Overview
Strix is my touring motorcycle.
Why Strix?
Strix is a prominent genus of true owls in the family Strigidae, widely known as "earless owls" or "wood owls". They are medium-to-large, powerfully built predators characterized by their rounded heads, lack of ear tufts, and exceptional hearing. This fits the overal vibe of the R80 very well!
Why Owls?
About my best friend ever had a place in southeastern Kansas called "Owl Creek". It was a magical place full of wildlife, dark skies, and the smells of nature. We would sit on the porch at Owl Creek, drink beer, and listen to the owls talk. As a tribute to the memory of my dear, departed friend and the time we spent at Owl Creek, I have named each of my motorcycles after a genus of owl.
Projects
The projects for Strix are a mix of routine maintenance and signature upgrades. Here's what I have planned:
Routine Maintenance
- Fuel Delivery Maintenance (completed June 14, 2026)
- Fork Rebuild
- Front Brake Refresh (brake fluid + stainless steel brake line)
- Fluids
- Spline Lube
Signature Upgrades
- Hella Driving Lights
- Electronic Ignition
- Michelin Pilot Tires
The project list is always subject to change. Strix is, afterall, nearly 50 years old!
Blog Posts About Strix
Strix – Shakedown Ride
After sitting in the corner of my workshop in Lawrence for about a year, and sitting quietly in the corner of the previous owner's garage since 2018 (that was the date of the last Missouri saftey inspection), and spurred on by an invitation to attend the 2026 Top of the Rockies rally in Paonia Colorado,...
Strix – fuel delivery maintenance
The R80 has been on the bubble since I picked it up last year. When I bought it I thought it might be a candidate for a resto-mod and re-sale but I never put that in motion. I've decided the R80 is one of the three motorcycles I'm going to keep in the fleet. Its...
Specifications
Engine & Performance
- Type: Four-stroke, air-cooled, pushrod-operated Boxer twin (horizontally opposed)
- Displacement: 798 cc (797.5 cc)
- Bore x Stroke: 84.8 × 70.6 mm
- Horsepower: 50 - 55 hp @ 6,000 to 7,250 RPM
- Torque: 43 lb-ft (58 Nm) @ 4,000 RPM
- Carburetion: Dual Bing constant-velocity carburetors
- Top Speed: Approximately 110 mph (180 km/h)
- Acceleration: 0 to 60 mph in 4.9 seconds
Powertrain & Chassis
- Transmission: 5-speed manual.
- Final Drive: Shaft drive enclosed in the swingarm
- Frame: Tubular steel double-loop frame
- Front Suspension: Telescopic forks
- Rear Suspension: Swingarm with dual shock absorbers, featuring external preload adjustment
Brakes & Wheels
- Front Brakes: Standard perforated single disc brake
- Rear Brakes: Expanding drum brake
- Wheels: 19-inch front and 18-inch rear, featuring alloy rims with wire spokes
Dimensions & Capacities
- Wheelbase: 57.7 inches (1,465 mm)
- Dry Weight: Approximately 430 - 473 lbs (195 - 215 kg) fully fueled
- Fuel Capacity: 6.34 US gallons (24 liters)