The New And Improved Unofficial R65 Forum V2
Technical Discussion => BMW Technical Q&A, Primarily R65 => Topic started by: t-sQuare on July 13, 2022, 02:25:09 PM
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Hello!
I'm new to the R65 group and to BMW airheads. I rode as a kid, rode and even raced a little in my early/mid-20's. Now wanting to get back to riding in my late 50's for fun and saving $ on gas.
I have an opportunity to buy an '86 R65 but the seller says it's missing the keys. Being new to these bikes is there a single key for everything? Or 2, for ignition, steering column-gas?
I've called and questioned a BMW dealership and an independent BMW shop about what options are for missing keys and have learned:
- without a VIN# (yet) the dealer couldn't see if a key replacement is available for a model that old. They seemed to see a small quantity of blanks available.
- short of finding a dealer-supplied key replacement, the independent shop said if the cylinder(s) could be removed and BMW blank(s) found a locksmith could cut new key(s)
Any input on this dilemma would be greatly appreciated so I can make a decision soon.
Thank you in advance.
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The keyswitch is easy to swap. My friend has a box full! Yes it also fits the tank, seat and steering column. None of them are high security in any way. That would not put me off.
What would put me off is not being able to run the engine and try the bike on the road. They are exceptionally easy to hot wire though. The seller ought to have figured that out if he's genuinely got no keys.
Welcome!
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Originally all of those things should've been keyed alike but after 35 years, very possible that some things have been replaced. Mine is an '83 and every lock was different. And unless you're absolutely positive that the ignition is original, you'd be taking a chance getting one made using the VIN.
Most folks say that a decent locksmith should be able to make a key by impression on the ignition. They're sealed up pretty well and not impossible to take apart but it requires removing it and then bending some metal on the switch body (and a lot of fiddly small parts waiting to fall out from inside). I think most locksmiths would rather do the impression thing?
As for keys, the original blanks are getting harder/more expensive to find but they're out there. There are a few blanks from other things that will work, I know there is one type that fits an old model of Volvo that has the right profile, for example.
So the key thing isn't an impossible problem to take care of but as Dogshome said, I'd be concerned about not being able to check out it's runnability.
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Hello !
Some things to consider :
New ignition switches are NLA. Pattern parts exist which have (if I'm not mistaken) a different type of key.
The steering lock key is very easy to remove if you have the key, not so if not.
The saddle lock is a bit simplified versus the ignition or steering locks so do not use it to have a key made..
Bear in mind that the latest model had luggage locks using the same key as the ignition.
So if the bike comes with BMW bags, you may have to choose to have a key made for them or buy a new set of locks (around 70 €) and replace them all.
Ask the previous owner if he has the original key ♯. With it you will have either BMW or a locksmith able to make a key.
I'm also curious with people having a bike and no key for it... I would be very suspicious about the bike provenance and triple check all papers coming with the bike just in case....
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Welcome to the site !!
Non-OEM key blanks are available .
I've had several cut by a local lock smith .
Don't have any of these keys on me at the time, I'm at work .
I think it is an IL30 .
At least here in the US .
When I get home I'll check and post a correct number if I'm wrong now . If you do happen to get an OEM key, most locksmiths won't cut it, it's made of steel and dulls the cutter quite rapidly .
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Thanks for all the informative replies, All!
Good to learn the key issue is able to be addressed one way or another. I’m curious what model Volvo has the same key specs!
Definitely needs title and VIN thoroughly checked.
The current owner (3rd) says it has extensive service records but the run and ride are mandatory.
Hope to have an update soon.
Take care.
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I also had no trouble with the key blank in Rural Lincolshire. I just walked into the shop in town and he picked one off the rack.
Now, if you want a key for a Chubb AVA or Ingersoll 10 lever padlock, you might have to shop around :-)
- Service history on one of my old Minis probably read:
Replaced rotten subframe.
Cracked cylinder head changed.
Fan disintegrated into the radiator and was replaced.
Fire in boot, carpets replaced.
Rubber universal joints deposited on road. Lost and replaced.
Articulated lorry damage to front, wings replaced.
It wasn't a great history, but it had one!
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Here's a link with some examples. I think mine was the third from the left in the photo with the four keys. And I'm sure there are more that fit. Just make sure you go to a proper locksmith as the basic hardware store won't know the details of the slight differences. BTW - this site has lots of other info as well, it's worth having a look around.
https://w6rec.com/bmw-motorcycle-fork-and-tank-lock-neiman-keys/
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Fan disintegrated into the radiator and was replaced.
Was the fan made by the same folks that made them for MG? I had a '69 MGBGT with an aluminum hood and the fan chucked a blade right up through the hood, left about a 4" gash. The scary part was that the day before I was crawled up in the engine compartment tweaking the carbs. I can just imagine that fan blade woulda really smarted! Needless to say a plastic fan went back on...
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Knowing BL and the parts bin - probably! "smarted" from a flying blade is an understatement :shocked2:
My wife lost the universal joints. She'd taken off quickly at a crossroads as someone was bullying her (typical for mini owners) and lost all drive. This was accompanied by lots of mechanical noise as the free inner ends of the driveshafts rattled around. I arrived to a scene of mini up the kerb and a trail of rubber, broken U bolts and nuts behind the car. The bully hadn't bothered to stop or help.
Something similar in the 1100 left a Vauxhall up the kerb instead. She got annoyed and took an island at speed (55MPH) with large bully close behind. Little minis corner flat and true, 1970s Vauxhalls not so good. Smug mode engaged.
Did someone mention keys? ::)
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Thanks for all the replies. The seller has been unresponsive so I’m giving up on this one.