During the 70s,
BMW’s most important mission was to develop alternative machines to the big
4-cylinders released by the Japanese makers. Nonetheless, the German brand also
competed in the middle-size market, releasing in 1978 the 650cc R65. By the 80s,
one of BMW motorcycle’s mightiest designers, Hans Muth, designed a particular
body for this bike, which would result in the creation of the R65LS.
BMW hired Muth, who had already put his stamp on the original Suzuki Katana, to create an edgy, affordable sport/touring bike for a market that was increasingly being won over by an innovative Japan. With its sharp angles and sporting disposition, Muth's creation sparked a definitive "love it" or "hate it" reaction — and it still does today.
The 649.6cc
engine is a short-stroke version of the bigger-size BMW boxer-twin, developing
50hp. The LS version was gifted dual-disc brakes with Brembo calipers at the
front. This sporty version of the R65 also received some cosmetic modifications
with a triangular front fairing, black pipes, and passenger handgrips
incorporated in the fastback-looking rear end of the bike.
