1987 BMW R 65 Specifications

Name: 1987 BMW R 65
Brand: BMW

All-Round • Specs last verified 13 July 2026

No images available

Tap to enlarge

1987 BMW R 65 Overview

The 1987 BMW R 65 is an all-round motorcycle built around 649 cc of displacement. Under the tank sits a Two cylinder boxer engine running OHV valve actuation, a compression ratio of 8.7:1. The bore and stroke measures 82 x 61.5 mm. 1987 BMW R 65 delivers. The factory-quoted top speed stands at 178 km/h, making it a capable performer in its class. From a practical standpoint, the 1987 R 65 tips the scales at 205 kg and carries a 22-litre fuel tank. Scroll down for the complete 1987 BMW R 65 spec sheet covering every technical detail from suspension travel to tyre sizes.

1987 R 65 - Pros & Cons

Strengths

Large fuel range: The 22-litre tank is generously sized, translating to extended range between stops - ideal for touring or longer commutes.
Low-maintenance final drive: Shaft drive (cardan) final drive means no chain to clean, lube or adjust - meaningfully less routine maintenance than a chain-driven equivalent.

Considerations

Age-related wear: As with any used R 65, a thorough pre-purchase inspection covering consumables, service history and tyres is always recommended.

Wear Points & Servicing Notes

Brake disc and pad wear

The Single disc front brake gives strong, progressive stopping power. Disc thickness and pad depth are worth checking at every tyre change, since worn pads can score the disc surface.

Final drive maintenance

Final drive is by shaft - no chain or belt maintenance at all, though the drive-shaft oil should be changed on the manufacturer's interval.

R 65 - Buying & Maintenance Guide

What to check before buying

When inspecting a used 1987 BMW R 65, start with the basics: check the service book for oil change frequency, inspect the chain and sprockets for wear, and look for oil seepage around the engine casings and rocker covers. A cold start test is invaluable - a well-maintained R 65 should fire up cleanly and settle to a smooth idle within a few seconds.

Oil and filter changes

Regular oil changes are the single most important maintenance task on any R 65. Stick to the manufacturer's interval - typically every 6,000 km or once a year, whichever comes first. Always use the correct viscosity grade as specified in the owner's manual.

1987 BMW R 65 - Frequently Asked Questions

What engine does the 1987 BMW R 65 have?

The 1987 BMW R 65 uses a Two cylinder boxer engine with 649 cc of displacement.

What is the top speed of the 1987 BMW R 65?

The 1987 BMW R 65 has a factory-quoted top speed of 178 km/h. Real-world speeds vary depending on rider weight, conditions and state of tune.

How much does the 1987 BMW R 65 weigh?

The 1987 BMW R 65 weighs 205 kg. This is the manufacturer's wet figure.

What is the fuel tank capacity of the 1987 BMW R 65?

The 1987 BMW R 65 has a 22-litre fuel tank. At around 5-6 litres per 100 km, that is roughly 366-440 km between stops.

What brakes does the 1987 BMW R 65 have?

The 1987 BMW R 65 uses Single disc at the front and Expanding brake at the rear.

What tyre sizes does the 1987 BMW R 65 use?

The 1987 BMW R 65 runs 90/90-18 front and 120/90-18 rear tyres. A good selection of sport, touring and all-weather rubber is available in these sizes.

What is the compression ratio of the 1987 BMW R 65?

The 1987 BMW R 65 runs a compression ratio of 8.7:1. Always use the minimum octane rating specified in the owner's manual.

BMW R 65 Spec Evolution

The BMW R 65 was produced across 14 model years (1979-1992). The table below highlights the key specifications that changed across the production run - useful whether you are comparing years or tracking down a specific variant.

Specification	1979	1980	1981	1982	1983	1984	1985	1986	1987	1988	1989	1990	1991	1992
Wet Weight	210 kg / 463 lbs	210 kg / 463 lbs	204.0 kg / 449.7 lbs	204.0 kg / 449.7 lbs	204.0 kg / 449.7 lbs	204.0 kg / 449.7 lbs	205.0 kg / 451.9 lbs	205.0 kg / 451.9 lbs	205.0 kg / 451.9 lbs	205.0 kg / 451.9 lbs	205.0 kg / 451.9 lbs	205.0 kg / 451.9 lbs	205.0 kg / 451.9 lbs	205.0 kg / 451.9 lbs
Engine Type	-	Two cylinder boxer	Two cylinder boxer	Two cylinder boxer, four-stroke	Two cylinder boxer, four-stroke	Two cylinder boxer, four-stroke	Two cylinder boxer	Two cylinder boxer, four-stroke	Two cylinder boxer	Two cylinder boxer	Two cylinder boxer	Two cylinder boxer	Two cylinder boxer	Two cylinder boxer
Top Speed	-	175.0 km/h / 108.7 mph	175.0 km/h / 108.7 mph	175.0 km/h / 108.7 mph	175.0 km/h / 108.7 mph	175.0 km/h / 108.7 mph	178.0 km/h / 110.6 mph	178.0 km/h / 110.6 mph	178.0 km/h / 110.6 mph	178.0 km/h / 110.6 mph	147.0 km/h / 91.3 mph	147.0 km/h / 91.3 mph	147.0 km/h / 91.3 mph	147.0 km/h / 91.3 mph
Fuel Capacity	22 Litres / 5.8 US gal	22 Litres / 5.8 US gal	22.00 litres / 5.81 gallons	22.00 litres / 5.81 gallons	22.00 litres / 5.81 gallons	22.00 litres / 5.81 gallons	22.00 litres / 5.81 gallons	22.00 litres / 5.81 gallons	22.00 litres / 5.81 gallons	22.00 litres / 5.81 gallons	22.00 litres / 5.81 gallons	22.00 litres / 5.81 gallons	22.00 litres / 5.81 gallons	22.00 litres / 5.81 gallons
Brakes - Rear	Drum	Drum	Expanding brake	Expanding brake	Expanding brake	Expanding brake	Expanding brake	Expanding brake	Expanding brake	Expanding brake	Expanding brake	Expanding brake	Expanding brake	Expanding brake
Final Drive	Shaft	Shaft	Shaft drive (cardan)	Shaft drive (cardan)	Shaft drive (cardan)	Shaft drive (cardan)	Shaft drive (cardan)	Shaft drive (cardan)	Shaft drive (cardan)	Shaft drive (cardan)	Shaft drive (cardan)	Shaft drive (cardan)	Shaft drive (cardan)	Shaft drive (cardan)
Compression Ratio	9.2:1	9.2:1	9.2:1	9.2:1	9.2:1	9.2:1	8.7:1	8.7:1	8.7:1	8.7:1	8.4:1	8.4:1	8.4:1	8.4:1
Tyres - Front	3.25 -18	3.25 -18	3.25-18	3.25-18	3.25-18	3.25-18	90/90-18	90/90-18	90/90-18	90/90-18	90/90-18	90/90-18	90/90-18	90/90-18

Key Specifications

Engine

Two cylinder boxer

Power

Not published by manufacturer

Torque

Not published by manufacturer

Top Speed

178.0 km/h / 110.6 mph

Weight

205.0 kg / 451.9 lbs

Fuel Capacity

22.00 litres / 5.81 gallons

Full 1987 BMW R 65 Specifications

Fuel Capacity 22.00 litres / 5.81 gallons

Wet Weight 205.0 kg / 451.9 lbs

Top Speed 178.0 km/h / 110.6 mph

Bore x Stroke (in,) 3.2 x 2.4 inches

Bore x Stroke (mm) 82.0 x 61.5 mm

Displacement (cc) 649.00 cc

Displacement (ci) 39.60 cubic inches

Engine Type Two cylinder boxer

Fuel Control OHV

Stroke 4

Compression Ratio 8.7:1

Valve System 2

Final Drive Shaft drive (cardan)

Gearbox 5-speed

Brakes - Front Single disc

Brakes - Rear Expanding brake

Tyres - Front 90/90-18

Tyres - Rear 120/90-18

Specifications are compiled from manufacturer documentation and cross-referenced technical sources, and corrected on an ongoing basis. Spot an error? Let us know.