1979 BMW R 65

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
| Date | Listing | Price | Mileage | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jun 10, 2025 | 860cc-Powered 1979 BMW R65 | $3,575 | — | Bring a Trailer |
| Mar 27, 2025 | Modified 1979 BMW R65 | $18,250 | — | Bring a Trailer |
| Jan 26, 2022 | Modified 1979 BMW R65 | $4,700 | — | Bring a Trailer |


