The New And Improved Unofficial R65 Forum V2
General Category => Chit-Chat => Topic started by: k_enn on April 13, 2015, 09:44:48 AM
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As of last year, I now have two motorcycles. I still have my 1982 R65. Last year I got a 2014 K1300S. This weekend was the first time I rode the R65 since I got the K13S. It was an experience.
Starting. the K13S always fires up right away when you hit the starter, and goes into a smooth and sold idle. The R65 can be finicky to start at times, and requires a bit of playing with the enricher. Yesterday, it started pretty easily, but did not want to settle into a smooth idle, A few minutes of riding took care of that.
Power. The K13S is monster. It puts out just under 180 Hp, and you better hang on when crack open the throttle hard. It does not matter gear you are in, it will accelerate. With just 50 Hp, I thought the R65 would feel real wimpy in the power department. While it is nowhere near as strong as the K13S, it still had ample power for the local and back roads.
Ergonomics. The K13S is a sport-touring machine, with more emphasis on sport than touring. From the factory, it has a very much sport foward body position, with narrow bars, stretched arms, and back-set foot rests. I ended up modifying the bike with riser bars, to a more comfortable posture. The bike is taller at the saddle by about an inch, but I can still "flat foot" both feet (without much to spare). The center of gravity is higher, and it weighs about 100 pound more, wet. The R65 is noticeably lower at the saddle, and a more up-right body position. The footpegs are much more foward, and at first I had to search for the pegs on yesgterday's ride. The lower center of gravity and lighter weight are noticeable. As currently set up, both bikes are comfortable for a full day of riding.
Handling. The R65, with its lighter weight, shorter wheelbase, and lower center of gravity, really handles extrememly well in the corners. Maybe part of that is that I ridden that bike for over 30 years, and it feels like a part of me. The brakes on the R65 are very weak compared to the K13S, but I like that the front and rear are not integrated (the K13S has partially integrated brakes). Acceleration is good, but not great. The bike does feel a little light and small for extended touring. The K13S handles well in the curves, but I still have to be careful not come in too hot. It is at home on the back roads, as well as the highway. Brakes are unbelievable. However, it is very awkward and heavy at parking lot speeds.
Overall - I like them both, They are different machines, and good at different tasks. I respect them both for what they are, and will continue to use them both regularly.
It does show that the R65 is a good design, that has withstood the test of time.
k_enn
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If I understand correctly, you purchased the K-bike sometime in 2014 (month?) and left the R65 parked until the middle of April of 2015 before riding it again.
Yesterday, it started pretty easily, but did not want to settle into a smooth idle.
Shame on that stale gas for not instantly settling the 33-year old Airhead into a smooth idle.
Bad motorcycle. No cookie.
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If I understand correctly, you purchased the K-bike sometime in 2014 (month?) and left the R65 parked until the middle of April of 2015 before riding it again.
Yesterday, it started pretty easily, but did not want to settle into a smooth idle.
Shame on that stale gas for not instantly settling the 33-year old Airhead into a smooth idle.
Bad motorcycle. No cookie.
Actually, the R 65 had not been run since November 2013. When I put it up for that winter, I added Seafoam to the gas, which I have found works well. I guess two winters proved the point, as it started up within about 15 seconds of cranking.
The old bike never liked to idle until it was warmed up. Nothing new there - can't blame it on the gas. The old bike deserved a good pat on the head just for starting up as easily as it did. About 4 stop lights later, it settled down nicely. If the alcohol was not bad for these bikes, I would buy her a drink.
k_enn