BMW R65: review, history, specs

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R65.jpg
BMW R65
Manufacturer
BMW
Also called R65 (reduced effect), R 65 (reduced effect), R 65
Production 1978 - 1992
Class Standard
Engine
649cc two cylinder boxer, four-stroke
Bore / Stroke 82.0mm x 61.5mm
Compression ratio 8.4:1
Top Speed 91 mph (147 km/h)
Horsepower 48 HP (35.5 KW) @ 7250RPM
Torque 33.19 ft/lbs (45.0 Nm) @ 6000RPM
Air Filter K&N BM-0300 `78-95[1]
Spark Plug NGK BP7ES `78-87 [2]
Battery YUASA YIX30L-BS `78-87 [2]
Transmission Gear box: 5-speed

Final Drive: shaft drive (cardan)

Clutch: dry, single plate
Final Drive Shaft
Suspension Front: telescopic fork
Rear: dual shocks
Brakes Front: single disc
Rear: expanding brake
Front Tire 3.25-18 '79-84
3.00-18 '86-87
Rear Tire 4.00-18 '79-84
4.50-18 '86-87
Wheelbase 55.12 inches (1400 mm)
Length 87.01 inches (2210 mm)
Width 27.01 inches (686 mm)
Weight 205.0 kg (wet)
Oil Filter K&N KN-161[1]
Fuel Capacity 5.81 Gallon (22.00 Liters)
Related BMW R45
BMW R80
BMW R65LS
Competition BMW R65
Honda CB650
Honda CX500
Kawasaki KZ650B
Suzuki GS550
Yamaha XS650
Yamaha SR500
Manuals Service Manual


The BMW R65 was a two cylinder boxer, four-stroke Naked motorcycle produced by BMW between 1978 and 1992. It could reach a top speed of 91 mph (147 km/h). Max torque was 33.19 ft/lbs (45.0 Nm) @ 6000 RPM. Claimed horsepower was 48 HP (35.5 KW) @ 7250 RPM.


Overview[edit | edit source]

BMW extended its range of horizontally opposed twins in the late 1970s with the introduction of the R45 and R65. Looking very much like scaled down versions of BMW's larger models, the duo, which shared identical cycle parts, featured sharper, more modern styling while both weight and overall dimensions were reduced. 'A little under 900 miles on an R65 simply failed to convince me that this is anything other than an excellent all-round working bike regrettably priced out of reach of your working man,' declared Bike magazine's tester back in 1982. 'The R65 really is an amazing all-rounder. If you aren't obsessed with speed or economy it makes a very, very attractive proposition. There's 100mph performance, 57mpg if you're gentle and 41mpg if you're not... superlative brakes, a comfortable riding position, excellent tires, long travel suspension and handling that will get you out of trouble over and over again. Add shaft drive and relatively smooth power and you should be marketing a winner.'

Engine[edit | edit source]

The engine was a air cooled two cylinder boxer, four-stroke. A 82.0mm bore x 61.5mm stroke result in a displacement of 649.0 cubic centimeters. Fuel was supplied via overhead valves (ohv).

Drive[edit | edit source]

The bike has a 5-speed transmission. Power was moderated via the dry, single plate clutch.

Chassis[edit | edit source]

It came with a 90/90-18 front tire and a 120/90-18 rear tire. Stopping was achieved via single disc in the front and a expanding brake in the rear. The front suspension was a telescopic fork while the rear was equipped with a dual shocks. The R65 was fitted with a 5.81 Gallon (22.00 Liters) fuel tank. The wheelbase was 55.12 inches (1400 mm) long.

1978 BMW R 65[edit | edit source]

The 1978 MY BMW R 65 has, at its heart, an air-cooled, four-stroke, 649cc, boxer twin cylinder powerhouse paired to a five-speed manual transmission and can produce a claimed 48 horsepower and 45 Nm of torque. It also comes standard with a telescopic front fork, dual shocks as a rear suspension, dual front disc brakes, a drum brake in the rear, laced wheels, a dual exhaust system, a dual seat, analogue dials, wide handlebars and a large-capacity, 22-liter (5.8-gallon) fuel tank.


1979 BMW R 65[edit | edit source]


The 1979 MY BMW R 65 is a middleweight naked machine, suitable for both seasoned and novice riders, alike. It boasts features such as a telescopic front fork, dual shocks as a rear suspension, dual front disc brakes, a drum brake in the rear, laced wheels, a dual exhaust system, a dual seat, analogue dials, wide handlebars and a large-capacity, 22-liter (5.8-gallon) fuel tank.

In the engine department, it boasts a maximum power output of 45 horsepower and 45 Nm of torque from its four-stroke, air-cooled, 649cc, boxer twin cylinder powerplant paired to a five-speed manual transmission.


1980 BMW R 65[edit | edit source]

The 1980 MY BMW R 65 is a mild-mannered naked machine, suitable for riders who want a machine capable of daily commuting, as well as longer, weekend strolls through the countryside. It comes equipped with a four-stroke, air-cooled, 649cc, boxer twin cylinder powerhouse mated to a five-speed manual transmission, and can produce a claimed 45 horsepower and 45 Nm of torque.

In addition, it boasts standard fittings such as a telescopic front fork, dual shocks as a rear suspension, dual front disc brakes, a drum brake in the rear, laced wheels, a dual exhaust system, a dual seat, analogue dials, wide handlebars and a large-capacity, 22-liter (5.8-gallon) fuel tank.


1981 BMW R 65[edit | edit source]

The 1981 MY BMW R 65 is a naked machine designed by the German engineers by both the experienced among riders, who prefer a fuel-efficient yet gritty daily commuter, as well as novice riders who want to get acquainted to the motorcycle world. It sports an air-cooled, four-stroke, 649cc, boxer twin cylinder powerplant mated to a five-speed manual transmission, and can produce a claimed 45 horsepower and 45 Nm of torque.

Also, standard features include a telescopic front fork, dual shocks as a rear suspension, dual front disc brakes, a drum brake in the rear, laced wheels, a dual exhaust system, a dual seat, analogue dials, wide handlebars and a large-capacity, 22-liter (5.8-gallon) fuel tank.

1984[edit | edit source]


1986[edit | edit source]

The R65 and the BMW R80 were now the last of the air-cooled BMW twins.

In Media[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]

  1. 1.0 1.1 2019 K&L Supply Co Catalog. K&L Supply Co. 2019. 
  2. 2.0 2.1 2019 Western Power Sports Catalog. Western Power Sports. 2019.