The New And Improved Unofficial R65 Forum V2
General Category => Totally Off-Topic Discussions, Rants, Tire & Oil Threads, Etc. => Topic started by: DeeG on August 14, 2009, 12:46:45 AM
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It was time to check the valves on the baby GS's as mine is starting to sound "funny". What crack smoking fool designed this? Me thinks that Gunther had too much Schnapps. Faux tank tupperware comes off, drain the coolant, remove the airboxes and the battery and move the oil reservoir out of the way. Use your quad jointed extra long E.T. style fingers to remove the plug leads and then, after taking off the throttle cable and the multitude of bolts, you can scrape up your fingers trying to get the cover off the top of the engine. Don't forget to remove the little bolt at the bottom of the crankcase so you can see the TDC mark, after you make sure the cam lobes are pointed in the right direction and the marks on the gears are pointing at each other.
Oh, and did I mention? This whole nightmare is shim under bucket.
I may not survive pulling the cams off when the time comes.....
So, put it all back together and just TRY to get the called for 1.3L of coolant back in the radiator. I dare you.
Now I need to to bleed the brakes. Except that to do it properly you need the little computer that tells the ABS to open wide and release its bit of fluid. OR, you can do a normal bleed, then take it out and purposely activate the ABS, thus release its fluid and sucking clean stuff, and then, go back and re-bleed. Since we have three 'new' BMW's we sprung for the GS911 fault code reader that will tell the ABS to do its thing.
Why, Oh Why, BMW, did you stray from the good and mighty airhead design? Why would you make working on a bike an exercise in evaporated patience, foul language and spilled coolant? What on Earth were you thinking...putting an AUSTRIAN engine into this plastic encased contraption? Working the airheads is so pleasant and relaxing. Its supposed to be a bonding experience between woman and machine, not a frustrating 4 days filled with more colorful words than any sailor ever uttered. [smiley=wall.gif] I'm done now, thanx for listening.
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I understand, just let it out!!! Every time I work on anything else it makes me appreciate the simplicity and maintainability of an Airhead just that much more. [smiley=bmw_smiley.gif]
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Airheads forever! Anything water cooled is definitely going to be more trouble than it's worth. There are still enough R100GS's around to satisfy the occasional yearning to get dusty. Trade that tupperware coated goat in for something that gives you the satisfaction that you so richly deserve.
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Unfortunately it can be worse - the latest AUSTRIAN engine is being produced in CHINA!
I know - built to BMW specifications and inspected. When it comes to dollars (or Euros) there are always corners to be cut so I have my doubts.
what with CANBUS technology and computerized fuel injection the days of being able to do all your own work are raapidly coming to an end. I wonder what local shop will be willing to work on these machines when they reach the age of our beloved airheads? (will they actually last that long?)
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May want to forego cursing the BMW engineers. Isn't the F650 engine a Rotax? IIRC. Monte
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I believe it is a Rotax, however you have to know that there was definitely a committee locked up in a tiny room somewhere in Austria, perhaps Berchtiesgarden?, that had fiendish plans to cause grief, agony, and consternation to one of our own with the design.
I rather doubt that those bikes will be around like the airheads are. How many Japanese bikes from the last 40 years still haunt the streets? Most of them have found their way to the scrap heap. You do still see lots of BMW's, Moto Guzzi's, and H-D's around. Why? Because the serious afficianado who appreciates the character of these bikes and enjoys working on them like DeeG keep them alive.
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I love our vintage BMW Airheads. So here's a slight tangential comment for this thread but, maybe not...
The G-series "BMW" is an Aprilia-designed, BMW badged and co-produced motorcycle. An expensive attempt to penetrate the economical lightweight off-road motorcycle market, the entire program was moved to China. It was either move to a country with far lower labor rates or shut down the line. The high purchase price of the Euro-produced models made the bikes non-competitive against many other manufacturers offerings.
Kymco now builds the engines G-series! Yes, they of the zillion small scooters on every road worldwide.
http://astonishingbikes.com/index.php/2008/02/25/kymco-will-assemble-the-g450-bmw-motor/
Like it or not, the new world order global economy drives most every business decision. Ugh, IMHO.
So, the new BMW R1000SS is an affordable (13-14K USD) SuperBike that, in many respects, mimics the successful engineering design paradigm of the UJM. In my quirky little mind, it's still a BMW.
Let's hope BMW can sell lots of these new look and design motorcycles. Hopefully, that will permit BMW to continue at least a trickle of OEM parts for our beloved Airheads.
Monte
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just in case you haven't been there already, f650.com has some great faqs.
for valves: http://faq.f650.com/GSFAQs/Valve_Shim_Change_FAQ_GS.htm
for most other stuff: http://faq.f650.com/GSFAQs/
forums here: http://f650.com/phpbb3/index.php
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Yes, I know the Chain Gang site well. Inmate #2517 here! The FAQ's and the maintenance DVD's were what kept me from pushing this thing in the path of a freight train.
However:
The whole process went much smoother and faster on the spouses GS. LOL. Spent an entire day this weekend re-bonding with the machines. They sparkle and shine like the day they were rolled off the showroom floor. I feel much better about the world now. I guess its time to go get them dirty again. :)
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DeeG, you have brought up the very point that makes me hesitate to return to the twin F650GS, the single too and also, rethink the Triumph Bonneville twin with it's shim and bucket valves. The Moto Guzzi V7 classic gets numerous points!! Thanks DeeG!!!! Whew!
I really found the single F650GS frustrating too. The new Twin at least had an easy oil change. No need to even get it up on the centrestand. Sidestand is good! One point for an easy oil filter canister too.
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ha well thats why we love airheads BTW does anyone know how the variable valve lifters work on the hondas or should i start another thread on it??
Lou
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The Moto Guzzi V7 classic gets numerous points!!
Sue, I don't own any stock in M-G but had a chance to sit on the new V7 classic last weekend. A very nice bike indeed! I really can't be sure but the pearl white tank would probably look good alongside LRB. I'm sure that you could run across the northern prairies all day on that scooter. Ever think about taking Canada Highway 1 to next years rally in Redmond?
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Well Bengt, it was the Trans Canada hwy. that I was aiming for last summer when all hell broke loose in Saskatchewan. I was on a more northern east-west highway in the province and was just coming south to pick up the Trans Canada. So I'll stick with the USA route which has only good memories!
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There there, Deeg !
We feel your pain - BMW Motorrad Division I think is in a technology war with the car division to see who can make the most complicated, obfuscated mode of transportation on the planet - at least that is their intention to keep their dealers & mechanics in business and well paid.
After going through so much just to get to the spark plug wires - many (but not all) would gladly fork over a Ben Franklin note to the white coated technicians to do it for them. That, and the fact that they're going more Tupperware crazy every year (except for the R1200R) is indeed what is keeping many of us from buying new BMWs, and enjoying turning a wrench on the old airheads.
On a related note - I see that the MotoGuzzi guys are releasing a V7 Cafe' version of the V7 Classic - though the Cafe will be less versatile from a cargo perspective - it definitely has a nice look.
My next bike will be either another airhead, a Guzzi, or possibly a naked oilhead from the 90's or early 2000s. IF I cannot adjust the valves and adjust the synch on the carbs/throttle bodies, I don't want it!! :D
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The Moto Guzzi V7 classic gets numerous points!!
Sue, I don't own any stock in M-G but had a chance to sit on the new V7 classic last weekend. A very nice bike indeed! I really can't be sure but the pearl white tank would probably look good alongside LRB. I'm sure that you could run across the northern prairies all day on that scooter. Ever think about taking Canada Highway 1 to next years rally in Redmond?
The V7 is a WONDERFUL bike. Same engine/drivetrain as my Breva, but the danged thing runs sooo much smoother. Shifts better too. :-?
Spouse road it to the MG National in CO back at the end of June. Central WA to Central CO, left around 0400 on a Thursday morning and got there early afternoon on Friday. Said he didn't feel road fatigued or sore at all.
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Dee, why not stay away from them newfangled machines and stick with your Airheads and Guzzis. It's not like you're lacking in variety!
And, Sue, I only have 3 words.
One
(https://bmwr65.org/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi146.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fr261%2Fsteve2371%2Fscooter%2520pics%2FDansV7C.jpg&hash=d1b5867036349b3f388c5b3921837ca093b43df2)
Two
(https://bmwr65.org/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi146.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fr261%2Fsteve2371%2Fscooter%2520pics%2Fv7black_1.jpg&hash=3de1cc8ce600591c9cdb6cd5804d1e281a1d6c2e)
Three
(https://bmwr65.org/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi146.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fr261%2Fsteve2371%2Fscooter%2520pics%2FV7ClassicCafe.jpg&hash=98a1ccb47f1efd72abd98ef47e9e21022596507d)
[smiley=thumbsup.gif]
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OK, where'd ya get the inserts for the HB's and WHEN are they gonna import the other two?
Hmmm......... the V7 is built on the same frame as the Nevada, yes? We have a Nevada that was damaged when Pete hit the coyote......... Oh Greg Field...can you please order up some plastic bits and a tank for me?
hehehehehe
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Thanks for those pics Steve. Ok, the top one is perfect, perfect! Any idea how I get those sidecases?? Who makes 'em and those graphics!! Ohhhhh yes!
I wouldn't toss the black one outta bed either!
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Thanks for those pics Steve. Ok, the top one is perfect, perfect! Any idea how I get those sidecases?? Who makes 'em and those graphics!! Ohhhhh yes!
I wouldn't toss the black one outta bed either!
This white one belongs to my buddy Dan, and is the bike I was gonna get you a test ride on if you'd made it to the Guzzis in the Blue Ridge outside Asheville, the weekend following the RA rally. He's a Guzzi guy from way back and still has 2 others, both larger, but I think this one's quickly becoming his favorite. Here's another pic, of the other side, beside our bud Greg's '03 V11 Titanium.
(https://bmwr65.org/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi146.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fr261%2Fsteve2371%2FVA%2520Guzzi%2520Rally%252009%2FIMG_0686.jpg&hash=36dd65e050e081ab21f608f960b2585aca1b0e26)
The luggage is standard Hepco-Becker, 30L side cases and (I think) 30L top case too, available lots of places. The color inserts are also H-B, and the graphics are decals he found somewhere. He pulled the tank bag off his red Norge for the trip. He loaded 'er up and we rode to 2 rallies in a month together, and that's with him coming here from Florida 1st!
The black V7s just hit the US as 2010 models, should hopefully be on the showroom floors next month. I personally love the black with gold trim, very Norton/Lotus/John Player Special-esque. The green V7 Cafe's are still Euro-only at the moment.
Might be time to start rolling up all the loose change, Sue... [smiley=thumbsup.gif]
PS: And Dee, Greg's the one who just let it slip that the black 'n' gold V7s were now in the US, awaiting delivery. 8-)
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Love the V7 with the black tank but prefer the seat on the green one. Hmmm, a hybrid V7? What's the tariff on the bike? I haven't bought a new scooter in decades but the Guzzi's are beginning to get me thinking about it.
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I missed out on a ride on THAT bike!!! Yeeeesh! [smiley=wall.gif]
Oh Dan???? :-* :-* Are you SURE you don't want a black V7 instead????
Yesterday I phoned my insurance people and asked about insurance for a V7. Somehow or other...and you guys take note of this, they said $864.00!!! That is less than the burnt up F650GS which they also quoted at $864.00 now. It was $937.00 BEFORE the accident. Me thinks that I might get a huge surprise if I don't nail these guys to the wall with their quotes. The lady assured me the quote did take into account the accient and did cover everything, not just liability. Heck, that is only $200.00 more than the LS which is 26 yrs. old!
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Sue,
Is Progressive Insurance available in Canada ?
I've got the R1150R insured with them, and it's around $450US per year for full coverage, the claim that I had when the bike got ran into in February, was handled quickly, with no problems what so ever .
Also, I have Hagerty Insurance for the R65, full coverage, plus an agreed upon value, if the bike is stolen, or destroyed, yearly premium is $140US .
But to qualify for coverage from Hagerty, you need a 'regular' use motorcycle .
So you need to get that Guzzi right now !!!!
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Dee, I sincerely apologize for hijacking your F650 thread! Sue and I have been talking Guzzi off & on since her own unfortunate F650 twin getoff, and I know you're a Guzzisti yourself, so I hope you don't mind too terribly. Still, :-[
But, The '09 V7Classics MSRP at $8495 in the US, and the dealers seem to be selling them right well at or near that price, unlike some of the larger, older school Guzzis, where you can find some real deals if you look. Dan added the 3-piece bag and rack set, a small screen up front, the engine guards, sump extender (the 750s don't hold much oil!), and just for the hell of it, a Mistrial muffler system, and has somewhere around $10K in his. He also got the 1st one on the East Coast and paid full retail for everything, though, so by now I'm sure someone could save a few bucks anyway.
Also, there have been a very few used ones pop up for sale. I know of one in particular somewhere in NY that only has 700 miles and the seller was asking $7299 on Ebay, without much luck. $7Kish seems to be the consensus right now for a very clean, low mileage model still under warranty.
Oh, and Sue, Guzzi's running a new 0 down, 0 interest, 0 payments for (I think) 6 months program.
Overall, definitely some things to think about.....
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Steve, steve, steve....we've GOT to get you back on an R65!!! So much Guzzi talk around here lately.... ;)
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Steve, steve, steve....we've GOT to get you back on an R65!!! So much Guzzi talk around here lately.... ;)
I know, I know, and I feel just turrible about it too :'(
I sincerely wanted to get Ol' Blue back, but the timing and the $$ just wasn't right when Jonathan needed to make a move.
But, be that as it may, PS, the used V7 I mentioned earlier actually sold for $6500, in IL, with 103 miles. I had it confused with another NY bike. http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=170364149253&viewitem=
And, I still think wunna these would be an excellent companion for Sue's LRB!
Go fer it, Suze!! [smiley=thumbsup.gif]
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I concur! It would be a fine addition for the "Brrrrrm Closet" ;)
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Dee..I want to apologize as well :-[
Believe it or not those were good insurance rates here in Ontario. All depends on one's postal code and history of course. We get stiffed for sure.
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Dee..I want to apologize as well :-[
Believe it or not those were good insurance rates here in Ontario. All depends on one's postal code and history of course. We get stiffed for sure.
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Mmmm, black Guzzi V7 = Verra nice!
I really think that BMW Motorrad needs to do something with their model portfolio to try to get back in touch with all of us who prefer simpler, classic looking machines that don't require a supercomputer and EM field analyzer and CANbus network sniffer to do a simple tune up. It would also be nice if they didn't cost more than a decent automobile, too, but we all understand that there are few 'cheap' bargains to be had in ze land of das motorraden!
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No problems with the 'hi-jacks'. I do that every once in a while myself. If you guys are looking for lightly used Guzzi's, contact Dave Richardson at Moto International in Seattle. They are the largest volume Guzzi dealer in the US. And Dave is the one that wrote the Guzzi bible "Guzziology".
800-949-MOTO or http://www.motointernational.com/main.htm
And if you happen to stop by the shop, don't be afraid of the Pit Bull. All Hoffa wants is to be loved and scratched. And maybe be fed a Milk Bone or two.
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Ooooo, Dee G don't temp me with sources for Guzzi's. What Mike said about the guys in Austria overthinking things is so true and likely why I will never buy a new BMW. Probably won't ever buy anything made since 2003 or so either. But the Guzzi, now there is classic styling with a sense of simplicity and it's even affordable. More and more I find myself loving my Cali Special Sport. (sorry Aida, just had to get in one more kudo for the marque)
Fortunately, Seattle is a very long way from Texas so I doubt that I'll load up the old Ford conestoga with trailer and head that way. But then, a one way ticket is fairly cheap these days.....
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Then go talk to the good folks at MPH Cycles. If I lived in Texas, I'd prolly go here:
http://www.mphcycles.com/
;)
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NC Steve is that ZZ Top I see lurking in the Gutzi background .......La Grange perhaps ??? :D
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Then go talk to the good folks at MPH Cycles.If I lived in Texas, I'd prolly go here:
http://www.mphcycles.com/
I know 'em well. Bought the Guzzi from Mike as well as both R1100's. First class quality guy. That's the first place I'll go when I'm in the market again.