The New And Improved Unofficial R65 Forum V2

Technical Discussion => BMW Technical Q&A, Primarily R65 => Topic started by: quixotic on July 18, 2014, 09:52:05 PM

Title: siebenrock valve covers (old style)
Post by: quixotic on July 18, 2014, 09:52:05 PM

I'm likely going to get a pair (strictly to boost the aesthetic appeal of the bike), but I'm hesitating between the classic and the polished.  

http://www.bmw2valve.com/motorcycle/B-2/1112240-245.html

The polished looks really cool, but it also seems a tad gaudy (and more than twice as expensive).  Has anyone had experience with either type?  Any recommendations?  

This thread could also turn into a rant about why modern vehicles have lost the aesthetic appeal that existed in the 60's and 70's...   :'(

Title: Re: siebenrock valve covers (old style)
Post by: Luca on July 19, 2014, 12:34:27 AM

Well it's all aesthetics... and there's plenty o' polish on older vehicles... just ask anybody with pre-rubber chrome bumpers, chrome belt trim, chrome windshield trim, chrome mirrors, chrome pipes, metal door handles, wheels, steering wheels, headlight bezels, hood ornaments, grilles, etc...

The price gap on the covers is astounding though!  If you're dead set on shiney peanuts but want to spend half the money for a little extra elbow grease, I'd get the classics and polish them yourself.  Nothing a little scotchbrite on a rotary tool and polish can't fix up.

And while you're at it, you might as well check eBay or some used parts places for decent valve covers that can be cleaned up.  Keep in mind, your shiney new aluminium is going to make everything else around it look old and tired.

Title: Re: siebenrock valve covers (old style)
Post by: marcmax on July 19, 2014, 10:31:44 AM

Just my $.02 worth but shiny things need to stay shiny to look good. I want to spend more time riding and less time polishing. The only thing left shiny on my R65 is the headlight bezel and I'm thinking of having it powder coated satin black.

When I put peanut valve covers on mine I bought a good used set off eBay, had them powder coated black and polished out the top of all the ribs. That's my taste, everyone has to do what suits them.

Title: Re: siebenrock valve covers (old style)
Post by: Bob_Roller on July 19, 2014, 11:06:14 AM

Nice addition to the valve cover, a port to add oil, instead of using the dipstick hole and spilling the oil in the process .

They took the idea from the oil head bikes .

Title: Re: siebenrock valve covers (old style)
Post by: quixotic on July 19, 2014, 03:09:38 PM

Quote

 If you're dead set on shiney peanuts but want to spend half the money for a little extra elbow grease, I'd get the classics and polish them yourself.  Nothing a little scotchbrite on a rotary tool and polish can't fix up.

Thanks Luca.  I think I'll try that.

Just had a look on e-bay.  Not a peanut, but the seller is a nut-case anyways:  http://www.ebay.ca/itm/1980-BMW-R65-Left-Side-Engine-Valve-Cover-/120735993299?pt=Motorcycles_Parts_Accessories&hash=item1c1c6d0dd3&vxp=mtr

I think I'll stick to bwm2valve.com