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BMW · 1979–1981

1979 BMW R 65

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1979 BMW R 65
Auction record
Average sale
$8,842
Sales
3
Low
$3,575
High
$18,250

Specifications

Category
Naked bike
Displacement
649.0 ccm (39.60 cubic inches)
Displacement (cc)
649.00
Engine details
Two cylinder boxer, four-stroke
Power
45.0 HP (32.8 kW) @ 7250 RPM
Top speed
177.0 km/h (110.0 mph)
Compression
9.2:1
Bore × stroke
82.0 x 61.5 mm (3.2 x 2.4 inches)
Valves/cyl
2.0
Fuel control
Overhead Valves (OHV)
Cooling
Air
Gearbox
5-speed
Transmission
Shaft drive (cardan) (final drive)
Front tyre
3.25-18
Rear tyre
4.00-18
Front brakes
Single disc
Rear brakes
Expanding brake
Wet weight
210.0 kg (463.0 pounds)
Fuel capacity
22.00 litres (5.81 US gallons)

The 1979 BMW R 65

1979 BMW R 65 sits at the entry point of BMW's boxer twin lineup from this era, the smaller-displacement option for riders who wanted the marque's engineering without stepping up to the bigger 750 or 900 twins. This is a bike built for steady, unhurried travel rather than outright speed. The low center of gravity from that flat-twin layout and shaft final drive make it a relaxed, low-maintenance companion for two-lane roads, and the modest power output means you ride it with momentum and planning rather than aggression. It rewards smooth inputs and long days in the saddle more than quick blasts around town. The 1979 model carried over without significant mechanical changes from the prior year — buyers comparing it to a 1978 example should focus on mileage, service history, and condition rather than spec differences. Today the 1979 BMW R 65 tends to attract practical riders and BMW loyalists looking for an affordable, honest entry into airhead ownership, often someone downsizing from a larger boxer or curious about the brand's mid-range history. Collector interest remains modest, so these are bought to ride, not to park in a showroom.

Auction history

DateListingPriceMileageSource
Jun 10, 2025860cc-Powered 1979 BMW R65$3,575—Bring a Trailer
Mar 27, 2025Modified 1979 BMW R65$18,250—Bring a Trailer
Jan 26, 2022Modified 1979 BMW R65$4,700—Bring a Trailer

All BMW R 65 years

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