Restoration Complete 1st Ride

[Mike V]

Done.  Guys and gals, a word of advice; don't have you're headers rechromed. Started the bike up for the 1st time tonight.  Started right up, did the Cutter break-in. 3200 rpm for 2 minutes or so, let cool then a short ride through the gears.  After the break-in I noticed my rechromed headers were toast. I knew this was going to be a chance but the chromer assured me he does this all the time.  I'll pay him a vist soon, for sure. It's put a bit of a dampner on my excitement.  The Keihans are top-notch and fitment is exceptional. The bike ran GREAT. No leaks, no drips no errors. I'm pleased about that. This bike is FUN. Quick, nimble, and GREAT brakes! Can't believe I'm done. Now the tuning and continued break-in...and fun time. I'll deal with the headers and the chromer later. And, hopefully find the money for some Keihan headers to go with my x-overs and mufflers. Thanks to all of you for all your help, you made this project a lot easier than it could have been.  It's beer time.  These little 650's are fun!

[trolle]

Darn! Especially when the bike is restored to perfection as yours is.

greetings from a sunny but cold north (46F~8C)

[aussie]

Damn. My heart goes out to you. Such a nice bike to be marred by the headers as they are. Go tackle him!

[Mike V]

Major pisser.  The flag is at half-mast this morning.    
Could be worse.  The bike runs fantastic, no leaks, no drips.  It immediately came to life for the first time in over 15 years last night.  Oil pressure built up in just a few revolutions and the valve assemblies were getting fed a stream of oil in just a few more turns.  Now I know what you guys love so much about these 650's.  This thing is a kick to ride.  Like a cat, from what I'm used to.  I'm still drooling over the brakes.  All that time and effort was worth it. I'll get the header debacle sorted out in time.  

[Red_Hen]

Congratulations, Mike!  A major accomplishment on your part.  If all that went wrong is the headers, I'd say you've done great.  So happy for you.

My R65LS is coming together but needs more attention on my part - maybe another 6 hours before we start her up.

I'm hung up on figuring out how to install the seat lock - I get it in but can't get it to lock and unlock - any suggestions?

Ordered two new hose clamps for the carb and they're too small - I ordered them from BMW - anyone know the correct part number?

Putting these bikes back together is a tedious task.

Again, Mike - Great Job!!!

[Mike V]

Thanks Ken,

The Chrome plater returned my message and is going to refund my money in whole, and, apply a 20% discount on future business.  Quite honorable of him. The part I respect the most is his request to analyze the headers so he can figure out what went wrong and that it doesn't happen again.  He offered to redo it for me for nothing but the refund will nearly subsidize new Keihan SS headers which I have already ordered. I respect his do-diligence and concern towards customer service. DMF of Escondido.

I believe a 47-54mm clamp should work around the horn for all the carb connections. What sizes do you have that are giving you trouble? I think the correct pn is: 07 12 9 952 121.  Anybody agree?

[Rob Valdez 79 R65]

Congratulations on the beautiful restoration, Mike!  And on the pleasant exchange with the chromer!  [smiley=thumbup.gif]

Ordered two new hose clamps for the carb and they're too small - I ordered them from BMW - anyone know the correct part number?

Did you provide them with the part number?

That is the ONLY way I order parts.

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/

06      Hose clamp      L=47-54MM      6                  07129952121      $1.42
http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do?model=0365&mospid=47853&btnr=13_0460&hg=13&fg=20

[Red_Hen]

Thanks for the p/n on the clamp!

[Mike V]

Thanks Rob,

Now for the title issues...ugh!

[Rob Valdez 79 R65]

That sure looks nice, Mike!  Takes me back a couple of decades....

[Aristotle]

what a gorgeous looking bike, that is. Absolutely beautiful. Looks like it just came from the factory today.  

[Semper Gumby]

LOvely Mike V.

Good job.

[Mike V]

Thanks Bill. I just love this thing, and can't wait to get some miles on it.
Been having trouble with getting it re-registered. For you CA guys; I originally purchased it in 5/1994. Never did a non-op on it, big mistake. I was instructed to get an REG 343 VIN Verification completed at the CHP then I can have the remaining paperwork completed at the AAA office without dealing with the DMV.  Trying to get an appt. with the CHP has been like pulling teeth and they keep telling me it needs a new VIN assigned, which is NOT true. I just need the REG 343 completed to verify the original frame and engine numbers. On a hunch I called the local Western Div. SD Police substation and asked if I could have them perform this for me. Talked to an officer named Warren Lovell. He kept asking intelligent questions about the bike and the restoration. Then he told me he is a restorer of bikes, owns Hodaka's, an Aerial, and and Indian Scout (to name just a few) which are all in the restoration process.  We talked for over 30 minutes. Enlightening conversation. He asked; you must be an airhead? Uh, yep - and proud of it! Invited me to his shop.  Then told me to just photo the frame and engine numbers so I didn't have to truck it down there. He says, "heck I can do that for you, no problem". Serendipitous, event don't you think? It's a good day in Mikey land, and a specialized plate "81 R65" is available.  Life is good boys and girls. I'll be on the road shortly!

Yee Haw.