profile of the same early motorcycle.
Photo: Gastair · Source · CC BY-SA 4.0Early G/S engine detail
Boxer cylinder, black fins and alloy finishes on the 1981 example.
Photo: Gastair · Source · CC BY-SA 4.01981 R 80G/S, right
Opposite side of the early G/S.
Photo: Gastair · Source · CC BY-SA 4.01981 G/S with accessories
Early G/S with optional equipment. Accessories are not part of every standard motorcycle.
Photo: Gastair · Source · CC BY-SA 3.0Original factory colours
The launch livery combines white bodywork with light and dark blue tank graphics and a bright red seat. The seat can look orange-red in photographs.
- WhiteTank and front mudguard
- Light blueTank graphic, lighter block
- Dark blueTank graphic, darker block
- Bright redSeat upholstery
Screen swatches are a colouring guide rather than exact paint matches.
This is a visual guide to the launch livery shown in BMW historical material. Exact paint and upholstery codes are not supplied.
In the photographs
The early G/S photographs show white bodywork with light and dark blue tank graphics. Seats appear orange in indoor light and red in outdoor views. This agrees with the launch colour family, although photographs do not supply exact paint or upholstery codes.
- White
- Light blue graphic
- Dark blue graphic
- Orange-red seat
Visual colour guide only. These are not additional factory paint options.
In the coloured example
The example uses white bodywork, a blue tank panel and a red seat. It simplifies the two-tone blue graphic shown in the photographs.
Make the details count.
Leave the white bodywork mostly pale with gentle edge shadows.
Shade each red seat rib separately.
Use a sharp grey pencil on the knobbly tyre edges.
Follow your curiosity.
Model history and further reading.