The New And Improved Unofficial R65 Forum V2
Technical Discussion => Restoration Progress Logs => Topic started by: peteremc on January 28, 2016, 04:19:17 AM
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I started this topic over in the technical tips area by mistake, but it will now reside here and I hope to update fairly regularly.
So, I thought I would introduce this project before leaning on the contributors for what might be lots of information in coming months!
This story begins back in 1984 when I bought a near-new R65LS. Pretty sure it was an '83 model, but it was very low kilometres and a very good price. Fell in love with the looks, handling, low maintenance, etc. Sold it in 1986, to move to a remote area in Australia - no sealed roads I'm afraid. This was the first of a string of airheads in later years including a couple of R80s (interspersed with a number of other brands and styles of bikes) but nothing else seemed to measure up.
Fast forward to about 2005 and skip the adventures and assuming family responsibilities in between, and an '82 R65LS came up for sale locally. Very low kilometres and very good price, so I had to have it. Ran like a dream for several years, rode it a lot, but it eventually assumed it's place as one of the bikes in a stable which grew to 4 bikes at one stage. I'm a bike tart, as long as it has 2 wheels I'm interested, but I still have my preferences.
Then came an unfortunate driveway incident which tipped it on it's side. I still have that nightmare because I was driving the vehicle and as I was reversing down the driveway (where, earlier in the day I had parked the bike) and from the driver's seat I couldn't see the bike until I just caught it toppling over in the passenger rear view mirror. Only suffered panel damage, but a couple of gouges in the fairing kinda spoiled the looks. Not sure why, but it then spent a couple of years at the back of the garage, unridden and unregistered, while I played with other, more shiny toys.
Late last year I decided to do something with it and always had a custom in mind. As soon as I started my research, I realised I must’ve been the only person on earth who was oblivious to the craze of doing café-racer-scrambler-bratbike restorations on these things. I discovered a world of parts and nice bits for the 80’s air head. This suits me fine. I’ve always wanted another café racer (my very first bike was a Ducati 350 and later progressed to a 450 Desmo – damn, why did I sell that bike?).
So, the 1982 R65LS is in bits – see attached photo.
To the point of this first post. I have the motor on the bench and the cases have generally cleaned up very nicely, but the fins have years of build up between them. I've searched the forum and can't find anything specific, so if anyone has a good method for cleaning up between the fins I'd really appreciate it.
More photos and updates will follow. I promise.
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Just curious. That doesn't look like an R65LS fuel tank. How does that fit with all the under tank electronics?
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Ahhhh ... well spotted and a very good question! The tank is from an '86 R80 (I think). There were a range of other models that also had the electrics all mounts on the right side of the frame and therefore the tanks were made to accommodate this.
I've been told variously that:
(a) ANY R65, R80, R80RT, R100, R100RT, R100RS Monoshock model from 1985-1995 will fit.
(b) any tank from a r80g/s, r80st, r100gs, r100r. they all mount with the metal hook thingy and possibly an R80RT
(c) ALL twin shock R65, R80 G/S, R80ST, R100GS, R80GS, R100R, R100Mystic
I picked up the first and now very rare tank that came up that had the correct shape underneath to accommodate the electrics. The front mounts just fine using the original rubber mount (just had to take a couple of mm off each side to make it fit) and I have purchased an equally rare rear mounting bracket for the '86 tank - which is still in transit because I had to buy it from the US of A. I may have to drill the frame to make it fit but I may be back to this forum when it arrives for mounting tips.
Cheers
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Well, I saw my wheels and top and front engine covers which have been bead blasted and my frame, sub-frame, centre stand and swing arm which have been sand blasted and primed and the rear sub-frame shortened by 3" (behind the shockie mounts). Gotta say that my original plan was to paint the wheels, but when I see how good they look, I'm very tempted to leave them original. Decisions, decisions....
Sorry guys, but I didn't take any photos.
Well, here’s a bit more information:
The motor (I believe) has done about 74,000 klms and runs like new as does the gearbox, so I’m not touching the internals of either. I’m led to believe that this bike has spent a lot of time off the road, both before and after I bought it. I have the motor and gearbox sitting on the bench.
I have had the rear main seal and clutch plate replaced while the motor is out. Pushrod tubes were weeping woefully so rubbers have been replaced. I have installed an aftermarket set of the older style rounded valve covers, just because I think they are damn sexy.
I may offend some traditionalist here and I'm sorry but I find that the LS tank is just dead boring so I’ve purchased a 1986 R80 tank. Unfortunately, these tanks are becoming very rare, so I grabbed one that came along. Only to find out it has holes at the right rear base of the tank and a lot of corrosion along the join around the base of the tank. The poor old thing has been cleaned up and any weak spots beautifully braised by the shop doing the work on the frame. Unfortunately, they missed a small dent in the tank which needs to be fixed, so I've left it all with them and will collect all bits on Wednesday. Then off to talk with the painter.
The original colour of the bike is red and my plan is to reverse the original colours i.e. frame, sub-frame and swing arm will be painted in BMW red and a lot of the other bits either gloss or satin black, but with red highlights wherever I can work them in.
I’ve shaped a café racer style seat from styrofoam, measured to fit the rear sub-frame which is being shortened by 3”. It will probably be changed a bit and fibreglassed later after I can see the size and angle of the tank on the frame once the final fitting arrangements are determined. The front tank mount works OK. All I had to do was to shave a couple of mms off each side of the rubber mount. I purchased a rear tank mounting bracket which was on ebay in the US for 40 US$ but the seller accepted an offer of 20 US$ which saved me a bit of money.
I have purchased a new set of dual brake rotors as mine were not in great shape and under spec. Thank you Motobins for the specials available on the week I was looking (hope that doesn’t breach any forum rules!). I was surprised by the state of the rotors for the mileage and this makes me wonder about the life of this bike and whether the mileage on the speedo is actually genuine.
Will be replacing whatever looks worn as it goes back together. New bearings everywhere!
More info and photos as I progress ….
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I’m learning (fairly quickly) about the planning required to sequence tasks correctly when doing a restoration. The custom component gives me a bit of leeway, but still have to get it right. So, let’s just say 2 steps forward and one step back at the moment, and true to many tasks like this, it will take a fair bit longer than I ever imagined.
Looking at exhaust options today and decided to cut out the balance pipes. A couple of discussions on this forum convinced me that they provide very little benefit in performance terms. I will get the engineering shop to cut them out and plug the holes, maybe with bits of the balance pipes. Not bothered by how neat the job is, because I’ll probably wrap them anyway.
I was wondering if I should save a bit of money and re-use the mufflers that were on the bike as I was happy with the nice low rumble sound. Just wasn’t happy with the look of them. (See attached photos)
Unfortunately, they were very badly painted in flat black probably from a rattle can with inadequate preparation. Then I flipped them over and had a close look and found out that they are a set of Staintune sports mufflers.
To replace these now with new ones would cost me a kidney or my first born. This just creates another dilemma. Do I use them and accept that I’m in front in terms of “opportunity cost” or sell them to someone else, buy some cheaper ones and pocket the difference in cold hard cash to help fund the project. Any offers????
Spoke with the painter this morning and should be able to get frame and sub-frame painted (in one colour) fairly pronto and then the other bits (in a different colour) are less urgent as most are bolt-on bits like guards, engine covers, etc
Going the right direction, just more slowly than I thought. One reason is I’m trying to fit this around a more-than-full-time-job. Spent Friday night cleaning engine cases and barrels with a beer or five. That’s dedication.
More posts as things progress.
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Well, I hope the project is about to get a bit of momentum. Unfortunately, I have to have a (sometimes more than) full-time job to pay for follies such as this.
The natural impact of getting underway may be a number of queries on the forum to draw on the substantial experience and knowledge available. Some may be very basic (to those who know), but please bear with me. I am a health professional, not a mechanical one. I have a very little experience in projects like this, basic skills and knowledge, but certainly willing to learn. I have a bit better than basic tools, but willing to get what I need. I have a pretty fair space to work in.
After a couple of false starts and too much interference from my job, this week I finally picked up my frame and rear sub-frame, swing arm, engine covers (front & top), centre stand and wheels. Alloy bits have been bead blasted and others sand blasted.
First question: The attached photo shows where the swing arm bolts in. This has been primed. I had help with removal of bearings and races (swing arm and steering), so don't have those bits handy, but I seem to remember there may have been bearing races in where the swing arm bolts in (outside the thread which shows as not being primed). Am I correct? Is this an issue I should be worried about and may have to correct?
More photos to follow in separate posts, because they are a hefty file size.
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The bearings don't fit in the frame but inside the swinging arm itself. The thread in the frame is for a bearing pin which the inner race locates on and there is a lock nut to provide adjustment for centering the swinging arm within the frame and to set the bearing preload. A black plastic cap fits in the recess shown in your pic.
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Well after lots of preparation, research, cleaning and polishing parts and reading manuals (and spending money!) I have some visual progress (as opposed to all the stuff you don't see before the shiny bits all come together).
I have a BMW red frame. Henna Red. The original colour of the 1982 R65LS.
I have a pretty clean looking motor and gearbox in place.
I was to put it on its wheels tomorrow but in replacing fork seals in what I thought were a great set of forks, I found large and very worrying pieces of plastic debris in the bottom of one of the springs. More work to be done there.
Tomorrow I install the swing arm.
The seat is from Thor the mad German from Orlando, Florida who makes them for sub-frames shortened by 4 inches. Mine is shortened by 3, so it's a bit long and some modifications will be done while I fix my forks.
The tank is sitting there on custom mounts.
You can probably see the satin black wheels in the background of one of the photos. Verrry sexy.
The seat, tank and front guard will be painted next - probably in black pearl, a colour used by both Harley Davidson and Audi, I'm told.
Getting there, bit by bit.
Not a traditional restoration, but a lot of learning and fun along the way.
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...I was to put it on its wheels tomorrow but in replacing fork seals in what I thought were a great set of forks, I found large and very worrying pieces of plastic debris in the bottom of one of the springs.
Nothing wrong with the forks. Those 'plastic' bits are the remains of the damper rod's nylon-ish "bumpers". Earlier bumpers were made of a hard rubber than was dissolved by modern fork fluids. Replace both sides. And flush clean the lowers prior to reassembly.
Rubber baby buggy bumper from my 1981 R65:
(https://bmwr65.org/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi196.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Faa1%2Fmontmil%2FBMW%2520Suspension%2FP4270002.jpg&hash=a86f6eed49600ca3c285248e56e7ca902b2295b9) (http://s196.photobucket.com/user/montmil/media/BMW%20Suspension/P4270002.jpg.html)
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Thanks Monte, I assume your photo is the bottom end of the damper rod with the damper rod seat in place. I've looked at both the Clymer and Haynes manual (my new best friends) and can't see the bumper on either parts diagram for the LS. Also watched Chris Harris on Youtube and no bumpers appeared on disassembly or reassembly of R65forks. When you said "replace" did you mean just replace the forks without bumpers or replace the bumpers themselves. If it's replace bumpers how are they identified? Is there a part number? I have a decent order sitting with Motobins and I may catch it before they ship (to Australia) if I need these parts
Many thanks
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Also, at risk of starting another "what's the best oil/tyres/shockies/etc" thread what would you use to flush forks and clean parts?
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Now I see what I'm dealing with. Monte, looks like yours were in relatively good shape. I popped out the damper rod seats and the remains of the bumpers (both sides) pretty much fell off and disintegrated just like this.
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This is where I'm up to this afternoon at the end of a long weekend. Swing arm and final drive all in OK, shockies mounted (mainly to support the swing arm at this stage and may be replaced). Fighting with the damn centre stand springs, which I find impossible to mount, otherwise would be further progressed.
Fork stanchions being sent tomorrow for rechroming due to rust spots that are going to eat seals in no time. Predicted 2 week wait, so the front end will be a while yet.
Cheers
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Looking good!
That red on the frame looks very close to BMW "Hell Red" - what is it?
In relation to your forks, BMW had several goes at changing the fork internals. To make matters more confusing some Dealers "upgraded" R65 fork internals to R80ST standard because the bits were, back in the day, fairly cheap.
Although it is theoretically possible to shock damage the damper rods and cause the tops to pull out, I do not personally know of it ever happening. For many years the bigger RED stop was simply not available and you simply did without it.
The compression stop is quite superfluous as the rod will lock hydraulically before that stop is assaulted.
On principle, and seeing that is once again available, I have fitted the RED stop to both my R65 and the wife's R65/80.
In relation to the RED stop, avoid BelRay fork fluid like the plague - it contains a "secret;' ingredient called "seal swell" and I suspect it is this ingredient that causes the RED stop to liquify far faster than it would otherwise do so.
FWIIW after a long and careful study of fork fluid viscosity (as opposed to the utterly useless "weight") I believe that depending on the weight to be carried a mix of Castrol Fork 5 and Fork 10 provides satisfactory and repeatable performance. Best of all you can buy it, albeit at an expensive price, from Supercheap.
PS - If/when you destroy one of more of the piston rings on the damper rods, I have spares.
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Thanks Tony. I'm really enjoying this project now it's all coming together.
The colour is Henna Red, the original colour of this bike, a 1982 R65LS. I checked the details and got the paint code and had the painter get the exact paint. My homage to the bike I dismantled to do this project. The frame was black and the rest was red, so I’m just swapping them over. Only a couple of people have seen this bike in photos and it depends on your computer settings as to how you see it. Someone thought it was orange, but trust me. It’s very red.
I’m really surprised at how much they played with these forks within the same model. I also have a couple of Harleys and they used some parts on some of their models for up to 40 years! Some didn’t work very well, but they used them anyway.
I will try to get some of the red stops and thanks for your advice on the fork oil. When this bike was on the road I used 20W and found it fine. I’ve been told I like my bikes set up fairly firm (front and rear) compared to a lot of people and I think that’s probably right because I weigh in at about 78kgs. I might try something a bit lighter this time.
Thanks also for the word on those piston rings. We’ll have to arrange to catch up at one of the local bike shows for a yarn when one comes around.
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The colour is Henna Red, the original colour of this bike, a 1982 R65LS. I checked the details and got the paint code and had the painter get the exact paint.
Can I be rude and ask which painter? The reason is that my wife has been a long term fan of Hell/Henna Red in BMW colour but we have been unable to find the paint code anywhere.
If you have the paint code handy still, can you post it please. There is a 1974 Kombi at a Gold Coast Restorer that she would like to paint Hell Red.
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No problems, Tony.
I went to Lyons St Paint & Panel, just off Scott St. Paul's the man to talk to. They were recommended to me and I previously had a set of panniers and front guard for my Road King painted by them. Not only was it a great quality paint job, they matched a 2000 model Harley pearl paint near perfectly. I am extremely happy with the care they've taken with my bits & pieces in a shop which I'm sure would be more interested in a string of well paid insurance jobs on cars. One part in particular was re-done this time because they were not happy with the first result. I'm happy with that. When I approached Paul to do this job they also had some Ducati parts in there to paint, so seems like he doesn't mind doing bike bits. You may wait a few days longer because it depends on spray booth time, but the prices are very reasonable also - I've looked for other quotes and they don't compete
The paint on my frame is BMW Henna Red (hennarot) and the paint code is 052. I'd love to see photos of a 74 Kombi in Henna red! I have a bit of a Kombi fetish. Owned one many years ago and never owned another one, but also never got it out of my system.
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Well, despite all my good intentions to post regular updates, I've barely been able to scavenge enough time to get the work done on this bike.
Right here I post my apologies to the purists and fans of stock R65 and especially the LS, but you will be happy to know that I have saved all the stock bits from this LS for someone else to use to restore their bike.
I did set out with an idea in mind and I couldn't be happier with where it's all gone.
I will post a series of posts, because there are photos with each stage.
I did nothing with the motor/gearbox except replace pushrod tube rubbers and rear main seal. All else was OK
So, following on from previous posts – many moons ago – the rear went in no problems in the end and I had the bike off the floor. My back gave a cheer and I had a beer (or 12) to celebrate.
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On the other side, the final drive is satin black
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The wheels are painted in 2-pack satin black
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The front end was a bit more work than expected because I had to seek all sorts of forum assistance and do a full refurbishment of the forks, but I finally had it sorted. I also paid a truckload of money for a set of Tarozzi clip-ons and replacement brake rotors (old ones were below spec) both of which I’m very happy with in the end. I did learn a fair bit.
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Finally, I had an opportunity to do a mock-up in the garage. I had shaped a seat from foam because I shortened the sub-frame by about 3 inches and needed something to fit it, but the seat I ended up using came from a mad German from Miami, Florida because I could buy it, landed at my place for about half the price I was quoted locally to fibreglass my mould. I have since found out that I was probably talking to the wrong people. Damn! Still, it looks great on the bike.
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From here it was send parts off to the painter and he did a sterling job. Here’s a sample.
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Meantime, Made up a battery box to relocate it up under the seat. Very happy with the way this turned out. You can also see the seat mounts made from strip aluminium and suspension bushes that I had to make up. Just 4 screws through the seat and all mounted. Took me a long time to get the seat aligned in all planes (level front to back and side to side, correct distance from the tank and the correct height) but worked a treat in the end.
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...and from underneath
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Then I have the parts back from the painter and I have something close to the end product. The front guard/fender (depends where you live) is the original item, cut to the same length fore and aft of the mounts. The controls are all the original with a new master cylinder fitted. The headlight and mounts are after-market items.
Now I’m getting exhaust sorted this week – thanks for some communication with Montmil – and the seat is having upholstery fitted and should be ready at the end of the week and all lights and gauges will hopefully be hooked up this week and I hope I’ll have a functioning bike!
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This is, of course, a very abbreviated account of many moths of work. A couple of things I didn't mention:
All the lights (various) and gauges (Acewell) are after market, as minimal as possible.
The rear sets are Raask which I picked up a a bargain. Took a bit of adapting to the rear brake, particularly to activate the brake light switch properly, but got it sorted should work fine.
The starter cover came from a new company BetterBoxerCo. in New Zealand. This is a superior product (no sponsorship or anything, just someone making a great product)
Enjoy!
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I love your color scheme, The "in your face" red frame with the conservative dark grey is pure art! Nice job Sir.
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Thank you sir. That's high praise indeed. Appreciated
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I'll second that if I may. Very well done sir.
I am envious.
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Cheers Tony. You'll see the real thing around the ridges. My bikes are for riding and spend as little time in the garage as possible.
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Ooops, hit Post too soon.
Not sure what distances I'll be doing on this, but Port is easy and will be a regular trip as well as tours of the Tablelands on a nice day would be a lot of fun via the Gillies etc.
I'm 2 washers for the fuel taps away from starting it now and can't wait. Hoping the washers arrive tomorrow. That'll make my weekend! I also broke a choke return spring, but figure I can deal with that until a new one comes.
Cheers
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Fantastic thread. Thanks for sharing.
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So Peter what's the latest word after 6 months?
How did it start/run and how does it handle?
Any new picts would be great!
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Since I can't see if this was ever answered, since I am replacing my front fork internals - I am having a hard time locating the proper parts to replace the disintegrated "bumpers" - anyone know of a solution/source for the pieces I need?
Now I see what I'm dealing with. Monte, looks like yours were in relatively good shape. I popped out the damper rod seats and the remains of the bumpers (both sides) pretty much fell off and disintegrated just like this.
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If you check out my thread: Another fork question! ALL the advice from Barry worked a treat for me.
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If you check out my thread: Another fork question! ALL the advice from Barry worked a treat for me.
I will do that - thanks stub!
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Well, 12 months on from when Billmc was looking for an update on my first 6 months - sorry Bill, didn't see it - I have to admit that I had a bumpy start at getting the bike back on the road for about 6 months.
I knew the motor, gearbox and drive train were all good. It was the electrics that let me down and I had a 6 month tussle with them.
First, it was the regulator. I surprised myself by diagnosing and fixing this as I've admitted previously on this forum that I was away from school the day we did electricity. Can't recall the specifics but I seem to recall that I had a one pot wonder (previous thread of this title under technical area) and ended up tracking it back to the regulator, which I replaced. Then I had 2 pots firing!
The bike would then run for 10 – 15 minutes and then cough, splutter, stall, try to run again and then repeat the cough, splutter …. I suffered the indignity of having the bike strapped to the middle of the bed of a very large tow truck and delivered to my home - from about 5 blocks from home. Nearly made it. When it cooled down it would repeat the pattern.
This prompted removal of the pod filters and replacement of the original air intake as excluding this as a cause of the problem. It remains that way until today, but this had no effect.
This time I sought expert advice to find out it was the ignition module which was overheating, so it was replaced, complete with heat sink paste this time.
At some stage I also discovered that it was a mistake not to include the generator warning light on my restored bike, as it is part of the circuit that charges the battery. Don’t ask me how I found this out. I now have one reinstalled.
Then it was time for a final tune and the coil failed and was replaced. This was, I think, just another coincidence of timing.
And so, with new regulator, ignition unit and coil, it ran really, really well! It might’ve taken about 6 months to sort out, but it now goes really, really well. The final tune was done by someone who makes a living out of working on Beemers, mostly airheads and he said he took it for a 15 minutes test ride and ended up in the hills 40 minutes later and not wanting to head home.
A friend who also rides an 83 LS took it for a ride and said it was truly like riding a brand new bike. He was very impressed. It’s not a long distance rider because of the seat / pegs / bars set up, but it just deadly on the local ranges and so much fun. It’s probably a younger person’s bike and a very different package to my Harley Davidson Ultra Classic Limited!
I have not had one hint of a problem since the final tune and coil replacement and it’s an absolute joy to ride. I’ve attached a couple of my favourite photos of the bike, which incidentally show off a bit of God’s own country where we live in Far North Queensland. Since the photos, I’ve replaced the Staintune sports mufflers with a set of Emgo reverse cone mufflers. They’re loud and I may switch back, but they much better suit the look of the bike.
Cheers
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Another shot
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Last one
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Thanks for the update Peter and VERY nicely done!!!
Although it is not really my style(old, bent back you know) I can appreciate your interpretation and execution and I'm sure it handles wonderfully, and your coastline is spectacular!!!
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I love your color scheme, The "in your face" red frame with the conservative dark grey is pure art! Nice job Sir.
Nothing has changed since my earlier comment, It's a beauty. Well done indeed!
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I really dig the "big-bike" gas tank on that! Looks super.
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Thank you gentlemen.
To say that I am delighted with the final result would be a gross understatement, because I had never attempted anything like this before. At times I wondered what the hell I was doing, but the little achievements along the way were all pretty exciting.
So, with many late nights, long weekends, lots of swearing, skinned knuckles and trial and error, three steps forward and two steps back, a fair bit of beer and some really great tips and information from the forum, I have something that is practical and works extremely well, that I really enjoy and that attracts a lot of attention wherever I go.
It is very satisfying when you receive compliments from others, particularly those who know their stuff. It's been a pleasure to share and thank you for all your help.
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May I add my congratulations also. Not my cup of tea (my legs/feet cannot cope with rearsets) but I've seen first hand the work you have put into not only your bike but getting your head around a manufacturer very different to your "normal" ride.
I do love the colours and like others I reckon the /7 tank looks great on an R65 - they should have come that way!.
When our current weather systems subside we will have to go for that long awaited coffee at either Port Douglas or the Whistlestop at Yungaburra. The way this weather has hung around I may well be in a position to show you how an 860cc R65 performs and how a K100 front end improves handling (or not as the case may be).
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Peteremc's Cafe is coming to America!
I had it printed as a poster(some assembly required) and will be on the shop wall as soon as I find the time to put it together.
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Thanks again, Tony. I would really look forward to seeing the end result of your project, although from your description of the work you're doing it may very well be regularly from behind! I'd never be able to catch you for pace or handling. Under Wraps in Port Douglas has great coffee and breakfast wraps at very reasonable prices. All we need now is the weather.
Wilcom, that is truly a huge compliment! I'd love to see a photo of the finished poster-sized version on the wall.
This is probably frowned upon by the powers that be, but I also did up a 2000 Harley Road King a while back (much less complex than this job) and soon after, a stranger offered to pay me cash to purchase it on the street and I also posted a photo on a US Harley Forum. A member from Melbourne (Australia) saw it and liked it so much he Googled until he found me at my work, bought himself a Road King and has now based the whole look of his bike on what I had done - and we've become very good friends. It's a great compliment and I find it exciting when you have an idea, execute it, and other people like it so much.
Now I need another project - and fortunately my wife doesn't even know about this forum!
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I'd love to see a photo of the finished poster-sized version on the wall.
Peteremc............... we had a rainy day and I got out the scissors and tape and went at it.. Your sweet bike is now the focal point of where my wife lets me live.
also, send us a pic of that HD you built and sold, stick it in the "Lesser makes" category, it's allowed. If someone bought it off you driven down the street you might just have a flair for this stuff...........
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Thanks Wilcom, that's just amazing! It's crazy seeing my bike up on the wall. I never really thought about getting a poster of my bike but I may now.
Thanks for taking the time to send this. Appreciated.
I am just about to post one of my other bikes over in "Lesser makes" if you're interested.
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Could not help noticing that the Staintune sports mufflers on your beautiful bike are black like the originals. I have an '83 r 65 LS also and am thinking of buying new mufflers. Were they a special order from Staintune as all the r 65 mufflers on their site are stainless.
Thanks in advance, regards to all.
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if you look back in this thread you will see the state of the mufflers I had to work with. I found a small local powder coating company who had just started using a heat proof powder coat. The owner said he would not do headers but had no problems doing these mufflers. And they turned out fantastic. A top quality job and the coating is there for good. The wheels, parts of engine cases, final drive etc are all satin black, but painted - the wheels, centre stand and other bits and pieces are 2 pack, while the final drive and a number of other bits are done in a rust-preventative paint from a rattle can. Not because of any rust issues but because of how well the paint went on. So I just asked the powder coated to powder coat them in satin black. Came out a beautiful finish and cost me all of about $80. Very, very happy with the result
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I have been a bit of a cranky old purist about deviating too much from what BMW hath wrought.......until this bike. I didn't like the red frame, I didn't like the tank, bla, bla, bla!
But my opinion is that the finished result is every bit as sexy, in it's own way, as the original LS. I think your concept and your foresightedness are excellent, and I applaud your work.
Now if I could just get out to Queensland to see it jn person!
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Thank you, Tiggum. Very high praise indeed.
I do get where you're coming from about preserving what BMW produced, particularly with a classic bike with a relatively limited production run. I thought long and hard about what I took on, but figured I could bring my concept to fruition - and I was very clear about the vision - and still have a lot of bits and pieces in my shed that would help someone else rescue an LS one day.
I've said this before but there's not much more satisfying than having a concept, creating it, and then having many other people appreciate your work. Gives me a big kick. Thank you
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Funny thing.....I visited a BMW mechanic/restorer yesterday and found an '82 R65 (NOT an LS) almost completely refurbished, but stalled due to the lack of a good tank, a speedometer and the standard black plastic BMW instrument binnacle. I may buy it this and finish it, if we can get to an agreement on the price, as the work to this date is superb.
I nee to ask you questions about the R80 tank and the rear mounting bracket, etc. Please contact me direct at our home, at janet.martin2010@comcast.net so that we can have a conversation. Thanks; Tom Martin
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OK, will contact you by email.
Cheers
Peter