BMW R 45 (1980-1981) Specs, Performance & Photos

The BMW R 45 was a mid-range motorcycle made by BMW from 1978 to 1985, wearing a twin-cylinder boxer engine tied to a five-speed transmission and a shaft final drive.

The bike was available in two engine configurations. The one with 27 hp on tap 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.

In 1980, the German motorcycle manufacturer released the BMW R 45, a motorcycle in its third consecutive production year that featured the same technical, visual, and performance specifications as the previous model without any modifications.

The bike's visual department was characterized 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.

In the performance department, the 1980 BMW R 45 had its soul brought to life by a 453cc four-stroke air-cooled twin-cylinder boxer engine underneath its fuel tank, delivering an output power of 27 hp with a peak force at 6,500 rpm and 38 Nm (28 lb-ft) torque at 5,500 rpm.

As for the braking power, the motorcycle packed two 260 mm brake discs with two-piston calipers on the front wheel and a 200 mm drum braking unit on the rear wheel.