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Naked Motorcycles

1985BMW R65

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The 1985 BMW R65 is a lightweight touring boxer twin ideal for riders seeking accessible, reliable long-distance travel. Its air-cooled 649cc engine delivers smooth, predictable power through a shaft-drive system, while the compact 205kg frame makes it manageable for varied skill levels. Best known for combining classic BMW character with exceptional fuel efficiency and everyday practicality.

Capacity
649.0 ccm
Engine
Boxer, four-stroke
Gearbox
5-speed
Wet weight
205.0 kg
Seat height
Not on record
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Power
48.0 HP (35.3 kW) @ 7250 RPM
⇄ Compare with another bike + Add to garage All model years

What’s new for the 1985 BMW R65

vs the 1984
Spec19841985
Power 50.0 HP (36.8 kW) @ 7250 RPM 48.0 HP (35.3 kW) @ 7250 RPM
Top speed 175.0 km/h (108.7 mph) 178.0 km/h (110.6 mph)
Compression 9.2:1 8.7:1
Other years 1980 1981 1982 1983 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992

How it rides

Editorial estimate from the spec sheet - not lab tested
Speed 42Agility 58Comfort 70Off-road 8Touring 65Road manners 78
Off-road & trail8%
Cornering55%
City riding62%
Daily riding72%
Touring68%
Two-up70%
Track15%
Best for
A do-it-all classic standard built for relaxed road riding, commuting and light touring, with a big 22L tank and low-maintenance shaft drive for the long haul.
Built for
Smooth, unhurried air-cooled boxer with signature BMW refinement and shaft-drive durability. Understated, dependable and easygoing rather than exciting.
Not ideal for
Riders chasing outright speed, track thrills or aggressive sport performance, and anyone wanting genuine off-road capability.

Scores are derived from the spec sheet using the same model across every bike, so they compare like for like.

Full specifications

Engine
Capacity
649.0 ccm
Power
48.0 HP (35.3 kW) @ 7250 RPM
Engine type
Boxer, four-stroke
Power/weight ratio
0.2341 HP/kg (wet)
Bore x stroke
82.0 x 61.5 mm
Compression
8.7:1
Cooling system
Air
Valves per cylinder
2
Torque
Not on record - add it
Transmission
Gearbox
5-speed
Transmission type
Manual
Final drive
Shaft
Performance
Top speed
178.0 km/h (110.6 mph)
Dimensions & weight
Wet weight
205.0 kg
Fuel capacity
22.00 litres
Seat height
Not on record - add it
Dry weight
Not on record - add it
Brakes & wheels
Front brakes
Single disc
Rear brakes
Expanding brake
Front tyre
90/90-18
Rear tyre
120/90-18

Compiled from manufacturer documentation and user contributions, corrected on an ongoing basis. Spotted something wrong? Tell us.

What changed, year to year

Differences highlighted
Specification 198019831985198619891992
Capacity 649 cc 649 cc 649 cc 649 cc 649 cc 649 cc
Fuel capacity 22 L 22 L 22 L 22 L 22 L 22 L

Illustrative - generated automatically by diffing the year records already on file, not a manufacturer-published changelog.

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Common questions

What is the engine size of the BMW R65?

The 1985 BMW R65 has a Capacity of 649.0 ccm (39.60 cubic inches).

What engine power does the BMW R65 have?

The 1985 BMW R65 has a Power of 48.0 HP (35.3 kW) @ 7250 RPM.

How many gears does the BMW R65 have?

The 1985 BMW R65 has a Gearbox of 5-speed.

How much does the BMW R65 weigh?

The 1985 BMW R65 has a Wet weight of 205.0 kg (451.9 pounds).

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