Highlights
- Entirely dismantled and rebuilt piece by piece by a specialist workshop in 2019
- The maintaining BMW workshop estimates the preparation value at over €20,000
- Recently serviced and professionally diagnosed in early 2026, with invoices available
- Registered on a French collection document Carte Grise de Collection with matching serial numbers confirmed
- Reported to have been stored under cover and carefully maintained throughout
The Appeal
The BMW R65, with its characterful 650cc boxer twin, has long been prized as one of the finest platforms for custom motorcycle builds. Its inherent reliability, mechanical simplicity and timeless proportions make it an ideal canvas for those seeking something truly individual, and this 1979 example has been transformed into exactly that.
Comprehensively dismantled and rebuilt, piece by piece, by a specialist workshop in La Rochelle in 2019, this R65 features a handmade rear subframe, bespoke carbon fibre components, including a moulded electrical tray and seat base, machined aluminium details, and a striking custom black-and-midnight-blue paint scheme. The electrical system has been modernised with a Motogadget M-Unit Blue module enabling keyless smartphone start, while the front end benefits from a Yamaha RG250 fork and braking system. In 2024, YSS full black custom shock absorbers, LSL Roadster black handlebars and bar-end indicators were also fitted.
The motorcycle has covered approximately 4,500 km since its preparation and is currently maintained by Atelier du Roule Toujours. Earlier this year, a professional mechanical diagnostic was carried out with all necessary work completed, and a recent service included ignition adjustment, carburation and replacement of cables and coils. The vendor reports that the motorcycle starts well, runs healthily and is immediately usable. Invoices and documentation accompany the sale, and the French technical inspection is valid until June 2030.
Key Information
- Mileage: 4,500 km shown; the odometer has been replaced or has gone around the clock — the reading reflects distance covered since the 2019 preparation
- Country of registration: France, Carte Grise de Collection
- Technical inspection status: CT valid until 19 June 2030
- Technical specs: 650cc boxer twin, five-speed manual
- Paperwork: Invoices for recent servicing and diagnostic work
- For the purposes of the photo, we simply placed the BMW badge on top of the existing badge. However, the original badges have since been installed by Atelier du Roule Toujours.
The Detail
- Engine dismantled, inspected and refurbished as part of the 2019 build
- Handmade rear subframe, carbon fibre electrical tray and carbon seat base with custom red-stitched upholstery
- Numerous bespoke carbon fibre and machined aluminium parts fitted throughout
- Motogadget M-Unit Blue module installed, enabling keyless start via smartphone
- Fork and front braking system sourced from a Yamaha RG250
- YSS full black custom shock absorbers fitted in 2024
- LSL Roadster black handlebars, bar-end indicators and number plate lighting added in 2024
- Service carried out recently, including ignition adjustment, carburation, and replacement of cables and coils (invoice available)
- Professional mechanical diagnostic completed earlier this year with all necessary work carried out (invoices to be provided)
- Currently maintained by the specialist workshop Atelier du Roule Toujours
- The vendor describes the paintwork as in very good condition with good depth and uniform colour
- Fairings reported as clean and well-aligned with exterior elements in good condition
- Some very slight signs of use consistent with age and mileage reported
- Matching serial numbers confirmed
This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:
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