The New And Improved Unofficial R65 Forum V2
General Category => Chit-Chat => Topic started by: LordNykon on September 30, 2013, 12:38:11 PM
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Hello,
I wanted to introduce myself as I maybe asking you guys a lot of questions and for support on my new bike. I have built a few BMW cars from same time period from the block up so from what I have messed with so far this is not bad at all 8-) It is my first motorcycle, I did ride dirt bikes a bit in college (29 now). I recently bought a moped and road it about 10 times and decided I needed a real motorcycle. I have signed up for the MSF class locally and bought and High-Vis Arai as well as some other top end safety stuff. I cant stay off the bike I have probably 500-1000 miles on it since a I bought it about 2 weeks ago. That being said I am doing my best to take things slow tapping the brake a few times before I stop or turn as a warning, watching for left hand turners and attempting to kill me and just riding slow etc!
Look forward to talking with you guys!
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Tell us about the bike. What year is it? Any photos yet? Maybe put some details in your signature line. Other than that, welcome to the farm. You can find everything you need to keep the bike running here.
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Hello,
I wanted to introduce myself as I maybe asking you guys a lot of questions and for support on my new bike. I have built a few BMW cars from same time period from the block up so from what I have messed with so far this is not bad at all 8-) It is my first motorcycle, I did ride dirt bikes a bit in college (29 now). I recently bought a moped and road it about 10 times and decided I needed a real motorcycle. I have signed up for the MSF class locally and bought and High-Vis Arai as well as some other top end safety stuff. I cant stay off the bike I have probably 500-1000 miles on it since a I bought it about 2 weeks ago. That being said I am doing my best to take things slow tapping the brake a few times before I stop or turn as a warning, watching for left hand turners and attempting to kill me and just riding slow etc!
Look forward to talking with you guys!
For some reason, all I saw in your first post was the word "Hello" so I've quoted your full post just in case others experience the same issue.
So, what sort of motorcycle did you buy? Since you're here, I'll take a SWAG and say it's an R65. Year and model?
The MSF course is an excellent idea for brand newbies and even riders with some experience. There is often a discount on your MC insurance policy if you show your "graduation" card.
We have a member in HotLanta that's a frequent poster.
Welcome to the herd. Post up a photo -properly scaled to fit the page requirements, please. As we say here in the asylum, No Photo? The bike doesn't exist.
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Oh, one other thing Nykon, watch out for the guy that goes by the name of Monte. 8-)
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Sorry I thought I attached an image... 1982 R65LS came with hard bmw luggage and mounts.
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Oh, one other thing Nykon, watch out for the guy that goes by the name of Monte. 8-)
I heard that! Isn't your USA Visitor Card about to expire? ;D
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Noticed in the photo that your R65 still has the California Nanny State-required Pulse Air Injection System that became a curse on ALL USA importeds.
The real down side of this ghetto eco fix it it lead to greatly increased heat around the exhaust vale and seat areas. This, in turn, led to some expensive valve recession/burning valve/damaged valve seat/head damage for some owners.
Here's how to dump it, why and and the new parts needed to clean up where the junk lived.
http://ibmwr.org/r-tech/airheads/plug_fresh_air.shtml
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Sorry I thought I attached an image... 1982 R65LS came with hard bmw luggage and mounts.
Any relation to that Lucan guy ? welcome
Lou
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Noticed in the photo that your R65 still has the California Nanny State-required Pulse Air Injection System that became a curse on ALL USA importeds.
The real down side of this ghetto eco fix it it lead to greatly increased heat around the exhaust vale and seat areas. This, in turn, led to some expensive valve recession/burning valve/damaged valve seat/head damage for some owners.
Thanks for the heads up! I knew about this I just have yet to plug it and replace it I was going to do filters right off the Carburetors after that fix
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Any relation to that Lucan guy ? welcome
Lou
Nope, I am unfamiliar with him.
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Any relation to that Lucan guy ? welcome
Lou
Nope, I am unfamiliar with him.
Forgive me that was one for the Brits............ hopefully they will chip in ,http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lord_Lucan
Lou
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<Any relation to that Lucan guy ?>
But a possibly one with Zero Cool, Acid Burn or Cereal Killer?
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Welcome aboard!
Nice choice too !
don't worry about the EPA plumbing thing at this stage - unless you are getting alot of popping from the exhaust when slowing down for a stop. If all is working OK, it won't cause any issues. But if it isn't, then it is often easier to remove it than to get it working right, as the snorkel valves in the airbox are a Pain when not fully functional. Depending on your state inspection/emission requirements, you might possibly need those there (California is one such place).
I'm still running mine with the plumbing on, but when/if the time comes it gives me trouble, it will likely be coming off unless our state makes their testing more stringent.
In Texas, there are much fewer rules... that's why guys like Monte thrive there :D
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Any relation to that Lucan guy ? welcome
Lou
Nope, I am unfamiliar with him.
Forgive me that was one for the Brits............ hopefully they will chip in ,http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lord_Lucan
Lou
Did you think you'd found him, Lou? I don't think there's a reward if that's what you were hoping for! ;D
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Lord Nykon, welcome on board from a fellow newbie.
Nice looking bike - any idea what happened to the LS nose fairing?
Should I call you My Lord?
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The real down side of this ghetto eco fix it it lead to greatly increased heat around the exhaust vale and seat areas. This, in turn, led to some expensive valve recession/burning valve/damaged valve seat/head damage for some owners
Am I the only one who finds it worthwhile to remove that EPA plumbing just so the right carb bowl comes off as it should!?!?!?
Nice bike LordNykon. If you do decide to get a nose cone, you might need a new gauge cover/nacelle too. Looks like that one has been chopped, as it should wrap around the top of the headlight bucket.
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But a possibly one with Zero Cool, Acid Burn or Cereal Killer?
Bingo, I work in IT
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Lord Nykon, welcome on board from a fellow newbie.
Nice looking bike - any idea what happened to the LS nose fairing?
Red Nose Fairing is in my garage I would love to go with some just two vintage VDO or similar gauges and simplify the front end.
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Nice looking bike - any idea what happened to the LS nose fairing?
As far as why it looks like it dose? Previous owner broke it on something I do not think it was dropped in motion but I think someone knocked it over and cracked part of it.
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I do not think it was dropped in motion but I think someone knocked it over
Gravity is a son of a bitch. Done me in plenty of times.
As they say, "Obey Gravity: it's the law!"
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Gravity is a son of a bitch. Done me in plenty of times.
As they say, "Obey Gravity: it's the law!"[/quote]
And at least there's one law that Congress can't mess with. Done me in a few times as well.
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I was going to do filters right off the Carburetors
Seems much discussion about this "mod" indicates that for overall balanced performance you can't much improve on the stock airbox...
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LordNykon. I am an IT minion myself (big blue) and I applaud the handle you chose. One of my favorite tech based flix even if the tech seem very dated now. <hint> I can remember when having a 5mb hdd was considered God status. It is good to have another GA member in the forum. I am so far south I look across the street at FL, and align myself with the FL Airheads but if I can be any help let me know.
The GA Airheads is a good group, worth joining.
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I have a few questions now, I have been riding the bike about 2 weeks and I have some Noob questions.
There is a 3 position switch on the near the throttle, I know the middle is the position it sits in to start the bike and in the top or bottom position it just seems to kill the bike what are the other two positions? On that note what is the proper way of turning off an r65? The key or the Kill switch?
I learned last night that there was no low fuel gauge on the bike, It was not bad it was a good lesson to learn.
Brand new battery all the connections are tight, but my battery seems to drain really really quickly? What grounds should I be looking for?
Thanks guys!
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I have a few questions now, I have been riding the bike about 2 weeks and I have some Noob questions.
There is a 3 position switch on the near the throttle, I know the middle is the position it sits in to start the bike and in the top or bottom position it just seems to kill the bike what are the other two positions? On that note what is the proper way of turning off an r65? The key or the Kill switch?
I learned last night that there was no low fuel gauge on the bike, It was not bad it was a good lesson to learn.
Brand new battery all the connections are tight, but my battery seems to drain really really quickly? What grounds should I be looking for?
Thanks guys!
The kill switch on the right handlebar assembly should be left in the horizontal, ie: ON position. The up or down position kills the ignition. problem is, the switch itself is prone to self-destruction and may leave you stranded. best to use the keyed ignition to shut down the bike.
Fuel tank's reserve position is with the petcock lever straight up. With the single petcock, there's also a little extra fuel on the other side. If needed, lean the bike over and slosh some extra fuel that just might get you to a pump or home.
Battery not charging? Is the GEN lamp lit brightly or not at all? That's the starting point so check it and let us know.
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Good to know on the switch!
Generator light is on a bright at idle off at all other times i get a small needle bump on moving the switch I now should not touch to the middle selecter.
I have been able to roll start it since as soon as the bike takes off even at idle its fine.
I have noticed a pop-probably due to that emissions BS I am looking for back up heads now so I have less down time if I rebuild it.
Thanks for all the help!
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Nice looking bike - any idea what happened to the LS nose fairing?
Good eyes, I thought something was a little different on LN's bike. I took my plumbing off and had no issues with state inspection. Now that I have it registered as an antique vehicle I don't have to have it inspected. Nice bike, enjoy your riding. Dave 2
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... I have been able to roll start it since as soon as the bike takes off even at idle its fine.
How old is your battery? Batt cable terminals clean, shiny and protected with dielectric goop? Don't over look the positive terminal at the starter. Disconnect the ground cable prior to getting involved under the starter cover. Sparks bad.
Using a VOM, check battery voltage at idle revs at the battery terminals, then rev engine to 3K+ and check for a charge coming to the battery. What'cha see?
Your GEN lamp appears to be doing its job. The little bulb is a vital part of the exciter circuit within the charging system. The Airhead's alternator does not provide but a tiny charge until the engine revs get up a bit -about 3-4K is where you get a full bump from the alternator. So, putt putting around town at low revs will drain the battery. Couple days of this and it's flat.
Flat battery=BAD. Battery Tender Jr=GOOD.
So. It's the weekend. Get crackin' and give us a heads up on your test results.
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The kill switch on the right handlebar assembly should be left in the horizontal, ie: ON position. The up or down position kills the ignition. problem is, the switch itself is prone to self-destruction and may leave you stranded. best to use the keyed ignition to shut down the bike.
I've heard that on some bikes the kill switches are not to be used for regular shut-down because the switch points will arc as they open. This can pit or otherwise damage the contacts, leading to premature failure.
Wish I had a better explanation, but it's something to think about (or figure out).
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I got in the habit of using the kill switch to stop my K75s. Rode into work one day and used the kill switch and forgot to turn off the key switch. A five minute stop turned into a 3 hour stop and the headlight killed the battery. Haven't used the kill switch on any bike since then.
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welcome along mate, like the black exhausts
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... I would love to go with some just two vintage VDO or similar gauges and simplify the front end.
Perhaps consider going all digital with your build.
Both my R65s have digital instrumentation -'81 has a Vapor. '83 has an Acewell- as well as a Vapor on my R100S. Sheds the weight of the steam gauges plus cleans up the front end's visual.
TrailTech offers a digi gauge that provides way more information than you might imagine. Plus a simple 3-wire hook up. http://www.trailtech.net/
(https://bmwr65.org/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi196.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Faa1%2Fmontmil%2FBMW%2520R65%2FOPlite01.jpg&hash=54ab7085cf730bcb67df07b1216bfeb1c4b4c864) (http://s196.photobucket.com/user/montmil/media/BMW%20R65/OPlite01.jpg.html)
Dime City can supply a 'vintage look' Acewell digital in a can along with a speedo cable that plugs right into the BMW gearbox cable location.
http://www.dimecitycycles.com/catalogsearch/result/?q=acewell&x=8&y=14
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I will have to look into that! I am trying to work on the bike over the next few days so that its all tidy by Friday. I am thinking about riding to Barber around 11-12 on Saturday.
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... I would love to go with some just two vintage VDO or similar gauges and simplify the front end.
Perhaps consider going all digital with your build.
Both my R65s have digital instrumentation -'81 has a Vapor. '83 has an Acewell- as well as a Vapor on my R100S. Sheds the weight of the steam gauges plus cleans up the front end's visual.
TrailTech offers a digi gauge that provides way more information than you might imagine. Plus a simple 3-wire hook up. http://www.trailtech.net/
(https://bmwr65.org/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi196.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Faa1%2Fmontmil%2FBMW%2520R65%2FOPlite01.jpg&hash=54ab7085cf730bcb67df07b1216bfeb1c4b4c864) (http://s196.photobucket.com/user/montmil/media/BMW%20R65/OPlite01.jpg.html)
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Monte,
My speedo is way off of calibration, and I am thinking about going with the Vapor instead of getting the existing speedo recalibrated. I do have a few questions:
1. What do you do do about the gen light bulb which is needed for the charging circuit? Does the Vapor handle that, do you keep the existing bulb and circuit and bury it somewhere, or do you redneck engineer a resister or other solution into that circuit?
2. Turn signal indicator - much wire cutting and splicing involved?
3. If I want to go back to the factory set up, would that be any problem or issue because of any wiring changes/cutting/splicing done for the Vapor?
4. What did you use to block/plug the speedo cable hole?
k_enn
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Monte,
My speedo is way off of calibration, and I am thinking about going with the Vapor instead of getting the existing speedo recalibrated. I do have a few questions:
1. What do you do do about the gen light bulb which is needed for the charging circuit? Does the Vapor handle that, do you keep the existing bulb and circuit and bury it somewhere, or do you redneck engineer a resister or other solution into that circuit?
2. Turn signal indicator - much wire cutting and splicing involved?
3. If I want to go back to the factory set up, would that be any problem or issue because of any wiring changes/cutting/splicing done for the Vapor?
4. What did you use to block/plug the speedo cable hole?
k_enn
1. Look at the photo of my Vapor install and spot the red GEN lamp neatly installed in the open hole where an Allen wrench would fit. I bought the smallest bulb and lens unit at RadiopShack -not an LED, slipped a very thin washer beneath it, ran the leads out the bottom of the steering head, fitted two butt splice plugs (so the GEN lamp could be removed if/when bearing work or whatever might be needed. A small dollop of silicone adhesive secures the bulb assembly.
2. Unless you purchase the Vapor "surround" component, there is no provision for turn signal "reminders". I just deleted the Nanny State stuff. If you need/want the signal reminder, you'll need to purchase the needed accessory to the Vapor. You could also use one of the multiple light positions for an OP light, if you need one.
3. Doubtful. But that depends on what you decide to cut.
4. Hard rubber tapered bung plug from Ace hardware.
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Thanks Monte.
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Monte has a thread on his installation somewhere. It's a good write-up.
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Check the FAQs section for Trail Tech Vapor information.
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I was thinking this morning that I should get another Vector, for my Triumph this time. To replace those attractive but rarely functional Smith instruments. Positive ground won't bug the Trailtech meters.
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Plan on doing some upgrade soon, I got my Dad hooked on BMW's as well we are taking a look at an 1977 R75/7 today. I have another post in the wrench sections with the issues I am currently experiencing. Thanks for all the information!
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So the 1997 R75/7 followed me home today...