This post is not completely R65 specific. However, several R65 owners also have other model Airheads so thought it might be helpful
When initially acquired, the front ATE brake pads on the R100S were in continuous contact with the discs and were, to put it mildly, a real drag. Glanced at the Clyner manual then spoke with a local Airhead familiar with the ATE eccentric pin adjustment procedure. Also worked a lengthy spell with forum member Mike Valenti while fighting the bad piston/bore issue.
First issue was a badly corroded piston and cylinder bore on one side. Tried two other on-hand pistons and attempted to clean up the bore but finally located a good used ATE caliper in Denver. Better, but...
Cleaned out the under-tank MC and reservoir. Cleared SS brakes lines and adjusted the cable from bars to MC. Previously bled the brakes but did another round.
Still not happy with the slight drag. Did the entire black Sharpie stripe on both sides of the disc. Rotated the eccentric pin -BMW calls in a bolt- getting pads aligned with the discs. Better, better, but...
Went back to the Clymer and began re-reading, including those slightly off-topic sections and tripped across the "key" element I had evidently missed.
Bike on centerstand and remove both ATE caliper's screw plug and spring. Take bike off stand and roll forward, then apply brakes. Repeat a few times and replace the spring and screw without disturbing the eccentric "bolt".
Magic! The front wheel now spins like a Vegas roulette wheel with me the winner. BTW, I applied just a dab of anti-sieze on the adjust pin.
I've been messing with this brake drag issue ever since I rode the bike home. I'm sure all the previous fettling was helpful but I'm now a happy camper. Better, better, Good.
"Sweet as a nut", as Lucky Lou would say. Perhaps this technique will help someone else.
