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Author Topic: 1981 R65 Speedo replacement  (Read 1232 times)

razz2234

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1981 R65 Speedo replacement
« on: October 24, 2009, 07:45:09 AM »
Was wondering if there were any Speedos out there that are better than the stock on the 1981 R65. Those speedo's go up to 80mph only and don't have the KPH numbers inserted. Any suggestions? I'd prefer to keep it in the fashion it's in rather than have a digital and would hope that it would be a simple procedure.
Thanks

Offline Bob_Roller

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Re: 1981 R65 Speedo replacement
« Reply #1 on: October 24, 2009, 08:17:40 AM »
You can replace the speedometer, just be certain that the small code at the bottom of the face of the speedometer, are the same, it should be : W1318 .

The 85 mph speedometers, are reputed to be the most accurate  .
« Last Edit: October 24, 2009, 08:18:34 AM by Bob_Roller »
'81 R65
'82 R65 LS
'84 R65 LS
'87 Moto Guzzi V65 Lario
'02 R1150R
Riding all year long since 1993 .
I'll give up my R65, when they pry my cold dead hands from the handlebars !!!!!

Offline nhmaf

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Re: 1981 R65 Speedo replacement
« Reply #2 on: October 24, 2009, 01:46:47 PM »
Yes, the 85 MPH speedometers are generally quite accurate.  The 140 MPH speedos , even with the correct ratio match to the final drive ratio were generally from 5% to 10% inaccurate as far as speed indication goes (odometers are generall spot on though).  One decodes the Wxxxx code number at the bottom of the speedo and matches with the final drive ratio stamped into the top of the final drive for proper matchup)   If using a nonmatching speedo without sending out out to be regeared&recalibrated will result in both speed and odometer readings being off by various amounts.

W1318 is for 3.56 final drive ratio
W1276 is for 3.44 final drive ratio

Other numbers are for other final drive ratios fitted to the larger bikes.
« Last Edit: October 24, 2009, 01:47:05 PM by nhmaf »
Airhead #12178 ? BMWMOA #123173 ?BMWRA #33525 ?GSBMWR #563 ?1982 BMW R65LS ?1978 BMW R100/7 1998 Kawasaki Concours

Offline montmil

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Re: 1981 R65 Speedo replacement
« Reply #3 on: October 24, 2009, 07:30:05 PM »
I kinda like the 80 mph number. I can truthfully tell my Nagasaki riding buds at work that I can easily "peg the speedometer" on my Beemer. I know their KawaYamaZuki speedos run upwards to 160+. They never look at my 80 mph-er.

Monte
Monte Miller
Denton, TEXAS
1978 BMW R100S
1981 BMW R65
1983 BMW R65
1995 Triumph Trophy
1986 VW Cabriolet

larstorders

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Re: 1981 R65 Speedo replacement
« Reply #4 on: October 25, 2009, 07:05:23 AM »
I made the decision to keep my R65 clocks as standard and had to cough up big bucks for a new speedo from a BM dealer, because no used replacement was available at the time and I didn't want to miss  prime riding opportunities. Well sink me! if the tacho (a recent used replacement) didn't break a few weeks later. Leaving me thinking that a combined digital speedo/tacho would have been the best way to go for me.

Offline montmil

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Re: 1981 R65 Speedo replacement
« Reply #5 on: October 25, 2009, 08:17:46 AM »
This Vapor is fitted to my 1981 R65. I'm considering adding one to the 1983 R65. The upgrade, IMO, lightens the R65's front end, both visually and mechanically. Positive comments from the BMW crowd during the recent Lake O' the Pines Vintage Rally.     Monte

http://www.trailtech.net/75-704.html



Monte Miller
Denton, TEXAS
1978 BMW R100S
1981 BMW R65
1983 BMW R65
1995 Triumph Trophy
1986 VW Cabriolet