1982 BMW-Motorcycles Touch Up Paint (1 OEM Colors)

The 1982 BMW-Motorcycles Vibe

In 1982, BMW-Motorcycles wasn't interested in flashy neon or the plastic-heavy trends of the coming decade. This was the year of the refined "Airhead." Whether you were straddling an R100RS behind that massive fairing or tossing an R65 through the twisties, the aesthetic was pure Bavarian stoicism. While our database focuses on the survivor of the era-a deep, authoritative Blue-don't let the low color count fool you. In '82, BMW didn't need a rainbow; they had a statement. This was the era of the "Smoke" paint jobs and the iconic Pacific Blue, finishes that looked like they were poured onto the tank rather than sprayed.

Paint Health Check

Welcome to the Single Stage Era. In 1982, most of these bikes were leaving the factory with high-solids acrylic enamel. It's tough as nails, but it's got a mortal enemy: oxygen. Because there isn't a modern "plastic" clear coat sandwiching the pigment, the paint on your tank is literally breathing. If it's been sitting in a garage in Arizona or under a lean-to in Georgia, it's probably looking "chalky." That white, hazy film isn't dirt-it's the paint itself dying on the vine. Without a protective barrier, the UV rays just eat the top layer of the pigment until it's as dull as a wet sidewalk.

Restoration Tip

If your blue tank has gone "chalky," don't panic and reach for the sandpaper yet. Because this is single-stage paint, you can often "bring back the dead" with a heavy-cut compound and a lot of elbow grease. You're essentially shaving off the dead skin to reveal the vibrant blue underneath. But here's the Salty Painter's gospel: It needs wax or it dies. Once you've polished it, you've exposed "fresh" paint that has zero defense against the elements. Slather it in a high-quality carnauba wax immediately. Think of it like skin lotion for a sunburn-if you don't seal it, that oxidation will be back before your next oil change.