BMW R 65 RT Monolever (1987-1988) Specs, Performance & Photos

In 1987, the German motorcycle maker released the BMW R 65 RT Monolever, a touring-oriented version of the base R 65 Monolever with several touring-oriented accessories that enhanced its long-hail capabilities.

The BMW R 65 RT Motolever was a touring-oriented motorcycle best suited for those riders who wanted to spend as much time behind bars but also wanted a fuel-efficient and agile bike.

The 1987 BMW R 65 RT Monolever was set in motion by a 649cc four-stroke air-cooled twin-cylinder boxer engine mounted underneath its fuel tank, delivering 48 hp at 7,250 rpm and 45 Nm (33 lb-ft) torque at 6,000 rpm.

The power produced by the engine pushed the bike to a top speed of 169 kph (105 mph) through a five-speed manual transmission with a dry single-plate clutch and a final shaft drive.

Aesthetically, the motorcycle had standard features, like a full fairing with a round headlight, a large windscreen, a one-piece dual seat with a passenger grab rail, a luggage rack, side-mounted panniers, a dual exhaust system, a center stand, and aluminum alloy wheels.

The bike's suspension system comprised a hydraulic telescopic fork on the front with 175 mm of travel and a monolever suspension system on the rear with 120 mm of travel, offering optimum suspension performance and handling.