The New And Improved Unofficial R65 Forum V2
General Category => General Announcements => Topic started by: clonmore1 on July 17, 2011, 04:07:40 AM
-
Hi All,
So, some advice please, as some of you know, I purchased a neglected seldom ridden R65 about 2 years ago, the bike is semi stripped and I have been thinking about where to go with the rebuild.
My riding background is way in the past and I have never ridden a "65" or indeed any other BMW.
I bought the bike initially to take it back to showcase condition (i.e a bit of a garage queen) and just play with it as well as build a collection of bikes as a hobby, my wife is very reluctant for me to ride in the UK simply because we have lost people we know to bike accidents.
However, she has eased up on this recently and now I think I should change direction re the build.
So, my questions to all you knowledgeable folks are these;
1. Is the "65" a realistic non motorway (freeway) short hop tourer (one up)?
2. What mods would you suggest bearing in mind that they can be incorporated into the build?
She is an 81, with 33k miles, not been ridden or started for the last 11 years, is overall sound, but I want to get the engine rebuilt, re-wire and get her to a high standard, but ready to ride.
I would really appreciate any suggestions, Lucky Lou very kindly came over to see the bike just after I bought it.
Anything you can do would be great! :)
A couple of pics to show you where we are.
Cheers
Chris
-
The R65 was designed to be a commuter. It makes a great street cycle and think it would work perfectly for what you want. One modification you might consider is a upgrade on the charging system. I live in a small Texas town and use my R65 for running errands around town. My battery was always being sucked dry by all the stop and go traffic on short runs. I finally followed some of the other crew and put a Omega 400 charging system on. That ended my problem. Think your going to love your R65!
-
1. Is the "65" a realistic non motorway (freeway) short hop tourer (one up)?
It will easily cruise all day as fast as you want go on a naked bike and you will tire long before the engine gets stressed.
2. What mods would you suggest bearing in mind that they can be incorporated into the build?
None are really necessary unless you want to spend money. No offence to those that have them but the various uprated alternator systems are seriously expensive and as I have no charging problems If extra funds were available I would prioritize on improving the riding experience with quality tyres, quality rear shocks and even though you already have twin discs I might consider a smaller master cylinder piston to improve the front brake feel. A bike that rides, handles and brakes better will be safer and that sounds like it might be a priority for you.
My bike came with with the rear luggage racks and crash bars. As I'm a less is more sort of person (and I could do without the extra weight) I took them both off and will refit the racks when I need them. I decided to leave the crash bars off for good after reading this.
http://w6rec.com/duane/bmw/crashbars/index.htm
Also I reasoned that in the event of a minor spill a new valve cover would be cheaper than new crash bars.
-
Im with Barry on not worrying about the generator, fit a good gel battery and no worries, i dont even bother using my battery tender between rides any more as i have confidence in it.I always ride with headlights and have never had an issue even though sometimes it may be a couple of weeks between rides.
The wiring loom on mine with similar mileage seems trouble free, i had a "Dry" joint problem with one connector block affecting the indicators but after a good clean that was ok.
As you have been off bikes for a while i would recommend a "Back to Biking" course its a 1 day session costs about £100, they provide the bike so you can do it as you get nearer to completing the rebuild if you want a number for one pm me it will help keep the wife off your back and i promise you will benefit from it.
Ive been on some longish runs and the bike will cruise at 80 all day no problem and a top speed of 105+
Lou
-
Thanks Guys,
Should I upgrade the lighting system?
Are Continentals the best tyres to fit? they were standard factory fit right?
Barry,
Thanks for the info on crash bars, I have always suspected they would not actually do anything...
Any more Folks?
Thanks
-
I toyed with the idea of led,s when worrying about the genny but as time as proven nothing to worry about i have decided to leave well alone.
I have Michelin M45,s on mine Good in all weathers ( was riding through our cold spell in January) and a "Retro" look to them, the National tyre center in Barnsley is a motorcycle specialists.
Lou
-
I don't know what kind of speeds you run at on whatever you call your limited access highways in the UK, here in the southwest US the speed limit is 75 mph .
At that speed, you don't have too much more power available if you needed it, and that's with one rider .
As stated, you will wear out long before the bike will at high speeds .
As far mods are concerned, I'm a 'stock bike' kind of person, after having my '81 going on 31 years and reading experiences of other owners here on this site for the last 10 years or here's my list of things to do .
Replace the rubber lines with braided stainless lines, if the brake pads are in need of replacement, don't use OEM, I've used EBC pads and they are far superior to OEM parts .
When you replace the rotors when they need it, EBC has semi floating steel rotors, these with the EBC pads make remarkable difference in wet braking over the OEM parts .
Gaiters on the forks, they look odd at first, but after awhile they look like they belong there .
Replace the Hall Effect sensor in the 'bean can' along with the advance springs .
Replace the ignition coil with a reliable aftermarket dual output coil, here in North America, the Dyna "brown' coil is a common replacement, don't know what's available locally for you .
Get a good brand rebuildable shock absorbers .
I do alot of night riding, I've upgraded the tail light/brake light with an LED unit .
I've also added side 'running' LED lights at the rear in place of the red reflectors .
I installed a set of PIAA 40 driving lights, but I doubt they would be tolerated in your area by law enforcement .
Nobody can say they don't see me now, they have saved my 'hide' more than once since they were put on .
I added 4 way hazard flashers with an OEM kit from BMW, it's not made for the '81 model year and later bikes, it can be made to work, but if you aren't electrically inclined, I wouldn't recommend it, there are several aftermarket versions available .
-
So, who is that cat on the aluminum walking sticks? You? Or someone your wife points at and says, "See what those nasty motorcycles are good for."
Pay attention to Lou's suggestions. He knows of what he speaks.
Monte
-
Oh yeah, I forgot to mention, replace that effed up center stand .
My original finally broke beyond repair last September, I replaced it with a later model year center stand, wished I had done it 30 years earlier !!!
-
Montmil,
That "cat" is my son and that injury finished his pro football (soccer) career at 15!
He starts at college in Sept as a pro football coach now he can't play himself, that was a big blow because he was good, very good...
Lou,
Thanks for the tyre advice.
Bob,
Thanks for those comments, much appreciated.
[smiley=bmw_smiley.gif]
-
I REALLY like my Fiamm horns, with load-bearing relay. Much more effective than stock. Do NOT test these horns in your garage without donning hearing protection first!
(https://bmwr65.org/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pbase.com%2Ftomfarr%2Fimage%2F65215976%2Fmedium.jpg&hash=8dbdfc0524f4c12312eb4df21651b78a7007a6f0)
As Bob already mentioned, a LED taillight insert is a good idea, if only because the bulb sockets on the BMW tend to become unreliable after a while. Just before I bought mine I was removing my lens a few times a week just to reset the bulb.
http://www.motoelekt.com/lighting.htm
I also installed a set of Hyper-lites on the outside of the turn signal boxes. http://www.sampson-sporttouring.com/hyper-lite.html
They are continuously lit with your tail light, and then "go hyper" when you apply the brakes.
And lastly (I think), you should replace the stock fuses and fuse holders with small waterproof automotive blade-type fuses.
http://www.bmwr65.org/cgi-bin/yabb2/YaBB.pl?num=1309212807/19#19
(https://bmwr65.org/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi196.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Faa1%2Fmontmil%2FBMW%2520R65%2FFusesTopView.jpg&hash=9fb1700efdbca9cfcd2b3b2dab40f46f2eebabfc)
-
Another vote in favor of replacing the stock rear bulb setup with the "Beacon 2" LED array from the motoelekt link above - it isn't inexpensive, but it will truly be the last time you have to mess with your taillight, and it will not burn out, and will provide more lumens to following drivers.
And also another vote in favor of replacing the fuses - either with an aftermarket fuse panel array or the simplistic approach like the Monte Miller special shown in the photo above (which I also copied on my bike).
-
Thanks again to all, great advice, if you have any more, please keep sending them.
I aim to get the bike ready for early 2012 and will post updates as they happen.
Thanks again, I'm looking forward to getting out there and riding again!!!!
Cheers
Chris