BMW R 65 (1981-1982) Specs, Performance & Photos

The BMW R 65 was a light touring motorcycle manufactured by BMW in 1978 as a mid-sized motorcycle. The touring machine was manufactured for over five years, from 1978 to 1984. It was produced alongside the BMW R 45, which had a smaller displacement engine.

In 1981, the German motorcycle maker released the BMW R 65, a touring motorcycle in its fourth consecutive production year, with the same package as the previous one, delivering the same specifications without any significant modifications.

In the visual department, the 1981 BMW R 65 had standard features, such as multi-spoke lightweight aluminum alloy wheels, a round headlight upfront, a one-piece dual seat, a two-into-two exhaust system with a muffler mounted on each side, dual shock absorbers on the rear, and a center stand.

Suspension-wise, the motorcycle packed a telescopic fork on the front with 175 mm of travel and dual shock absorbers on the rear with 110 mm of travel, offering optimum suspension performance and handling.

As for the stopping power, the motorcycle's wheels were fitted with a single brake rotor on the front and a drum braking unit on the rear, offering optimum braking performance.

The 1981 BMW R 65 was powered by a 649cc four-stroke twin-cylinder air-cooled boxer engine that delivered 45 hp with a peak force at 7,250 rpm and 45 Nm (33 lb-ft) torque at 6,000 rpm.