Barn Find - What am I getting into?

[lc4dakar]

I just found out he has it on Craigslist.  Here is the add:

http://lascruces.en.craigslist.org/mcy/2727772357.html

[Dave 2]

For what it is worth at this point in the conversation I would agree with walking away from it. My 1983 was  outdoors under a tarp for a few years. Now that I am restoring it I realize that this is a labor of love and adequate cash flow :-?  However this is the best way for me to really "know" my bike and what its needs to really keep it maintained [smiley=bmw_smiley.gif] If you really want a nice R65 for a reasonable price you just keep looking, one will turn up that has been well maintained. D2

[Bob_Roller]

It is a clean looking bike, I can see why you were interested in it  !

If the bike is in that good of condition, I doubt the engine is seized due to storage .

I'm wondering if the bike was parked, due to the engine seized while riding .

The picture in your avatar, was it taken at White Sands National Monument ?

[tvrla]

If it was within a couple hundred miles of me, I'd probably get it - after getting the price down to a grand.

Twenty years ago I got an R90 that sat out for five years in Portland Oregon. I thought it was only good for parts, but every step of the way things cleaned up, ran super, polished up and is still running today. It did take a bit of work cleaning and polishing but was well worth it. It did require a few seals, though - like the trans output seal, new alternator brushes (the old ones were deteriorating and coming apart), tires, battery and forget what else.

Frankly, R65 cylinders come cheap (though I doubt that's what's wrong), and if you can do your own work, this bike would be a great opportunity to get to know your bike and have a good runner (and probably looking good too) fairly inexpensively. But if you don't do your own work, the labor and cost of new parts would put it over the top.

I'd take the chance on it.

[lc4dakar]

The picture in your avatar, was it taken at White Sands National Monument ?

The picture was taken about 30 miles northwest of Caliente, Nevada.  There was nothing in sight in any direction that was made by man, other than the road.

[Bob_Roller]

Was it possibly 385, The Extraterrestrial Highway ?

[lc4dakar]

About 60 miles northeast of the Little A'Le'Inn (site of the Black Mailbox).

[benlawlor85]

Is there no way you can check to see whats wrong with the bike first? take the head off etc?
Could be a little gem or could be a right pig!

[Pagodix]

It looks quite good on the pics but you should check why it doesn't turn first.

[kenbev]

Mate, I would grab it and tear it apart enjoying every moment. However if you have to pay some one to do the work, walk away. These engines are pretty tough little buggers and very easy to work on and you might get very lucky and find that it requires very little to free up. Life's a lottery. Regards Aussie Ken. Attached is my mono. A total wreck to a great little bike.

[Olliepup]

Guys, you're being a little harsh. These bikes are well loved and just for parts, it's worth a grand. Doesn't mean that's what I'd pay for one, but $500 is reasonable and I doubt you could lose money on that deal. The monolever R65 is RARE, as in parts = expensive. It would be fun to play with...lube the cylinders and see what happens. I brought a 1975 Guzzi 850 T back from the dead after being stored for 20 years "wet". Not saying it was easy, but that thing is a "beast". (it did turn over, though).

If you have $500 to spend, why not??
Wavy Dave

[Bob_W]

Put tranny in fifth, bike on center stand and pull plugs. Push rear wheel with your foot while looking in the plug hole with a flashlight. If the engine now turns over, you can watch the exhaust valve open and check for recession.
If the engine does not turn over, pull in the clutch and if it now turns, the tranny is not locked up. Otherwise, the tranny is certainly bad.
Remove front cover (2 bolts) and try an Allen key in the crankshaft bolt. The engine should turn easily.
This will at least give you and idea what is seized.
Bob

[lc4dakar]

I'll be back in town weekend after next.  If he still has it, I think I'll flash 500 cash under his nose and see how bad he wants to sell it.  The mono-shock looks cool, and has better shock options.

It's hard to justify (especially since there is a R65LS with 5,000 miles for sale near where I am staying), but it might be fun.

[nhmaf]

IF that were around near me, I'd probably buy it if I wasn't already in the process of getting pretty much that same amount of $$$ together to get the subframe and mounting kit for my sidecar from dauntless motors.