Where to go with a tired R65

[goboleko]

The last airhead in my stable is a 1980 R65 my wife rode until just recently when it started to have reliability issues.  It's in ridable shape, but the carbs need rebuilding, it needs a new exhaust, the front brake calipers need rebuilding and overall it needs some TLC.  I'm not in a position to dedicate much time or money to it, and probably won't for a few years.  I have a 2008 KLR 650 as my daily rider, so I'm not hurting for a working machine.  At the same time, I like this little bike, and the idea of no Bavarian machine in my garage seems strange.
So, do I mothball it? sell it?  Piddle with it and spread a rehab over the next few years?  Go cafe style on a rebuild or keep it stock?

Decisions.. decisions..  What do you think?  Am I missing an option? :-/

[Bob_Roller]

It's really your call on what you do with the bike .

My only suggestion, would be to prepare the bike for long term storage, drain the fuel tank and blow warm air through it from a shop vacuum or something similar, drain the carbs and blow dry with compressed air, drain the oil from the transmission, shaft housing, final drive .

Flush all of the old fluid out of the brake system, change fork oil .

Pretty much get the old fluids out of the bike, to reduce the possibility of water damage/corrosion .

Plug up all entrances for rodents and the like, mostly the airbox .

[tvrla]

With only two bikes in the garage, and so dissimilar at that, I'd recommend putting in a little time here and there to get it fixed up.

Sounds like it's got dual discs up front?

The two biggest issues are the carbs and brakes, though you say it's rideable as-is. So they must not be too bad.

Let's work through them one at a time, ok? Frankly, I don't see this taking very long, so just be willing to spend fifteen minutes or a half hour when you're able. I'm sure when you feel better about the bike, more time will magically become available.

So let's start with the brake issue - what's going on there? What's the problem?

BTW, welcome to the forum! You've come to the right place!  

[goboleko]

thanks for he replies.

It's got the twin discs up front, and just the slightest leak.  It's the French brakes.  Is corrosion a common issue, or are my o-rings just giving up the ghost?  Is there a common rebuild kit available?   If so, is it something available through BMW or can I get something better / cheaper through another vendor?  Any thoughts on braided brake lines?  The stock rubber ones seem to be holding up fine.  The reservoir and handlebar assembly seem solid.

[Barry]

A 1980 should have ATE brakes and I always thought they were German.

You can get new seals for the calipers but if the bike has been stood sometime with old brake fluid you can expect to find some  corrosion on the pistons which if minor may polish out. As long as the part of the piston that touches the seal is good the rest of the piston doesn't have to be absolutely perfect.  

In my opinion stock rubber hoses are fine if in good condition.

[montmil]

If you have the Brembo brake calipers, here's two sources for rebuild kits:

http://shop.bevelheaven.com/default.aspx

http://www.mgcycle.com/product_info.php?products_id=591&osCsid=b0b92b623eb248e0e2114be092c8a4e9

Park the bike "properly" as noted above. Make a list of bits needed and try to collect materials as you can afford them.

Fix the bike. This is a poor time of the year to sell any motorcycle; especially one in the northern climes and being in need of some serious love. You'll take it in the shorts, amigo. Plus, you'll definitely miss the 'R' come springtime.

Monte

[Rob Valdez 79 R65]

goboleko, glad to see someone else here in Indianapolis!

Let me know if you want to get together sometime.  I'm in Lawrence.

If your bike has had the U.S. bars on it all this time, you should try out a set of Euro bars on it - you are in for a treat!

[tvrla]

Thanks for the data!

Unless you won't be riding it till spring, I wouldn't worry about doing all the steps to store it. Maybe just drain the gas and dry out the gas tank since water tends to collect in them and rust them out.

So where's the leak in the brake system? And the 1980 should have ATE brake calipers. You know, I'll have to check where they're made, never thought about it before. But I think they are prettier than the Brembos. And you can get seal kits for them from the dealer or Motobins in England. If one is leaking, that's a bad sign.

Do they work ok? Not dragging?

Here's what I think - get the brakes working properly first (know you can stop before going!), then sort out the carbs, and then you can be riding the bike while getting the rest sorted. Carbs are easy! It doesn't sound like there's really much to do, even though you might think otherwise.  

And if you can get together with Rob, you might find yourself back on the bike in no time.