BMW’s partnership with Hans Muth – the man notably behind the Suzuki Katana – was a major factor in the release of the R100RS, which in turn led to the creation of the sport-touring segment. During these years, Muth had the chance to express his creativity on different boxer twins and to propose audacious designs for riders. While the major goal of BMW in the 70’s was to propose an alternative to the most powerful four-cylinders produced by the Japanese makers at the time, they did not ignore the midsize market and started producing a 650cc bike in 1978, the R65. By 1983, Muth designed a particular body for this bike, and that became the R65LS.
The R65LS has very few differences from the regular R65. The 649.6cc engine is a short-stroke version of the bigger-size BMW boxer-twin, with a size of 61.5mm instead of 70.6mm. Therefore, the LS could benefit from the same narrow shape of the engine, and a better lean angle. Sharing the same frame, suspension and shaft, the bike remained pretty lightweight at 416lb dry. One of the only differences with the regular R65 was the installation of dual disc brakes with Brembo calipers at the front instead of the single disc. The major difference was the sporty version of the R65 had a fancy design with the triangular shaped front light fairing, black pipes and incorporated passenger handgrips on the rear end of the bike, which kind of looks like a fastback body. Read more information about the R65LS here on Motorcycle Classics.
The LS presented in this article is in pretty good condition with its red color and 32k miles. The bike has been recently serviced, notably with new push rod seals and fork seals. The carbs have been rebuilt, and the fluids have been changed. More importantly, the tank has been entirely re-lined. Side covers, air box and crash bars also come with the bike. The only thing needed seems to be a new set of tires.
Find this R65LS in Toluca Lake, California here on Craigslist for $3,000.