New member from Brooklyn NY

[apaiva]

Hi Guys,
Thank you for accepting me into the BMW cult.  I live in Brooklyn NY and I am a total noob but just bought an '81 R65.  Looking forward to learning a lot and riding a lot.

btw, if anyone is local and has mechanic recommendations, let me know. Though she seems to be running great, I do need to get an inspection done and would like to have a bmw mechanic give it a lookover to catch any maintenance that needs done.

-Adam

Here she is ...

[apaiva]

I guess I can not post a link until I have two posts under my belt soo...

[apaiva]

also, two questions...
1) is there any consensus on buying the Clymer's or Haynes service manual? Should I also get the BMW one?  Anywhere to dl that online?
2) The original tool kit was not kept with the bike so I want to buy one to keep under the seat.  Are there any specific recommendations?

thanks!

[Lucky_Lou]

Hi Welcome to the herd, Clymer manual is a bit more in depth than the Haynes but unless your intent on delving deep into the working i would not bother with the BMW one any info you need can be gleaned here. There is a down loadable riders manual in the tech section, good idea to get a mechanic you trust or recommendation from other BMW owners in your area...enjoy a nice looking bike
Lou

[montmil]

also, two questions...
1) is there any consensus on buying the Clymer's or Haynes service manual? Should I also get the BMW one?  Anywhere to dl that online?
2) The original tool kit was not kept with the bike so I want to buy one to keep under the seat.  Are there any specific recommendations?

thanks!

Buy both as one will gloss over a topic where the other will explore in greater detail. There's also an owners manual for the 81-84 R65 in the FAQs section. Here it is:

http://www.bmwr65.org/htdocs/yabbfiles/Attachments/R65OwnersManual_001.pdf

If you're considering the "official" BMW shop manual, I suggest you skip it as the book assumes you have already successfully completed the BMW mechanics factory training.

Plus, you have the fall back position... US!

Most folks build up their own carry-on tool kit. Maybe we ought to start a thread as to who carries what. OMG... that would be as bad as one of our tire/oil/sexual position threads!

Welcome to our asylum. Sharp looking scooter. Hope you have a secure parking spot or just bring it inside every evening.

[nhmaf]

+1 with the others - I have both Clymer and Haynes manuals, and they are somewhat complementary.  Also, there ARE some errors in both - so feel free to check with us as a sanity check.

I'm not familiar with BMW dealers who are airhead savvy in your area, but, sometimes it is better to look for a "privateer" shop that advertises as being airhead knowledgeable than assuming that the big glossy BMW dealership has anyone who knows anything about bikes more than 10 years old, which is becoming more of a problem.  Still, the BMW dealers can order stuff for you.

Keep your eyes open on ebay - the toolkits come up from time to time for sale, but often times there are a few bits missing.  UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCE pay $200 for one of these used toolkits, as one can generally get them new and complete for just a bit more than that.  And, you can also assembly your own fairly cost effectively, with only a few "special"tools to consider adding.

Very nice looking bike BTW - be sure to keep it safe in Gotham.

[apaiva]

Thanks guys.  I live on the ground floor of a brownstone with a fenced in landing so I pull the bike in there and have it locked to the iron gate and a U-lock on the front wheel, and will keep it covered.  Hopefully that will keep it reasonably secure.

And I would definitely find a thread about putting together a good economical tool kit piece by piece a worthy read.

[Semper Gumby]

If you get the Clymer, ignore the picture of greasing the spline inside the clutch friction plate.  Only put grease on the tranny input spline.  If you grease the inside of the friction plate you will contaminate your clutch with grease - Which is incredibly BAD.

Before you do stuff ask your questions here.  The only dumb question is the one not asked.  (really)  Lots of friendly people here!

If your going to do you own maintenance, buy a torque wrench.  All the drain/fill plugs have torque setting you need to use.  Steel plugs in soft aluminum cases = trouble. Start reading the Snowbums web site on BMW Airhead Maintenace.

http://bmwmotorcycletech.info/

Good luck and ask questions first.

(That's a nice looking R65).

[k_enn]

As for a mechanic, you may want to check out this thread:

http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?p=18599255


I cannot personally vouch for any of the recommendations, but a number of guys in my club swear by the guy in Newfoundland, N.J.

k_enn

[apaiva]

Thanks for that link. I'm on a NYC vintage moto list and asked there and got recommendations for Peter/Moto Borgotaro in Brooklyn who is mentioned in that thread. Taking the bike to him on wednesday

[apaiva]

Hey guys,
I pulled my bike out of the garage from winter storage (FINALLY!) and my mom snapped this shot.
A boxer and a boxer.


I changed the engine oil, it started right up, took it out for an hour spin on saturday, and then rode it 4 hours home from my parents house without any issues at all. That made me happy.

[montmil]

Check those tire pressures, too.

Nice looking mutt there. And the dog is sweet.