Data sheet
Dimensions & weights
- Wet weight
- 198 kg
- Ground clearance
- 218 mm
- Wheelbase
- 1465 mm
Engine & drivetrain
- Engine
- 650 cc · Air-cooled two-valve opposed twin
- Cooling
- Air cooled
- Transmission
- 5-speed
- Final drive
- Shaft
- Fuelling
- Carburettor
Fuel & range
- Fuel capacity
- 19.5 L
Electronics & rider aids
- Cruise control
- No
- ABS
- No
Consumables & service specs
Every value carries its source.
Tyres
- Rear
- 4.00-18Tube typeBMW Club R65 GS specifications
- Front
- 3.00-21Tube typeBMW Club R65 GS specifications
Tyre pressures
- Front — solo
- 1.9 bar coldFactory service range rises to 2.2 bar with passenger and luggageBMW R65 GS service data
- Front — loaded
- 2.2 bar coldBMW R65 GS service data
- Rear — solo
- 1.8 bar coldFactory service range rises to 2.3 bar with passenger and luggageBMW R65 GS service data
- Rear — loaded
- 2.3 bar coldBMW R65 GS service data
Wheels
- Wheel torque
- Front axle 44; axle clamps 14; front brake caliper 32; rear wheel bolts 85 NmRear wheel bolts are tightened evenly on clean, dry threadsBMW R65 GS service data
Engine oil
- Viscosity
- SAE 20W-50 for normal warm-weather operationUse the factory temperature chart when operating outside the stated viscosity rangeBMW R65 GS service data
- Capacity
- 2.25 L with filterBMW R65 GS service data
Brakes
- Fluid type
- DOT 4BMW R65 GS service data
Transmission
- Grade
- API GL-5 hypoid gear oil, SAE 90 above 5 °C; SAE 80 below 5 °C; 80W-90 all-seasonBMW R65 GS service data
- Capacity
- 0.80 LBMW R65 GS service data
Final drive
- Shaft oil grade
- API GL-5 hypoid gear oil, SAE 90 above 5 °C; SAE 80 below 5 °C; 80W-90 all-seasonBMW R65 GS service data
- Shaft oil capacity
- 350 ml final driveSwingarm is a separate 150 ml oil compartmentBMW R65 GS service data
Spark plugs
- Type
- Bosch W7DC or Beru 14-7DUBMW R65 GS service data
- Gap
- 0.6 ± 0.1 mmBMW R65 GS service data
- Quantity
- 2BMW R65 GS service data
Fuel
- Minimum octane
- 91 RON minimumBMW R65 GS service data
- Fuel type
- Unleaded petrolBMW R65 GS service data
Tyre Library
Tyres for this bike and year
Start with this motorcycle’s front and rear sizes. Open a tyre to check the complete fit for this exact bike and year; a size or original-equipment report alone does not confirm it.
Sizes match, but more needs checking
Continental TKC 70
Matching front and rear sizes exist, but some motorcycle requirements or the front-and-rear pairing still need confirmation.
Still needs checking: source information, load rating, any manufacturer restrictions, front and rear pairing, approved rim width, speed rating, a named tyre match.
No matching front and rear pair
Michelin Anakee Adventure
No complete front and rear size pair in this tyre range matches the selected bike and year.
Still needs checking: load rating, any manufacturer restrictions, approved rim width, speed rating, a named tyre match.
No matching front and rear pair
Michelin Anakee III
No complete front and rear size pair in this tyre range matches the selected bike and year.
Still needs checking: load rating, any manufacturer restrictions, approved rim width, speed rating, a named tyre match.
No matching front and rear pair
Michelin Anakee Road
No complete front and rear size pair in this tyre range matches the selected bike and year.
Still needs checking: load rating, any manufacturer restrictions, approved rim width, speed rating, a named tyre match.
No matching front and rear pair
Michelin Anakee Wild
No complete front and rear size pair in this tyre range matches the selected bike and year.
Still needs checking: load rating, any manufacturer restrictions, approved rim width, speed rating, a named tyre match.
No matching front and rear pair
Pirelli Angel GT
No complete front and rear size pair in this tyre range matches the selected bike and year.
Still needs checking: load rating, any manufacturer restrictions, approved rim width, speed rating, a named tyre match.
No matching front and rear pair
Pirelli Angel GT II
No complete front and rear size pair in this tyre range matches the selected bike and year.
Still needs checking: load rating, any manufacturer restrictions, approved rim width, speed rating, a named tyre match.
No matching front and rear pair
Pirelli Angel ST
No complete front and rear size pair in this tyre range matches the selected bike and year.
Still needs checking: load rating, any manufacturer restrictions, approved rim width, speed rating, a named tyre match.
No matching front and rear pair
Bridgestone BATTLAX Adventure A41
No complete front and rear size pair in this tyre range matches the selected bike and year.
Still needs checking: load rating, any manufacturer restrictions, approved rim width, speed rating, a named tyre match.
No matching front and rear pair
Bridgestone Battlax Adventure Trail AT41
No complete front and rear size pair in this tyre range matches the selected bike and year.
Still needs checking: load rating, any manufacturer restrictions, approved rim width, speed rating, a named tyre match.
No matching front and rear pair
Bridgestone BATTLAX Adventurecross Scrambler AX41S
No complete front and rear size pair in this tyre range matches the selected bike and year.
Still needs checking: load rating, any manufacturer restrictions, approved rim width, speed rating, a named tyre match.
No matching front and rear pair
Bridgestone BATTLAX BT-45
No complete front and rear size pair in this tyre range matches the selected bike and year.
Still needs checking: load rating, any manufacturer restrictions, approved rim width, speed rating, a named tyre match.
No matching front and rear pair
Bridgestone BATTLAX BT46
No complete front and rear size pair in this tyre range matches the selected bike and year.
Still needs checking: load rating, any manufacturer restrictions, approved rim width, speed rating, a named tyre match.
No matching front and rear pair
Bridgestone BATTLAX Sport Touring T32
No complete front and rear size pair in this tyre range matches the selected bike and year.
Still needs checking: load rating, any manufacturer restrictions, approved rim width, speed rating, a named tyre match.
No matching front and rear pair
Bridgestone BATTLAX Sport Touring T33
No complete front and rear size pair in this tyre range matches the selected bike and year.
Still needs checking: load rating, any manufacturer restrictions, approved rim width, speed rating, a named tyre match.
No matching front and rear pair
Bridgestone BATTLE WING BW501 / BW502
No complete front and rear size pair in this tyre range matches the selected bike and year.
Still needs checking: load rating, any manufacturer restrictions, approved rim width, speed rating, a named tyre match.
No matching front and rear pair
Bridgestone BATTLECRUISE H50
No complete front and rear size pair in this tyre range matches the selected bike and year.
Still needs checking: load rating, any manufacturer restrictions, approved rim width, speed rating, a named tyre match.
No matching front and rear pair
Avon Cobra Chrome
No complete front and rear size pair in this tyre range matches the selected bike and year.
Still needs checking: load rating, any manufacturer restrictions, approved rim width, speed rating, a named tyre match.
No matching front and rear pair
Michelin Commander II
No complete front and rear size pair in this tyre range matches the selected bike and year.
Still needs checking: load rating, any manufacturer restrictions, approved rim width, speed rating, a named tyre match.
No matching front and rear pair
Michelin Commander III Cruiser
No complete front and rear size pair in this tyre range matches the selected bike and year.
Still needs checking: load rating, any manufacturer restrictions, approved rim width, speed rating, a named tyre match.
No matching front and rear pair
Michelin Commander III Touring
No complete front and rear size pair in this tyre range matches the selected bike and year.
Still needs checking: load rating, any manufacturer restrictions, approved rim width, speed rating, a named tyre match.
No matching front and rear pair
Continental ContiClassicAttack
No complete front and rear size pair in this tyre range matches the selected bike and year.
Still needs checking: load rating, any manufacturer restrictions, approved rim width, speed rating, a named tyre match.
No matching front and rear pair
Continental ContiEscape
No complete front and rear size pair in this tyre range matches the selected bike and year.
Still needs checking: load rating, any manufacturer restrictions, approved rim width, speed rating, a named tyre match.
No matching front and rear pair
Continental ContiLegend
No complete front and rear size pair in this tyre range matches the selected bike and year.
Still needs checking: load rating, any manufacturer restrictions, approved rim width, speed rating, a named tyre match.
No matching front and rear pair
Continental ContiMotion
No complete front and rear size pair in this tyre range matches the selected bike and year.
Still needs checking: load rating, any manufacturer restrictions, approved rim width, speed rating, a named tyre match.
No matching front and rear pair
Continental ContiRoad
No complete front and rear size pair in this tyre range matches the selected bike and year.
Still needs checking: load rating, any manufacturer restrictions, approved rim width, speed rating, a named tyre match.
No matching front and rear pair
Continental ContiRoadAttack 4
No complete front and rear size pair in this tyre range matches the selected bike and year.
Still needs checking: load rating, any manufacturer restrictions, approved rim width, speed rating, a named tyre match.
No matching front and rear pair
Continental ContiTour
No complete front and rear size pair in this tyre range matches the selected bike and year.
Still needs checking: load rating, any manufacturer restrictions, approved rim width, speed rating, a named tyre match.
No matching front and rear pair
Continental ContiTrailAttack 3
No complete front and rear size pair in this tyre range matches the selected bike and year.
Still needs checking: load rating, any manufacturer restrictions, approved rim width, speed rating, a named tyre match.
No matching front and rear pair
Metzeler Cruisetec
No complete front and rear size pair in this tyre range matches the selected bike and year.
Still needs checking: load rating, any manufacturer restrictions, approved rim width, speed rating, a named tyre match.
No matching front and rear pair
Pirelli Diablo Powercruiser
No complete front and rear size pair in this tyre range matches the selected bike and year.
Still needs checking: load rating, any manufacturer restrictions, approved rim width, speed rating, a named tyre match.
No matching front and rear pair
Metzeler Enduro 3 Sahara
No complete front and rear size pair in this tyre range matches the selected bike and year.
Still needs checking: load rating, any manufacturer restrictions, approved rim width, speed rating, a named tyre match.
No matching front and rear pair
Mitas Enduro Trail-ADV 2
No complete front and rear size pair in this tyre range matches the selected bike and year.
Still needs checking: load rating, any manufacturer restrictions, approved rim width, speed rating, a named tyre match.
No matching front and rear pair
Mitas Enduro Trail-XT+
No complete front and rear size pair in this tyre range matches the selected bike and year.
Still needs checking: load rating, any manufacturer restrictions, approved rim width, speed rating, a named tyre match.
No matching front and rear pair
Mitas Enduro Trail+
No complete front and rear size pair in this tyre range matches the selected bike and year.
Still needs checking: load rating, any manufacturer restrictions, approved rim width, speed rating, a named tyre match.
No matching front and rear pair
Bridgestone EXEDRA G853 / G852
No complete front and rear size pair in this tyre range matches the selected bike and year.
Still needs checking: load rating, any manufacturer restrictions, approved rim width, speed rating, a named tyre match.
No matching front and rear pair
Bridgestone EXEDRA MAX
No complete front and rear size pair in this tyre range matches the selected bike and year.
Still needs checking: load rating, any manufacturer restrictions, approved rim width, speed rating, a named tyre match.
No matching front and rear pair
IRC GP-21F / GP-22R
No complete front and rear size pair in this tyre range matches the selected bike and year.
Still needs checking: load rating, any manufacturer restrictions, approved rim width, speed rating, a named tyre match.
No matching front and rear pair
Heidenau K60 Scout
No complete front and rear size pair in this tyre range matches the selected bike and year.
Still needs checking: load rating, any manufacturer restrictions, approved rim width, speed rating, a named tyre match.
No matching front and rear pair
Dunlop K750
No complete front and rear size pair in this tyre range matches the selected bike and year.
Still needs checking: load rating, any manufacturer restrictions, approved rim width, speed rating, a named tyre match.
No matching front and rear pair
Metzeler Karoo 4
No complete front and rear size pair in this tyre range matches the selected bike and year.
Still needs checking: load rating, any manufacturer restrictions, approved rim width, speed rating, a named tyre match.
No matching front and rear pair
Metzeler Karoo Street
No complete front and rear size pair in this tyre range matches the selected bike and year.
Still needs checking: load rating, any manufacturer restrictions, approved rim width, speed rating, a named tyre match.
No matching front and rear pair
Metzeler Lasertec
No complete front and rear size pair in this tyre range matches the selected bike and year.
Still needs checking: load rating, any manufacturer restrictions, approved rim width, speed rating, a named tyre match.
No matching front and rear pair
Metzeler ME 888 Marathon Ultra
No complete front and rear size pair in this tyre range matches the selected bike and year.
Still needs checking: load rating, any manufacturer restrictions, approved rim width, speed rating, a named tyre match.
No matching front and rear pair
Pirelli MT 21 Rallycross
No complete front and rear size pair in this tyre range matches the selected bike and year.
Still needs checking: load rating, any manufacturer restrictions, approved rim width, speed rating, a named tyre match.
No matching front and rear pair
Pirelli MT 60 RS
No complete front and rear size pair in this tyre range matches the selected bike and year.
Still needs checking: load rating, any manufacturer restrictions, approved rim width, speed rating, a named tyre match.
No matching front and rear pair
Pirelli Night Dragon
No complete front and rear size pair in this tyre range matches the selected bike and year.
Still needs checking: load rating, any manufacturer restrictions, approved rim width, speed rating, a named tyre match.
No matching front and rear pair
Continental RB 2 / K 112
No complete front and rear size pair in this tyre range matches the selected bike and year.
Still needs checking: load rating, any manufacturer restrictions, approved rim width, speed rating, a named tyre match.
No matching front and rear pair
Michelin Road 5
No complete front and rear size pair in this tyre range matches the selected bike and year.
Still needs checking: load rating, any manufacturer restrictions, approved rim width, speed rating, a named tyre match.
No matching front and rear pair
Michelin Road 6
No complete front and rear size pair in this tyre range matches the selected bike and year.
Still needs checking: load rating, any manufacturer restrictions, approved rim width, speed rating, a named tyre match.
No matching front and rear pair
Michelin Road 6 GT
No complete front and rear size pair in this tyre range matches the selected bike and year.
Still needs checking: load rating, any manufacturer restrictions, approved rim width, speed rating, a named tyre match.
No matching front and rear pair
Michelin Road Classic
No complete front and rear size pair in this tyre range matches the selected bike and year.
Still needs checking: load rating, any manufacturer restrictions, approved rim width, speed rating, a named tyre match.
No matching front and rear pair
Michelin Road W GT
No complete front and rear size pair in this tyre range matches the selected bike and year.
Still needs checking: load rating, any manufacturer restrictions, approved rim width, speed rating, a named tyre match.
No matching front and rear pair
Metzeler Roadtec 01
No complete front and rear size pair in this tyre range matches the selected bike and year.
Still needs checking: load rating, any manufacturer restrictions, approved rim width, speed rating, a named tyre match.
No matching front and rear pair
Metzeler Roadtec 01 SE
No complete front and rear size pair in this tyre range matches the selected bike and year.
Still needs checking: load rating, any manufacturer restrictions, approved rim width, speed rating, a named tyre match.
No matching front and rear pair
Metzeler Roadtec 02
No complete front and rear size pair in this tyre range matches the selected bike and year.
Still needs checking: load rating, any manufacturer restrictions, approved rim width, speed rating, a named tyre match.
No matching front and rear pair
Metzeler Roadtec Z8 Interact
No complete front and rear size pair in this tyre range matches the selected bike and year.
Still needs checking: load rating, any manufacturer restrictions, approved rim width, speed rating, a named tyre match.
No matching front and rear pair
Michelin Scorcher 11
No complete front and rear size pair in this tyre range matches the selected bike and year.
Still needs checking: load rating, any manufacturer restrictions, approved rim width, speed rating, a named tyre match.
No matching front and rear pair
Michelin Scorcher 31
No complete front and rear size pair in this tyre range matches the selected bike and year.
Still needs checking: load rating, any manufacturer restrictions, approved rim width, speed rating, a named tyre match.
No matching front and rear pair
Michelin Scorcher Adventure
No complete front and rear size pair in this tyre range matches the selected bike and year.
Still needs checking: load rating, any manufacturer restrictions, approved rim width, speed rating, a named tyre match.
No matching front and rear pair
Pirelli Scorpion Rally
No complete front and rear size pair in this tyre range matches the selected bike and year.
Still needs checking: load rating, any manufacturer restrictions, approved rim width, speed rating, a named tyre match.
No matching front and rear pair
Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR
No complete front and rear size pair in this tyre range matches the selected bike and year.
Still needs checking: load rating, any manufacturer restrictions, approved rim width, speed rating, a named tyre match.
No matching front and rear pair
Pirelli Scorpion Trail II
No complete front and rear size pair in this tyre range matches the selected bike and year.
Still needs checking: load rating, any manufacturer restrictions, approved rim width, speed rating, a named tyre match.
No matching front and rear pair
Pirelli Scorpion Trail III
No complete front and rear size pair in this tyre range matches the selected bike and year.
Still needs checking: load rating, any manufacturer restrictions, approved rim width, speed rating, a named tyre match.
No matching front and rear pair
Avon Spirit ST
No complete front and rear size pair in this tyre range matches the selected bike and year.
Still needs checking: load rating, any manufacturer restrictions, approved rim width, speed rating, a named tyre match.
No matching front and rear pair
Mitas Terra Force-R
No complete front and rear size pair in this tyre range matches the selected bike and year.
Still needs checking: load rating, any manufacturer restrictions, approved rim width, speed rating, a named tyre match.
No matching front and rear pair
Continental TKC 70 Rocks
No complete front and rear size pair in this tyre range matches the selected bike and year.
Still needs checking: load rating, any manufacturer restrictions, approved rim width, speed rating, a named tyre match.
No matching front and rear pair
Continental TKC 80
No complete front and rear size pair in this tyre range matches the selected bike and year.
Still needs checking: load rating, any manufacturer restrictions, approved rim width, speed rating, a named tyre match.
No matching front and rear pair
Continental TKC 80²
No complete front and rear size pair in this tyre range matches the selected bike and year.
Still needs checking: load rating, any manufacturer restrictions, approved rim width, speed rating, a named tyre match.
No matching front and rear pair
Metzeler Tourance
No complete front and rear size pair in this tyre range matches the selected bike and year.
Still needs checking: load rating, any manufacturer restrictions, approved rim width, speed rating, a named tyre match.
No matching front and rear pair
Metzeler Tourance Next 2
No complete front and rear size pair in this tyre range matches the selected bike and year.
Still needs checking: load rating, any manufacturer restrictions, approved rim width, speed rating, a named tyre match.
No matching front and rear pair
Bridgestone Trail Wing TW101 / TW42
No complete front and rear size pair in this tyre range matches the selected bike and year.
Still needs checking: load rating, any manufacturer restrictions, approved rim width, speed rating, a named tyre match.
Does not fit this bike
Bridgestone BATTLAX Adventurecross AX41
The size names match, but one or more complete fit checks fail for this motorcycle.
Still needs checking: source information, load rating, any manufacturer restrictions, front and rear pairing, approved rim width, speed rating, a named tyre match.
What breaks first and where.
Transmission output-shaft circlip omission
SeriousOccasionalSome gearboxes produced in this period omitted the output-shaft bearing circlip, allowing bearing movement and progressive internal damage.
Symptoms
- Increasing transmission whine or roughness
- Metal debris in drained gearbox oil
- Abnormal output-shaft end movement found during overhaul
Field repairableNo — Stop if shifting deteriorates, the gearbox becomes noisy or oil contains significant metal. Internal correction requires gearbox removal and specialist work.
Charging-system rotor or diode-board failure
SeriousOccasionalThe Bosch alternator system can lose charging through rotor open-circuit, diode-board, connection or earthing faults. Confirm with voltage and resistance tests before replacing parts.
Symptoms
- Charge warning lamp remains lit or glows with engine speed
- Battery voltage does not rise above resting voltage when the engine is running
- Intermittent charging after heat or vibration
Field repairableYes — Clean and secure accessible connections and test the rotor and charging voltage. A repeated no-charge condition requires battery-conserving recovery rather than continued riding.
Where to find things
Common locations for jacks, filters, fluids and fuse boxes. Follow the reference link when a picture helps more than words.
Jack + tools
Factory tool roll is carried beneath the seat/side-cover area. Confirm every listed wrench, tubular tool, lever, gauge and driver is present before departure.
ReferenceEngine oil dipstick
Engine-oil dipstick and filler are on the right side of the crankcase. Check with the motorcycle level on its centre stand after allowing oil to settle.
ReferenceBrake fluid reservoir
Front-brake fluid reservoir is on the right handlebar master cylinder. Keep DOT 4 away from paint and do not ride if the level loss is unexplained.
ReferenceAir filter housing
Air-filter housing sits beneath the fuel-tank/upper-engine cover area and feeds both carburettors. Check element sealing before carburettor adjustment.
ReferenceBattery
Battery is beneath the seat. Disconnect the negative lead before removing the front engine cover or disturbing charging-system wiring; reconnect it last.
ReferenceGearbox, swingarm and final-drive fill points
Gearbox, oil-filled swingarm and final-drive housing have separate fill points and separate quantities; identify each housing before adding oil.
ReferenceAlternator and diode board
Alternator rotor and diode board are behind the front engine cover. Disconnect the battery negative lead before removing that cover to prevent a direct short.
Reference