Property of a deceased's estate, 1991 BMW 860cc R65GS

Recognising the increasing demand for off-road styled models, BMW re-entered the ISDT in 1979 as a means of publicising its forthcoming range of enduro roadsters. The first of these, the R80G/S, was announced in September 1980. Based on the equivalent R80/7 roadster, the G/S featured a 21" front wheel, raised mudguards, a high-level exhaust system, and a single-sided swinging arm. Strikingly finished in white with a red seat, the R80G/S was too heavy for serious rough stuff but nevertheless excelled as a long-distance tourer, a market sector that its successors dominate to this today.

Before the decade's end there were GS models in both smaller and larger engine capacities, the 650cc R65GS being a new addition to the dual-purpose family for 1988 together with the 1,000cc R100G/S. The smaller model used the R65 roadster engine in - basically - the R80G/S chassis with its Monolever combined driveshaft/swinging arm and single shock absorber. By the time production ceased in 1992 a little over 1,700 had been made.

Sold new in France where it had been used for off-road training by the French Gendarmerie, the machine offered here is one of three R65GS motorcycles purchased by the late owner in 2009 from Groenewoud International Trading Co of Woudenberg, Holland (receipt on file). A keen BMW enthusiast and member of the UK BMW club, he owned several of the German motorcycles over the years. This R65GS was selected as his mount for an epic 22,000-mile trip from Alaska to Ushuaia in the Argentine province of Tierra del Fuego, undertaken between May 2011 and March 2012 (the return leg was by sea), which was followed up by a further 12,000-mile ride to eastern Turkey and back. The late owner went with two friends, also riding BMWs. All the souvenir stickers accumulated on their La Gran Fuga (The Great Escape) adventure are still on the panniers. It should be noted that the current odometer reading of 13,391 miles is not the distance covered from new!

In order to better cope with the task, the R65GS was upgraded to incorporate a custom strengthened sub-frame, cylinder protection and panniers, fabricated by Overland Solutions, together with a Surefoot-style sidestand and lowered centre stand for ease of use. Changes to the engine include an 860cc Siebenrock Power Kit (not used on the big trip); an EnDuraLast 450W alternator; and a crankshaft-driven computerised digital ignition system. Other notable features include a 320mm front brake and a stainless steel exhaust system. An incomplete spare engine ('13/91/0209') is included in the sale. Accompanying documentation includes some expired MoTs; a V5C registration document; electronic ignition and 450W alternator instructions; assorted historical and technical literature; and a substantial quantity of invoices. Keys present.