1981 BMW R 65 vs 2017 Ducati Scrambler Cafe Racer
Full specifications comparison •
2 motorcycles
Full Specifications
Differs
Same
| General |
| Colours | - | Black |
| Dimensions |
| Seat Height | - | 805 mm / 31.7 in. |
| Wheelbase | - | 1,436 mm / 56.5 in. |
| Height | - | 1,066 mm / 42.0 in. |
| Length | - | 2,107 mm / 83.0 in. |
| Width | - | 810 mm / 31.9 in. |
| Weights & Capacities |
| Dry Weight | - | 172 kg / 379.2 lbs |
| Fuel Capacity | 22.00 litres / 5.81 gallons | 13.50 litres / 3.57 gallons |
| Wet Weight | 204.0 kg / 449.7 lbs | 188.0 kg / 414.5 lbs |
| Performance |
| Top Speed | 175.0 km/h / 108.7 mph | - |
| Max Torque | - | 68.00 Nm (6.9 kgf-m or 50.2 ft.lbs) @ 5750 Revolutions |
| Power-to-Weight Ratio | - | 0.4360 HP/kg |
| Engine |
| Engine Type | Two cylinder boxer | V2, four-stroke |
| Bore x Stroke (in,) | 3.2 x 2.4 inches | 3.5 x 2.6 inches |
| Bore x Stroke (mm) | 82.0 x 61.5 mm | 88.0 x 66.0 mm |
| Displacement (cc) | 649.00 cc | 803.00 cc |
| Displacement (ci) | 39.60 cubic inches | 49.00 cubic inches |
| Fuel Control | OHV | Desmodromic valve control |
| Stroke | 4 | - |
| Fuel System | - | Injection. Electronic fuel injection, 50 mm throttle body |
| Compression Ratio | 9.2:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Emissions | - | Euro 4 |
| Exhaust | - | Exhaust system with single stainless steel muffler, Termignoni silencer with alluminium covers, catalytic converter and 2 lambda probes |
| Starter | - | Electric |
| Valve System | 2 | 2 |
| Drivetrain |
| Clutch | - | Wet multiplate clutch with mechanical control |
| Final Drive | Shaft drive (cardan) | Chain |
| Gearbox | 5-speed | 6-speed |
| Chassis |
| Frame Type | - | Tubular steel Trellis |
| Suspension - Front | - | Upside down Kayaba 41 mm fork |
| Suspension - Rear | - | Kayaba rear shock, pre-load and rebound adjustable. Aluminium double-sided swingarm |
| Rake | - | 21.8° |
| Trail | - | 94 mm / 3.7 in. |
| Wheel Travel - Front | - | 150 mm / 5.9 in. |
| Wheel Travel - Rear | - | 150 mm / 5.9 in. |
| Wheels & Brakes |
| Brakes - Front Diameter (in.) | - | 13.0 inches |
| Brakes - Rear Diameter (in.) | - | 9.6 inches |
| Brakes - Rear Diameter (mm) | - | 245 mm |
| Brakes - Front Diameter (mm) | - | 330 mm |
| Brakes - Front | Single disc | Single disc. ABS. Four-piston calipers. |
| Brakes - Rear | Expanding brake | Single disc. ABS. Floating disc. Single-piston caliper. |
| Rims | - | 10-spoke in light alloy, |
| Tyres - Front | 3.25-18 | 120/70-17 |
| Tyres - Rear | 4.00-18 | 180/55-17 |
Verdict
🏆
Winner on specs
2017 Ducati Scrambler Cafe Racer
The 2017 Ducati Scrambler Cafe Racer edges out the 1981 BMW R 65 thanks to its fuel injection. Specifications are one part of the picture - dealer support, parts availability, and intended use all matter too.
Key Differences
1981 BMW R 65 - Advantages
- ✓Competitive all-round: The 1981 BMW R 65 matches or exceeds its rival across all measured criteria.
2017 Ducati Scrambler Cafe Racer - Advantages
- 🔧Fuel injection: Precise fuelling, better cold-start reliability, and lower maintenance requirements.
1981 BMW R 65 vs 2017 Ducati Scrambler Cafe Racer - FAQs
What are the engine differences between the 1981 BMW R 65 and 2017 Ducati Scrambler Cafe Racer?
The 1981 BMW R 65 uses Two cylinder boxer, while the 2017 Ducati Scrambler Cafe Racer is powered by V2, four-stroke.
Which should I buy, the 1981 BMW R 65 or the 2017 Ducati Scrambler Cafe Racer?
Both are strong choices. The 1981 BMW R 65 has its own strengths, while the 2017 Ducati Scrambler Cafe Racer stands out for fuel injection. Visit dealers, arrange test rides, and factor in local parts and service costs - these often matter as much as the spec sheet.