BMW R 45 (1979-1980) Specs, Performance & Photos

In 1979, the German motorcycle manufacturer released the BMW R 45, a mid-range motorcycle created by BMW in 1978 and manufactured until 1985. It was powered by a 473cc air-cooled twin-cylinder boxer engine tied to a five-speed transmission and a shaft drive.

The 27 hp 1979 model was the best-selling motorcycle in Germany, and by the time it was revised in 1980, the maker produced over 15,900 units. In addition, by the time it ended production, over 28,150 units were manufactured.

Visually, the bike was complemented by standard features, such as a front fender mounted close to the wheel, a round headlight, a one-piece dual seat, side-mounted rear shocks, a two-into-two exhaust system with a silencer mounted on each side, a center stand, and multi-spoke aluminum wheels.

For suspension, the motorcycle packed a hydraulic telescopic fork on the front with 175 mm of travel and a long swingarm with side-mounted shock absorbers on the rear that provided 110 mm of travel.

As for the braking power, the motorcycle packed two 260 mm brake rotors on the front coupled to dual-piston calipers and a single 200 mm drum braking unit on the rear, offering optimum stopping performance.

In the performance department, the 1979 BMW R 45 had its soul brought to life by a 453cc four-stroke two-cylinder air-cooled engine that delivered an output power of 27 hp at 6,500 rpm and 38 Nm (28 lb-ft) torque at 5,500 rpm.