Fuel Lines - 1980 r65

[JBwell]

Is there a specific size of fuel line for an R65?  Mine are new but all seem to leak at the joints.  I am using the clamps that you open with pliers and slip over the ends, but I have drips at the carbs and some at the "T" connector.  Thanks in advance - JON

[mrclubike]

The OEM fuel line works very well without clamps
http://www.maxbmwmotorcycles.com/fiche/PartsDetails.aspx?source=catalog&diagram=ST_FUELLINE
You are probably trying to use 5/16 why it is leaking  
But if you need some hose right now get 1/4 inch or 6mm ID fuel line. No clamps should be needed but will be more difficult to remove than the OEM 7mm
Apparently the  SAE J30R9 specification fuel injection hose works good and is Ethanol proof
Remember it has to have an OD small enough to fit thru  the air cleaner  

[Tony Smith]

Is there a specific size of fuel line for an R65?  Mine are new but all seem to leak at the joints.  I am using the clamps that you open with pliers and slip over the ends, but I have drips at the carbs and some at the "T" connector.  Thanks in advance - JON

Because the spigot and "T" fittings are metric sized and you are fitting imperial hose (bet you are using 1/4".

Once upon a time this would not have matters too much as there was a lot of flexibility in fuel line and you would have used 3/16" line.

BUT, as fuel injection became more pervading the fuel line manufacturers, in an effort to not be sued, beefed up their hoses to deal with the higher pressures used in injection systems. Such heavily armoured hose is quite inflexible, you will not get 3/16" hose onto a 6mm fitting and 1/4" is actually 6.35mm and 1/4" amoured hose is too big.

I have had to face the same problem.

After looking long and hard to find un-armoured fuel line I was successful and I now have 3/16" hose which I stretched over the 6mm fittings using hot air and lubricant.

I also secured a quantity of 6mm silicone hose (in a garish green colour) from a business that fits turbochargers. The silicone hose is used normally for its heat resistant qualities, but it is quite proof against fuel and (if you could stand the colour) be used for fuel line.

[mrclubike]

I am using the 7mm ID hose that MAX supplies with no leaking problem without clamps
http://www.maxbmwmotorcycles.com/fiche/PartsDetails.aspx?source=catalog&diagram=ST_FUELLINE

I assumed 1/4 inch (6.3mm ID) would work as per the Threads on other BMW forums
I am going to get some of this and see how it works
http://www.oreillyauto.com/site/c/detail/GATY/27313/N0887.oap?ck=Search_N0887_-1_2003&pt=N0887&ppt=C0222

[montmil]

After growing quite tired of the frazzled ends of the OEM braided cloth hose on my R100S, I also went with the O'Reilly hose. A wee smear of plumber's grease on the petcock barbs, filters and carb nipples did the trick. No clamps nor frazzles.

[georgesgiralt]

I've solved the frazzles of the cloth covered tubing elegantly. I cut short length of shrinkable black tubing and put one band on the cloth at the end of the tubing. Then a little heat et voila ! The band doesn't stand too much and looks like some sort of retaining ring on the tubing. The band, if not too much shrunk, does not render the installation nor removal more difficult that it is normally.
As per the fitting, I put a dab of tire mounting soap on the petcock or carb brass to install the tubing, the rationale being that I own so much soap I will pass the remaining to my heirs and that this soap is meant to be used on rubber so it is safe to the rubber...

[mrclubike]

I am using the 7mm ID hose that MAX supplies with no leaking problem without clamps
http://www.maxbmwmotorcycles.com/fiche/PartsDetails.aspx?source=catalog&diagram=ST_FUELLINE

I assumed 1/4 inch (6.3mm ID) would work as per the Threads on other BMW forums
I am going to get some of this and see how it works
http://www.oreillyauto.com/site/c/detail/GATY/27313/N0887.oap?ck=Search_N0887_-1_2003&pt=N0887&ppt=C0222

I picked up some of the  1/4inch  Gates Barricade hose from Oreilys  
It is very snug on the fittings and no way will it come off or leak
No hose clamps needed
 It is made of the latest material  resistant to the dreaded  ethanol.
The only issue i see is that it will be difficult to remove on the side of the road if you would have a fuel delivery issue.
I installed a washer behind the hose on the tank barb  to help with removal.  

[JBwell]

Thanks everyone for the info on the fuel lines..  As soon as I get past this issue I will be on the road!  Pending weather.  Very warm last few days, now, not so much.

[marcmax]

I replaced my fuel lines with a 7mm polyethylene fuel line from a mower repair shop. Ethanol resistant and thin walled so no issues passing it through the airbox.