Description
This motorcycle is Lot 62 to be auctioned by Bonhams at the Timed-Online January Sale, please see the Bonhams website for full details. The timed online auction runs between January 17th through January 27th, with lots closing from midday January 27th 2025.
Public Viewing:
Available 22nd January 2025 from 09:00 until 17:00, by appointment only at Bonhams Milton Keynes.
Lot 62
1979 BMW R65
Registration no. FOD 14V
Frame no. 6343693
Engine no. the details below/ 33 (see text)
BMW extended its range of horizontally-opposed twins in the late 1970s with the introduction of the R45 and R65. Looking very much like scaled down versions of BMW's larger models, the duo, which shared identical cycle parts, featured sharper, more modern styling while both weight and overall dimensions were reduced. "The R65 really is an amazing all-rounder," declared Bike magazine's tester back in 1982. "There's 100mph perform¬ance, 57mpg if you're gentle and 41mpg if you're not, a five-gallon tank that makes touring Eng¬land at weekends a less anxious business than it usually is, superlative brakes, a comfortable riding position, excellent tyres, long travel sus¬pension and handling that will get you out of trouble over and over again. Add shaft drive and relatively smooth power and you should be marketing a winner. So why don't you see more R65s on British roads?" The answer was, of course, price. At £2, 363 in 1982 the R65 was over £600 more expensive than the faster Suzuki GS650 Katana, which likewise offered the convenience of shaft drive.
This R65 was purchased by the late owner over 25 years ago, currently displaying 32, 618 miles on the odometer, sadly nothing is known of its previous history or when it was last used therefore it is sold strictly as viewed for recommissioning or restoration, the engine does turn over. Offered with a current V5C. It should be noted that the V5C incorrectly states the engine number as '634393'.
All lots are sold 'as is/ where is' and Bidders must satisfy themselves as to the provenance, condition, age, completeness and originality prior to bidding. Visit the Bonhams Motorcycles website for all pertinent auction information.
