BMW R 65 Monolever (1986-1987) Specs, Performance & Photos

In 1986, the German motorcycle manufacturer released the BMW R 65 Monolever, a middle-class naked machine in its second production year. The bike came with the same package as the previous one, without any significant modifications.

The 1985 BMW R 65 was available in two versions with different performance levels that suited both beginners with the 27 hp model and the more seasoned ones with the 48 hp model. Compared to its predecessor, the two-hp reduced output was achieved with reduced engine compression.

The motorcycle packed standard features in the visual department, such as a round headlight, a one-piece dual seat with passenger grab rails, a two-into-two exhaust system with a silencer mounted on each side, a center stand, and alloy wheels.

The bike's suspension system comprised a hydraulic telescopic fork on the front with 175 mm of travel and a monolever swingarm with a right-hand side-mounted shock absorber that offered 120 mm of travel.

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

As for the power figures, the 1986 BMW R 65 Monolever had its soul brought to life by a 649cc four-stroke air-cooled twin-cylinder boxer engine mounted underneath the fuel tank, delivering 45 hp at 7,250 rpm and 45 Nm (33 lb-ft) torque at 6,000 rpm.