I just bought a used transmission

[slickster]

  for my r65 I took the clutch lever off of the back of it and pushed the clutch rod back in the input shaft so I could install the transmission as I did little ball bearings began dropping out the back,and of course I cannot find them all.  So my question is this, the used trans is supposed to be an 84 like mine but my ball bearings are in a cage so can I just use my caged bearing in the used trans?  

[Barry]

The balls are from the thrust bearing. As far as I know on R65's there were two types of thrust bearing, the early 78 - 80 bikes had a radial roller bearing and all the later bikes a ball thrust bearing so I would expect you are OK to use it.

[montmil]

Although still available, the caged roller thrust bearings were phased out in 09/80 and replaced with the current ball thrust bearing for 79-84 R65s. Part # 07119984020, Grooved Ball Bearing, is also spec'ed for the 85>87 R65.

[Rob Valdez 79 R65]

I would think that, whether they be rollers or balls, if the bearings are not captured there is something wrong.  
If I were you, I would replace the bearing.

[georgesgiralt]

Hello !
I think BMW only sells the later type which is a plastic piston incorporating the bearing and the trust washer in one piece.
These plastic pieces are known to cause problem when hot. They may seize in the tubing.

[montmil]

You don't say where you are, slickster, but in the USofA, Bob's BMW handles all the parts for our classic Airheads.

http://www.bobsbmw.com/
http://www.bobsbmw.com/home/since-1981/