Rear subframe compatibility

[Dwmadsen]

Will the upper tail section for the 1986 R65 bolt to a 1981 R65 rear subframe?

[dogshome]

No, unless you want to buy a lot of other parts as well.

Up until 1985, the bikes were short wheelbase. Shorter swingarm, smaller battery, different seat, toolbox and fender/mudguard. After that, they went to the same size as the R80/100 etc. It's about 2" longer from memory. The fittings between the frame and subframe also altered. There is a load of info about this on the web once you know about short and long wheelbases.

[Dwmadsen]

Thanks! My issue is the real rear cowling leaves a large vertical gap between the bottom of the cowling the the fender : https://share.icloud.com/photos/0dffukkx6bEZWsuRB_83G-1dg.

I am looking to “fill the gap”. The parts list seems to list only the rear cowling I presently have. Images of other R65s show a rear cowling which hangs lower.

[donbmw]

You need the storage partition item 15.

https://shop.maxbmw.com/fiche/DiagramsMid/B0001794.png?v=09082020

[georgesgiralt]

And the rear subframe is for two shock absorbers on the 1979~84 models and mono shock absorber for the 1985~95 models...

[Dwmadsen]

Don,
Perfect….this explains my dilemma.

[dogshome]

Hes right   

The toolbox mounts on the two bolts you can see that have black plastic caps on them currently.

[georgesgiralt]

Do not forget to install the metal strip ABOVE the toolbox in order to spread the load on the plastic ....