BMW R65 LS CUSTOM (860cc)

Oro Metalizzatto

Originally designed by Hans Muth as a “flash bike” the R65LS has always been sort of the misunderstood, under-acknowledged dark horse of the BMW airhead community.

My first motorcycle was an R65 in Metallic blue, so the R65 has always held a special place for me. I decided to build this R65LS after reading that Siebenrock had produced a specially designed 860CC kit for this model range, and they also manufactured an asymmetrical camshaft as well. At the same time, I started becoming obsessed with the louder colors of Lamborgini’s from the late 70’s and early 80’s and thought why not build an R65LS with all the fun features of a high-end build?

So here you have an 860CC version done in Lamborgini Sahara Gold by one of the best painters in the BMW community, and all the go-fast goodies from ignition to charging and excellent suspension.

“Once you have learnt the BMW handling secrets - above all, never power off in a corner - you can push the LS pretty well as hard as the motor will allow. There's no fear of unpredictable behavior at all”

Peter Thoeming, Bike Australia 1982

BMW R65LS icon shocks cone engineering exhaust

THIS BIKE’S HISTORY

I acquired the doner bike from the second owner with only 6600 original miles on the clock, the frame was in near mint condition so, it made no sense to refinish it. The paintwork was sent to Holt BMW (one of the best painters in the BMW community) He opened up his Glasurit paint code books and proceeded to make some tests for the final color you see here.

The motor has a brand new 860CC piston and cylinder kit from Siebenrock BMW, at the same time the heads were sent for complete refinishing, new seats, guides, and valves were fitted and the valve springs were checked for tolerance. At this time I also fitted the new Asymmetrical camshaft from Siebenrock.

The carburetors were completely rebuilt and ultrasonically cleaned, all airbox rubbers replaced and K&N air filter fitted. The exhaust is a special unit made by Cone Engineering. The original exhaust headers and crossover were ceramic coated in black.

I upgraded the Ignition system & charging system, both from EuroMoto Electrics Now with the 450watt brushless alternator system and the Saches Ignition with a 9 curve adjustability. The ignition coil was upgraded to a Nology Engineering coil.

The brakes have been heavily upgraded, new Brembo FO8 calipers the stainless brake lines are made by Spiegler and carry a lifetime warranty, the brake rotors were sent to Spiegler at this time for Semi-Floating rotor conversion, I then finished this off with the highest quality Brembo brake pads.

Suspension, the front forks were completely rebuilt and the fork legs expertly powder-coated, at this time I installed Wurth front fork springs and Ikon rear shocks with custom spring rate.

Other details include, Ultrasuede reupholstered seat by long-time collaborator Via Meccanica, LED Moto-gadget turn signals, all rubbers replaced, new tires installed, wheels powder-coated, new wheel bearings, fuel line, misc parts refurbished or renewed.

I personally have broken in the top-end and performed an additional service. The bike carries a complete 1-year warranty.

Read the Bike Bound write up on this bike here.