1982 BMW R65 for $300, worth it?

Nostril Cheese · 04-29-2010, 09:38 AM

Had an interesting offer today from a friend of a friend. He's got an 1982 R65 that's been sitting for a few years. The motor spins fine, seat is in perfect shape, but needs a complete go through. I'd strip and re-paint the tank myself.

I asked him what he wanted for it as a project. He said $300.

I'll assume that it will need new rings and a full carb rebuild at the least. Am I getting in over my head by taking this one on? Anything about this particular model I should know? Can the jugs be replaced with larger ones? take it up to a 750 or larger perhaps?

I know there's a few airhead guys here. Any info would be helpful.

Gogar · 04-29-2010, 09:43 AM

It's worth WAAY more than $300 in parts, so you should grab it, and maybe tear it down and have some fun.

If you actually want to restore the bike it'll cost you thousands of course, but if you want to just make it run you might luck out and just have to buy rubber parts and tires etc. and just do all the usual.

Paco Anton · Paco Anton's Garage

R65 engine is different from R80/100 so not easy to increase displacement. I do not think there is a bolt on solution.

The R65 is an agile bike (at least from BMW standards) suitable for city and light commuting and not a highway cruiser. However $300 for a functioning R65 is a steal.

Go for it or send it my way

Hetmann · 04-29-2010, 01:34 PM

I'd go for it.

VaSteve · 04-29-2010, 01:58 PM

I have an R65...its a fun bike, but yeah not a highway cruiser. For $300, no question. Do it.

1967 R50/2 · 04-29-2010, 05:22 PM

Most everything on the R65 is different than the larger boxers...including the frame. The larger models give you more leeway to tune, but on this bike you are just asking for trouble if you start playing with displacement..

Probably the best "tune" you could do would be to give it some modern Keihin/Mikuni slide carbs from Sudco and a Boyer digital ignition. Maybe go for dual plugs.

Otherwise, I think you are just asking for trouble.

$300 is crazy cheap. Buy it. If you get tired of wrenching with it, part it out on Ebay. I'm sure you could get 10 times the cash.

jdlowery · 04-30-2010, 05:06 PM

There used to be a quick upgrade kit from CC products but reliability seems to suffer. Best thing to do is leave the motor stock and modify the look. I've seen some cool looking cafe racers made from R65s.

Yes, $300 is worth taking the bike. If anything, you'll learn a lot about BMWs. Fun bike to work on and most things are easy.

Here's my favorite photo of my R65. Very clean and well maintained little bike and I'm the second owner. If you have any specific questions I'll try to answer them.

Good luck!