The R65 is the short wheelbase, short-stroke boxer model from the late 1970s. It is more manoeuvrable than its larger R80 and R100 siblings and was the perfect base for a ‘desert sled’ inspired build. BMW ‘airheads’ of this era are dependable, easy to maintain and easy to live with; with its electric start and Brembo front brakes.

Early off-road BMWs, much like the English sleds of the 1950s and 60s were often based on road going bikes, with considered modifications to improve performance when the going got rough. This build has taken a great deal of inspiration from early ISDT BMWs, but aiming for an easy to ride, go-anywhere, do anything vintage adventure bike.

The starting point was a bike in reasonably good condition, with textbook compression reading on both cylinders. Carbs were ultrasound cleaned and rebuilt, the timing chain and tensioner were replaced, brake master cylinder rebuilt and the motorcycle was fully serviced with new oils, filters and plugs all around.

The mods started with a solo seat, rack, sled handlebars and stainless-steel mudguards in place of the original plastic. The original and ungainly instrument pod gave way to a MotoGadget tiny wired to the main loom and all the warning lights through a waterproof connector block. Smaller LED indicators, a minimal rear light and a set of Heidenau K67 scrambler tyres finish off the build.

The build was finished last year, and currently has just over 3500 miles, several of those accumulated on a trip to Nordkapp on the Northern tip on Norway, where it performed with no drama. Mileage before the build is unfortunately unknown, but the general condition of the parts doesn’t indicate an abused machine.

This is a classic bike that can take the daily riding as well as longer trips.
It has to go to make space for a new project. MOT, Tax and London ULEZ Exempt.