1989 BMW R 65GS Specifications

Name: 1989 BMW R 65GS
Brand: BMW

Enduro / Off-Road • Specs last verified 13 July 2026

No images available

Tap to enlarge

1989 BMW R 65GS Overview

For 1989, BMW offers the R 65GS as an enduro / off-road motorcycle with 649 cc on tap. The 1989 BMW R 65GS is built around a Two cylinder boxer engine running OHV valve actuation, a compression ratio of 8.4:1. Internally, bore and stroke are 82 x 61.5 mm. Out on the road, the R 65GS delivers. Flat out, it's quoted at 146 km/h. In everyday use, the 1989 R 65GS tips the scales at 198 kg and carries a 19.50-litre fuel tank. Every technical detail, from suspension travel to tyre sizes, is covered in the full 1989 BMW R 65GS spec sheet below.

1989 R 65GS - Pros & Cons

Strengths

Large fuel range: With a 19.50-litre tank, this isn't a bike you'll be stopping for fuel every hour - a real asset on longer trips.
Low-maintenance final drive: Shaft drive (cardan) final drive is about as close to maintenance-free as motorcycle drivetrains get.

Considerations

Age-related wear: No particular mechanical concern flags for the R 65GS - condition on any used example comes down to how well it's been looked after.

Wear Points & Servicing Notes

Brake disc and pad wear

Single disc up front provides the primary stopping power; inspect disc thickness and pad wear at each tyre change to catch scoring before it becomes a rotor replacement.

Final drive maintenance

Shaft final drive on the R 65GS removes chain and belt maintenance entirely - the trade-off is a little extra unsprung weight and periodic gear-oil changes.

R 65GS - Buying & Maintenance Guide

What to check before buying

A pre-purchase check on the 1989 BMW R 65GS should cover the same ground every time: service history, chain and sprocket condition, and any oil seepage around the casings. Start it from cold if you can - a well-kept R 65GS settles to a smooth idle within seconds.

Oil and filter changes

Oil changes are the cheapest insurance you can buy for a R 65GS's engine - keep to the manufacturer's interval rather than stretching it. Use the viscosity grade the manual specifies, not whatever's on sale.

1989 BMW R 65GS - Frequently Asked Questions

What engine does the 1989 BMW R 65GS have?

The 1989 BMW R 65GS uses a Two cylinder boxer engine with 649 cc of displacement.

What is the top speed of the 1989 BMW R 65GS?

The 1989 BMW R 65GS has a factory-quoted top speed of 146 km/h. Real-world speeds vary depending on rider weight, conditions and state of tune.

How much does the 1989 BMW R 65GS weigh?

The 1989 BMW R 65GS weighs 198 kg. This is the manufacturer's wet figure.

What is the fuel tank capacity of the 1989 BMW R 65GS?

The 1989 BMW R 65GS has a 19.50-litre fuel tank. At around 5-6 litres per 100 km, that is roughly 325-390 km between stops.

What brakes does the 1989 BMW R 65GS have?

The 1989 BMW R 65GS uses Single disc at the front and Expanding brake at the rear.

What tyre sizes does the 1989 BMW R 65GS use?

The 1989 BMW R 65GS runs 3.00-21 front and 4.00-18 rear tyres. A good selection of sport, touring and all-weather rubber is available in these sizes.

What is the compression ratio of the 1989 BMW R 65GS?

The 1989 BMW R 65GS runs a compression ratio of 8.4:1. Always use the minimum octane rating specified in the owner's manual.

BMW R 65GS Spec Evolution

The BMW R 65GS was produced across 4 model years (1987-1990). 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	1987	1988	1989	1990
Wet Weight	198 kg / 437 lbs	198.0 kg / 436.5 lbs	198.0 kg / 436.5 lbs	198.0 kg / 436.5 lbs
Fuel Capacity	19.5 L / 5.2 US gal	19.50 litres / 5.15 gallons	19.50 litres / 5.15 gallons	19.50 litres / 5.15 gallons
Brakes - Front	Single ∅260mm disc	Single disc	Single disc	Single disc
Brakes - Rear	Simple ∅200mm drum	Expanding brake	Expanding brake	Expanding brake
Final Drive	Shaft	Shaft drive (cardan)	Shaft drive (cardan)	Shaft drive (cardan)
Tyres - Front	3.00-21"	3.00-21	3.00-21	3.00-21
Tyres - Rear	4.00-18"	4.00-18	4.00-18	4.00-18

Key Specifications

Engine

Two cylinder boxer

Power

Not published by manufacturer

Torque

Not published by manufacturer

Top Speed

146.0 km/h / 90.7 mph

Weight

198.0 kg / 436.5 lbs

Fuel Capacity

19.50 litres / 5.15 gallons

Full 1989 BMW R 65GS Specifications

Fuel Capacity 19.50 litres / 5.15 gallons

Wet Weight 198.0 kg / 436.5 lbs

Top Speed 146.0 km/h / 90.7 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 8.4:1

Valve System 2

Final Drive Shaft drive (cardan)

Gearbox 5-speed

Brakes - Front Single disc

Brakes - Rear Expanding brake

Tyres - Front 3.00-21

Tyres - Rear 4.00-18

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

Compare BMW R 65GS

See how the 1989 BMW R 65GS stacks up against similar motorcycles.

1989 BMW R 65GS

vs 1991 BMW R 65

Build your own comparison →

Explore More

All BMW models All R 65GS years More Enduro / Off-Road All 1989 motorcycles

BMW R 65GS - other years

All BMW models Enduro / Off-Road Compare bikes