1981 BMW R 65 vs 2026 Ducati Scrambler

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
1981 BMW R 65 1981 BMW R 65

Classic

Engine
Two cylinder boxer
Power
N/A
Top Speed
175.0 km/h / 108.7 mph
Weight
449.7 pounds
2026 Ducati Scrambler 2026 Ducati Scrambler

Classic

Engine
Four stroke, 90° °L° twin cylinder, SOHC, Desmodromic 2 valves per cylinder
Power
73 hp / 53.6 kW @ 8250 rpm
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
182 kg / 401 lbs
Full Specifications
General
Year-2026
Make Model-Ducati Scrambler
Dimensions
Seat Height-795 mm / 31.3 inches 810 mm / 31.9 inches, with high seat accessory 780 mm / 30.7 inches, with low seat accessory
Wheelbase-1447 mm / 57 in
Weights & Capacities
Fuel Capacity22.00 litres / 5.81 gallons14.5 Litres / 3.8 US gal
Wet Weight204.0 kg / 449.7 lbs182 kg / 401 lbs
Performance
Top Speed175.0 km/h / 108.7 mph-
Max Power-73 hp / 53.6 kW @ 8250 rpm
Max Torque-65.2 Nm / 48.1 lb-ft @ 7000 rpm
Engine
Displacement (cc)649.00 cc-
Displacement (ci)39.60 cubic inches-
Engine TypeTwo cylinder boxer-
Bore x Stroke (in,)3.2 x 2.4 inches-
Stroke4-
Bore x Stroke (mm)82.0 x 61.5 mm-
Fuel ControlOHV-
Displacement-803 cc /
Engine Detail-Four stroke, 90° °L° twin cylinder, SOHC, Desmodromic 2 valves per cylinder
Bore x Stroke-88 x 66 mm
Compression Ratio9.2:111.0:1
Cooling System-Air cooled
Emissions-Euro 5+
Exhaust-Stainless steel muffler with catalytic converter and 2 lambda probes, aluminum tail pipes
Fuel Induction-Electronic fuel injection, 50 mm throttle body, Ride-by-Wire system
Ignition-Marelli electronic
Starter-Electric
Valve System2-
Drivetrain
Clutch-Hydraulically controlled slipper and self-servo wet multiplate clutch
Final DriveShaft drive (cardan)Chain, front spocket 15, rear sprocket 46
Gear Ratios-1st
Gearbox5-speed-
Primary Drive-Straight cut gears, ratio 1.85:1
Transmission / Drive-6 Speed
Chassis
Frame Type-Tubular steel trellis frame
Suspension - Front-41mm Kayaba USD forks
Suspension - Rear-Kayaba rear shock, pre-load adjustable
Rake-24°
Trail-108 mm / 4.3 in
Wheel Travel - Front-150 mm / 5.9 in
Wheel Travel - Rear-150 mm / 5.9 in
Electronics
Equipment / Features-4.3″ TFT color display, ride by wire, full LED lighting system, LED turn indicators, USB socket under the seat, variable section flat handlebar, bar-end rearview mirrors, Ducati Performance LED turn indicatos, sporty front mudguard, side number plates, sporty tail, dedicated seat, dedicated livery, spoked wheels
Optional Equipment-Ducati Multimedia System, Ducati Quick Shift
Safety Equipment-Riding Mode, Power Mode, ABS Cornering, Ducati Traction Control, Daytime Running Light
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - FrontSingle discSingle 330 mm disc, 4-piston caliper
Brakes - RearExpanding brakeSingle 245 mm disc, 1-piston caliper
ABS-Bosch Cornering ABS as standard equipment
Tyres - Front3.25-18110/80 R18 Pirelli MT 60 RS
Tyres - Rear4.00-18180/55 R17 Pirelli MT 60 RS
Wheels-Spoked aluminium
Wheels - Front-3.00 x 18
Wheels - Rear-5.50 x 17

Verdict

Winner on specs

2026 Ducati Scrambler

The 2026 Ducati Scrambler edges out the 1981 BMW R 65 thanks to its fuel injection and standard ABS. 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.

2026 Ducati Scrambler - Advantages

  • Fuel injection: Precise fuelling, better cold-start reliability, and lower maintenance requirements.
  • Standard ABS: A meaningful safety advantage in emergency braking on wet or loose surfaces.

1981 BMW R 65 vs 2026 Ducati Scrambler - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 1981 BMW R 65 and 2026 Ducati Scrambler?
The 1981 BMW R 65 uses Two cylinder boxer, while the 2026 Ducati Scrambler is powered by Four stroke, 90° °L° twin cylinder, SOHC, Desmodromic 2 valves per cylinder.
Does the 1981 BMW R 65 or 2026 Ducati Scrambler have ABS?
The 2026 Ducati Scrambler is listed with ABS as standard. The 1981 BMW R 65 does not list ABS. ABS provides a meaningful safety benefit in emergency braking on wet or loose surfaces.
Which should I buy, the 1981 BMW R 65 or the 2026 Ducati Scrambler?
Both are strong choices. The 1981 BMW R 65 has its own strengths, while the 2026 Ducati Scrambler stands out for fuel injection and standard ABS. Visit dealers, arrange test rides, and factor in local parts and service costs - these often matter as much as the spec sheet.