The New And Improved Unofficial R65 Forum V2
Technical Discussion => BMW Technical Q&A, Primarily R65 => Topic started by: wilcom on June 22, 2013, 06:47:48 AM
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Ebay has a pic of a side cover that has been repaired. The "fix" would repair the one on my garage shelf in a heartbeat. Very ingenious as "lamontsanford" comments. Take a look...............
http://www.ebay.com/itm/BMW-Motorcycle-Airhead-R65-left-side-battery-cover-BLUE-/261234274597?pt=Motorcycles_Parts_Accessories&vxp=mtr&hash=item3cd2c6b125
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The "Search" feature couldn't find my posts on my side panel repair so here's some photos regarding fixing a broken tab, plus making your own side panel-to-chassis attach bits. This project was for my '83 R65... which I bought from Larry Chibara in Austin, Texas; AKA LamontSanford.
I first made a pattern of the complete plastic tab using an undamaged side cover. Note that a short extension was added where the completed tab would fit into the louver's backside slot. The badly broken tab is visible on the yellow paper. Totally buggered.
(https://bmwr65.org/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi196.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Faa1%2Fmontmil%2FBMW%2520R65%2FPanelTab01.jpg&hash=24da398ec7d5cd1dd1343545608327de496979dd)
After carving the new aluminum tab from .080-inch aluminum and leaving some extra length on the tab -to match the depth of the louver's back-side slot, the tab is epoxied in place adjacent the position of the OEM plastic tab. The very slight offset is of no concern when the panel is installed.
(https://bmwr65.org/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi196.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Faa1%2Fmontmil%2FBMW%2520R65%2FPanelTab02.jpg&hash=fda16a1577194775a46370baa4ab05068c9da40b)
Found a rubber grommet at Ace Hardware that fit between the ears of the new tab but the i.d. was too large for the chassis stud. So... A short bit of tubing corrected that issue. Cut a bit long as seen in the photo, the extra length of the tubing permits adjusting the rubber grommet to perfectly match the mounting stud.
(https://bmwr65.org/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi196.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Faa1%2Fmontmil%2FBMW%2520R65%2FPA250002-1.jpg&hash=c65ac0fde4f2a5d73cf2d16c19bedefadacaab31)
Ace Hardware R65 side panel mounting materials. This is what the grommet and vinyl tubing install looks like. The repaired side panel snaps in place easy squeezy.
(https://bmwr65.org/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi196.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Faa1%2Fmontmil%2FBMW%2520R65%2FPA250003.jpg&hash=d43417f1e5232db5b1a494f717e8cc62b17a24be)
Be sure to use a small zip tie to secure the panels to the chassis. Super snug not necessary; just close it enough to keep the panel in place should it try to fly off during a Sunday ride. Right side panels get lost more frequently than the left side... the lift handle will usually hold the panel on until someone points out your flappin' plastic.
Ace Hardware bits were pocket change. The aluminum was on hand. IMO, I believe my fix, although more time consuming, is a better solution.
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Hello !
The grommets are still available at BMW (and quite cheap, I paid 5.6 € for the whole six lot two days ago).
The covers are also available (primer paint colour) as are the stickers. Stickers and panels are quite expensive, though.
So if you've a paint job in mind; do your bike a favour, buy as set of panels with matching colour stickers ....
If you do not want to loose the panels, change the grommets often. The panel fall because the grommet loose it's elasticity or crack. And a bad grommet will help the brand new panel fall...
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I lost a sidecover even though I had replaced all the grommets - sometimes things just vibrate off! I always use a nylon ziptie or elastic cord to secore the sidecovers on my airheads, but that one time I had forgotten to replace it after I had removed it to do some wiring under there. I then went on a ~200 mile weekend ride and discovered about 1/2 through that one of my sidecovers was missing.
They are about $65 US new in primer, so an elastic cord or nylon ziptie is very cheap insurance!
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Those vinyl, stick-on, side cover R65 labels were supplied with the bike uninstalled when it arrived at the dealership. That's one reason the occasional question arises as to their correct positioning.
I've never been fond of them myownself and don't have them on either of my R65s. Many is the time a sidewalk admirer has asked...
"Cool bike. Is that, like, a 1000cc BMW?"
Why, yes. Yes it is. ;)
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They are about $65 US new in primer, so an elastic cord or nylon ziptie is very cheap insurance!
BMW2valve.com has brand new reproduction side covers, in primer, for $39 a piece
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The "newer" 85-87 model R65s have a screw at the bottom of each side cover, as well as the suspect grommet attachement. I've never had one of mine fall off. When I first read here that the side covers could, and do, fall off I was quite perplexed.. What, you guys don't fasten your fasteners all the way?
Then I realized someone at BMW had finally heard the clatter and whistled up a solution..
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thats the only thing i can criticize on mine (up to now!) the side panels are too thin and flimsy. mine are cracked and missing bits so are just cable tied on. just make sure you carry spare ties and a small set if pliers to get em off! 8-)