The BMW R65 was a light touring motorcycle introduced by BMW in 1978 to fill a void in BMW’s product line which saw it missing a mid-size motorcycle. The original R65 was made up until 1984 with a smaller frame than larger R series motorcycles, but in 1985 the R65’s engine was put into the new (and larger) R80 frame which featured a single rear shock absorber (mono-shock). Between 1981 and 1984 the R65LS was also made, this R65 variant had a small triangular fairing that was designed by Hans Muth.

Technical Overview


The R65 is fitted with a type 248/1 engine, a different version of the well known BMW type 247, known as an airhead. The engine is an 649.6 cc, OHV, two valve per cylinder, air cooled flat-twin, or boxer engine. The R65 weighs 207 kg (455 lb) and has a five speed gearbox connected to a shaft final drive. From 1981 the R65 was fitted with breaker-less electronic ignition.

The power output of early R65s was 33 kW but from 1981 this increased to 37 kW at 7250 rpm. Similarly in 1981 torque rose from 50 Nm at 5,500 rpm to 52.5 Nm at 6500 rpm.

Following standard BMW practice of the time Bing CV carburettors were used and the R65 used a single dry plate clutch.

The R65 features a smaller fuel tank than other larger BMW airheads, with a 22 litre (5.81 gallon) capacity.

Performance


Test Result
0-100 km/h 5.8 s
0-400 m 14.3 s
0-1000 m 28.1 s
Top Speed 175 km/h


By comparison to the other BMW models of the time the R65 is not particularly quick. However its short wheelbase frame makes it a nimble handler by comparison to other BMW bikes. This makes the R65 more comfortable in city traffic and on tight twisty roads. At freeway speeds the larger engined BMWs tend to more relaxed machines. That said at 100 km/h the R65 is rock solid and tracks perfectly. Moreover at this speed the engine vibration range of 3,500-4,000 rpm has been passed making them quite pleasant to ride at highway speeds.

Maintenance


Tools and owner servicing were well thought out. The R65s came standard with a full tool kit. Owner maintenance is standard practice with these machines. Valve gear was adjusted by simple locknut, and timing was taken care of by adjustment of the points' housing. On later models the points were no longer used and a Hall sensor was placed inside the housing, this housing behind the front engine cover is colloquially known as the bean can. Most other maintenance tasks were easily achieved due to easy access to most mechanicals. The service schedule of the R65 is not onerous and most tasks are easily carried out.

Illustrations



-Animated piston by **Moto-Bins**online

BMW R65 Illustration

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