BMW R 45 (1978-1979) Specs, Performance & Photos

In 1978, at the International Bicycle and Motorcycle Show (IFMA), BMW surprised the public with an entirely new small series of motorcycles. The highlighted models, the BMW R 45 and R 65, were created to fill the gap left by the discontinued entry-level models R 50/5 and R 60/7.

The newly released models were new developments, even though BMW retained the principle of the two-cylinder engine mounted transversal on the frame coupled to a cardan shaft drive. The engine and the double loop frame were new designs.

Compared with the larger boxer, the 1978 BMW R 45's engine was narrower, and the frame was much smaller and lighter.

The model was available in two versions with an engine displacement of 473cc but a different power output of 27 and 35 hp. Due to the new insurance classes that were going on at the time, the 35 hp version had no use in the German market and had demands almost entirely from abroad.

The 473cc R 45 model, powered by a twin-cylinder boxer engine with a power output of 27 hp at 6,500 rpm and 38 Nm (28 lb-ft) of torque at 5,200 rpm, benefitted from the insurance class and became the best-selling motorcycle in the BMW range. In 1979, it was the biggest-selling motorcycle in Germany.

The R 45 came with standard features such as laced wheels, a chromed dual exhaust system, a small round headlight, an analog instrumentation panel, a dual seat, a blacked-out frame, and a center stand.