1965 BMW R27
Specifications
- Category
- Allround
- Displacement
- 247.0 ccm (15.07 cubic inches)
- Displacement (cc)
- 247.00
- Engine details
- Single cylinder, four-stroke
- Power
- 18.0 HP (13.1 kW) @ 7400 RPM
- Top speed
- 130.0 km/h (80.8 mph)
- Compression
- 8.2:1
- Bore × stroke
- 68.0 x 68.0 mm (2.7 x 2.7 inches)
- Fuel system
- Carburettor. Bing
- Fuel control
- Overhead Valves (OHV)
- Ignition
- Battery
- Lubrication
- Wet sump
- Cooling
- Air
- Gearbox
- 4-speed
- Transmission
- Shaft drive (cardan) (final drive)
- Clutch
- Single plate dry-cable operated
- Frame
- Steel twin looped
- Front suspension
- Cartridge
- Rear suspension
- Twin shock-Swingarm
- Front tyre
- 3.27-18
- Rear tyre
- 3.27-18
- Front brakes
- Expanding brake (drum brake)
- Front brake Ø
- 160 mm (6.3 inches)
- Rear brakes
- Expanding brake (drum brake)
- Rear brake Ø
- 160 mm (6.3 inches)
- Wet weight
- 162.0 kg (357.1 pounds)
- Height
- 975 mm (38.4 inches)
- Length
- 2090 mm (82.3 inches)
- Width
- 660 mm (26.0 inches)
- Wheelbase
- 965 mm (38.0 inches)
- Fuel capacity
- 15.00 litres (3.96 US gallons)
- Starter
- Kick
The 1965 BMW R27
1965 BMW R27 sits at the top of BMW's single-cylinder line, the last and most refined version of a formula the factory had been sharpening since the postwar years. This is a single-cylinder four-stroke built for steady, unhurried travel rather than outright speed, with a rubber-mounted engine that smooths out the vibration typical of one-cylinder machines. Shaft drive means no chain to clean or adjust, which suited riders who used their bike daily and wanted something that just worked. It rewards a relaxed riding style, and owners often describe it as mechanically honest rather than exciting.
The 1965 model carried over without significant mechanical changes from the prior year — buyers comparing it to a 1964 example should focus on mileage, service history, and condition rather than spec differences.
Today's buyer tends to be a rider who already owns a modern bike and wants something simpler for weekend runs, or a collector drawn to BMW's single-cylinder history before the boxer twins took over entirely. Values stay grounded, but a clean 1965 BMW R27 with documented history holds steady appeal among people who actually ride what they buy.
Auction history
| Date | Listing | Price | Mileage | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aug 9, 2024 | 1965 BMW R27 | $15,000 | — | Bring a Trailer |
| Apr 26, 2024 | 1965 BMW R27 | $19,500 | — | Bring a Trailer |
| Feb 18, 2024 | 1965 BMW R27 | $14,000 | — | Bring a Trailer |
| Mar 15, 2023 | 1965 BMW R27 | $15,500 | — | Bring a Trailer |
| Dec 1, 2022 | 49-Years-Family-Owned 1965 BMW R27 | $16,000 | — | Bring a Trailer |
| Jan 7, 2022 | 1965 BMW R27 | $11,000 | — | Bring a Trailer |
| Sep 4, 2021 | 1965 BMW R27 | $22,727 | — | Bring a Trailer |
| May 10, 2021 | 1965 BMW R27 | $19,000 | — | Bring a Trailer |
| Apr 6, 2021 | 1965 BMW R27 | $8,300 | — | Bring a Trailer |
