The New And Improved Unofficial R65 Forum V2

Technical Discussion => BMW Technical Q&A, Primarily R65 => Topic started by: Milo_357 on February 11, 2012, 09:43:55 AM

Title: The mystery of seat removal
Post by: Milo_357 on February 11, 2012, 09:43:55 AM
Ok, could someone please tell me the trick to removing the double seat from the bike?  I can't seem to figure it out.

I feel stooooopid.  >:(
Title: Re: The mystery of seat removal
Post by: tvrla on February 11, 2012, 10:09:54 AM
It's like one of those chinese puzzles - no force or bending is needed, but the first couple times expletives can't be helped.

Seems every time I do it, I have to learn it all over again. First slide the seat back off the pins. The part I can never remember is whether the front or the rear has to come off first. It takes wiggling the seat around a bit to get just the right angle, and you'll then be able to slide a hinge past the frame. Then get the other one.

They won't both come free at the same time. I seem to recall the front coming off first, but don't count on that.

Some had clips on the pivots to prevent the hinges falling off, so make sure to remove them. They're not really needed, though if you're not careful when opening the seat, that can happen.
Title: Re: The mystery of seat removal
Post by: Bob_Roller on February 11, 2012, 10:57:36 AM
If the stamped sheet metal clips are still installed on the pivot pins, you'll need something like 45 degree angle needle nose pliers to get them off .

Like wirespokes said a bit of wiggling after the clips are removed and it comes right off .
Title: Re: The mystery of seat removal
Post by: Bengt_Phorqs on February 11, 2012, 11:37:50 AM
And if you do have the circlips, might as well forget about reinstalling them unless you want to keep your bike concours.  They will just fall off eventually.  
Title: Re: The mystery of seat removal
Post by: montmil on February 11, 2012, 02:13:05 PM
Quote
...might as well forget about reinstalling them unless you want to keep your bike concours.  They will just fall off eventually.

My brand-spankin' new, special ordered ones sure did! Screw 'em. The seat can be, at times, challenging to remove. Usually need to remove the tank for easier access. And if it's that difficult to get off, how the heck is it gonna fall off by itself?


Title: Re: The mystery of seat removal
Post by: Milo_357 on February 11, 2012, 07:42:22 PM
Clips. So that's what I saw upside down and backwards.  I don't have a 45 degree plier, but I have a long honking screwdriver...

I will update as I break... :o

Oh yeah, do those clip come off the end of the pin, or pulled sideways off the pin?
Title: Re: The mystery of seat removal
Post by: Crossrodes on February 12, 2012, 09:40:02 AM
Milo, they pull sideways off the pin.
Title: Re: The mystery of seat removal
Post by: Bob_Roller on February 12, 2012, 01:15:07 PM
They come off, 90 degrees to the pin, the clips sit in a shallow groove in the pin .
Title: Re: The mystery of seat removal
Post by: Milo_357 on February 12, 2012, 03:17:27 PM
Quote
They come off, 90 degrees to the pin, the clips sit in a shallow groove in the pin .

Well, that explains the 90 degree needle nose recommendations. Thanks!
Title: Re: The mystery of seat removal
Post by: bruce_launceston on February 13, 2012, 12:24:19 AM
The clips are the equivalent of an 'E' clip I believe.
I drilled a small hole through the back pin and fitted a washer and a small 'R' pin/clip.
It's easy to get on and off if required.
Title: Re: The mystery of seat removal
Post by: tvrla on February 13, 2012, 12:31:53 AM
That's a good idea, Bruce!
Title: Re: The mystery of seat removal
Post by: Barry on February 13, 2012, 05:24:38 AM
Quote
The clips are the equivalent of an 'E' clip I believe.

I have the original clips and they are just like standard E clips with part of the back edge turned over at 90 deg.