In its second generation, the R 65 found favor with German police forces, who ordered an authority model with a large fairing, extra lighting, saddle bags, a small trunk, a siren, a larger-capacity fuel tank, and stiffer Fichtel & Sachs suspension. The R 65 seen here was built for the police in Hessen, Germany, where Lothar Schuettler bought the bike at auction with help from a longtime friend in charge of the Hessen police fleet. Contrary to custom, the bike was shipped to the US with its police equipment, which Lothar re-installed upon taking delivery.

For more pictures and information on this or any other vehicle in the Motorcycles exhibit, check out the exhibition book in our store!