New but uncertain member

[Ned]

Good day:

Just learned of this board and decided to join to seek information about this BMW model.

My last motorcycle (which I foolishly sold when I relocated to Delaware) was a '84 Honda VT500. Hoping to return to riding soon.

I consider myself "mechanically challenged" but really like the older model bikes - and recently made the mistake of subscribing to "Motorcycle Classics" magazine that has fueled that interest.  My concern is that my lack of mechanical skills would be a real problem. Still, I'd like to think that even at 64, I can learn a few things.

I think the R65 would be a good choice size wise and would certainly fit my riding needs/style; is this a relatively easy machine to work on? Do they require more care than a similar year "Big Four" Japanese model?

Any advice for a newcomer oldtimer?

Thank you!

Ned

[Ed Miller]

Hi Ned,

I've never worked on a Japanese motorcycle, but it would be hard to find a simpler bike to work on than an airhead BMW.  I'm talking about the periodic maintenance, not major jobs.  If you found a post '81 model, with electronic ignition, then about all you have to do is change fluids and check/set valve clearances, as the timing never seems to change.  An owner's manual tells how to do that stuff.  Many of these bikes are old enough to accumulate some problems, but that would be true for any make of motorcycle.

Good luck in your search!

[Bob_Roller]

Welcome Ned, I'll have to agree with Ed, that these bikes are fairly straight forward to work on. But keep in mind that you are looking at 20-28 year old vehicles, so it is going to require some work, even though the bike may not have accumulated a lot of miles. If you can't do the work yourself, trying to find a competent shop to work on the bike is difficult at best in most areas.

[Justin B.]

The only jap bike I ever had long enough to require much maintenance was a '73 Honda CB450.  I would say that they are about on par with each other with a slight advantage to the Beemer due to no drive chain to jack with.

Some areas of the country have a few excellent independent shops but for the most part the "modern" dealers don't usually want anything to do with the older bikes.    But, unless you are a "dumb as a box of rocks" moron you should be able to get through the majority of normal maintenance issues if you are able to follow instructions and know which end of a wrench to hold onto.    You also have the smart-alecks and curmudgeons that inhabit this place to ask questions of.  If we don't know the answer, or can't make up something that sounds at least plausible, we will at least sympathize with you!  

[thrang]

Hey Ned. If a mechanical idiot like me (when O got my first one) can rebuild an airhead with out bollocksing it up then they have got to be pretty dam simple!

In comparison to a japanise bike the Beemer is a doddle to work on (for one they don't have tiddly wee nuts and bolts holding stuff together that snap with just a touch to much torque) and were designed for owner maintainence.

[suecanada]

Hi, Ned.....I have to agree with all the guys so far. I have done the work on my 1983 LS and the forum members always help out if I have a question. No one ever makes fun of my mistakes or questions so you can always feel confident about asking anything!
The R65 pretty well has it's parts all out in the open so you don't have to spend hours on getting rid of coverings! Also, when I got my first BMW I really began to appreciate the allen or hex head bolts instead of phillips head bolts like I had on the Hondas and the Yamahas I had owned before. Just think...right in front of your eyes are 2 big engine cylinders containing moving parts! And 2 big carburetors that to twiddle all you have to do is read the specs and sit on the seat above and set the idle and the air/fuel mixture to whatever the spec. said....that's all I did once when the bike started to stall at stoplights after a hot run.   Checking the valve clearances takes all of 5 minutes to take the valve covers off....the little 10mm nuts tell ya if you're having a good or bad day depending how fast they go back on!
Sure you'll have the odd leak here and there but overall the bike is pretty bomb-proof and can swallow a bit of abuse/negligent care before it really screams for attention...not that you'd want to ignore your baby.

So give it a go...time is a-wasting.  I'll tell ya right now that my 2005 F650GS is a royal pain to work on..even an oil change....compared to the 1983 LS.

[Rob Valdez 79 R65]

I bought my R65 because I was not a natural mechanic.  That was 27 years ago, and it was a brand new machine, so I got to enjoy it before the warranty expired and the newbie began his experiments...

It is the only vehicle I will attempt major repairs on.  

I am finally going to have to break down and rebuild the carb on my lawn mower, though.  I think I forgot to run it dry when I put it in storage a couple of years ago...

[Chris_in_BC]

I am finally going to have to break down and rebuild the carb on my lawn mower, though.  I think I forgot to run it dry when I put it in storage a couple of years ago...

If you haven't cut your lawn in the last couple of years, the carb. will be the least of your problems.

[Ed Miller]

Chris has a great point.  Buy yourself a scythe and work yourself to death.  Think how picturesque you'll be!  Yeah, I have and use one.

[Melena]

Chris has a great point.  Buy yourself a scythe and work yourself to death.  Think how picturesque you'll be!  Yeah, I have and use one.

Yeah, Ed!  I believe that.    One of those "young", living on the land Oregon people.     I can just see you out there cutting the oats.  Keeps ya young.    

Anyway, Welcome Ned!  You'll love an R65.  If you need any help with fixing anything just ask here and someone will be able to give you step by step directions or tell you where to find them.  There is lots of information out there for the airheads because they are such good bikes and people love them.