Advice on r65 purchase needed

[dziadzu42]

This weekend, 2/28, 2/29, I will be inspecting a 1979, R65 with app. 40 K on the odometer with the intention of acquiring the bike. The last BMW I had was a 500cc, about 45 years ago.. What should I look for besides the obvious, such as things bent, dents, etc.?

[clonmore1]

We have some pretty knowledgeable people on here who can help you look for the right things aside from the obvious.

All the best with the purchase

[Bob_Roller]

Check odometer for operation, not uncommon to have the odometer fail, so the mileage may not be correct, if the odometer doesn't work .
Fork seals for leakage .
Original OEM rubber brake line(s), long past time they were replaced if they are original .
Check  brake master cylinder for leakage, not uncommon to get corrosion and pitting on the cylinder bore .
Check steering head bearings for smoothness .
Check inside of fuel tank for rust, pretty common to find rust, if the bike has sat for an extended period of time .
Engine oil on the shelf area under the transmission, rear main seal leakage is common .
Neutral switch for leakage and operation .
If you can, remove the filler plug from the transmission and check for a milky brown color oil, water gets by the speedometer cable boot, where the cable goes into the transmission .
Original Boge shocks should be replaced, they were not very good when new .
Gear oil on the rear wheel /tire, leaky final drive seal .
Open the seat and remove the fuel tank if you can and check for the condition of the wiring, or any previous owner ' modifications ' !!!
Fairly common to have the forward ignition coil mounting bracket crack on the ' first ' generation R65's, it is also the main ground point for the bikes electrical system, causes all kinds of odd electrical issues .
Ignition wires look like they may be the original OEM wires, time to replace then as well .
Check the 4 digit date of manufacture on the tire sidewall, may have old hard rubber on those tires .
Check the mufflers for bulging, cracks and rust through at the rear weld area where the muffler starts to taper .

By the way, very clean looking bike, with current registration, so  may not have been sitting around for any length of time .

[dziadzu42]

Thanks Robert

[nhmaf]

It was certainly custom painted, and either got a a later year fork transplant or else the original purchaser sprang for the optional dual front disk brake option that year (assuming it was a US sold bike).

It does look like it was cared for.   The seat must have been recovered as it appears to be an official BMW seatcover, or a close copy, though the original vinyl couldn't have lasted this long unless it was stored in an environmentally controlled space.  

It looks like the centerstand may have the chronic "worn out bushings" and or pivot holes syndrome - appears to be over rotated and that both wheels are essentially on the ground, but it isn't a ride-off aftermarket stand.   So, that is a common issue with these bike and can be repaired (so as not to induce hernias in the riders).

Make sure the fork doesn't "clonk" when it rebounds to full extension after compressing it downward - could be worn out topping out bushing in forks that require a rebuild.

Check that the engine is cold (touch valve cover) and have the seller start the bike up.  Observe how easily it starts, idles (while cold with choke on) and after taking the choke off (After about a minute or so of running, depending on temperature).  

Ask if the owner kept a log or has dealer receipts for services.

Look under the seat for the toolkit roll - its presence (or absence) and state of completeness can tell you something about the owner.

The flat top Bings are cursed by some, but they were standard issue on the earlier bikes and as long as they are properly maintained shouldn't be a problem.   They also aren't prone to one of the sneaky failures that the domed-top Bings might occasionally get (air leak at the top "button" insert in the dome).


Overall, it photographs well, so it may be what it appears to be - good clean, well kept, but keep your eyes open.

And, check all the items Bob mentioned above.

good luck - we hope it goes well!  Keep us posted!

[mrclubike]

Like Bob said

It does look like the center stand leaning a bit forward  
the bushing may be loose in it

Also check for the hand pump if it is missing they cost about $30 to replace it should be between the pump pegs right below the seat on the left side and yes they do work
Do not over look the tool kit the tools in them are very usable
 
The worst things are far as cost goes is the gas tank ,brake system and mufflers most  of the other stuff is just rubber and normal maintenance as long as the motor and trany are sound

If they can prove the spline service has been done lately then that is a plus if not then you will need to do it soon

Also check the throttle and choke  cables for sticking
The tires are probably old
None of these should be a deal breaker if the seller is willing to reduce the price accordingly  

My 82 R65 cost $2700 and I spent another $2000 just like they told me up at the rally last summer
"a $2000 bike will cost you $4000"

I really like that Paint job and maybe that means they have already cleaned up the Fuel tank

[Mike V]

dz,

Hard to improve on the above comments and recommendations.
Start it, touch it, feel it, smell it, ride it, listen to what your brain says.  Then follow your heart.

-Mike V.

[montmil]

If at all possible, take an Airhead rider with you for the inspection. Call the closest BMW dealer and ask if they know of anyone they might recommend.

Just went through a seriously expensive issue with a friends Airhead that he bought pretty much off on-line photos. Final drive splines were totally trashed and I believe we will need to pull the gearbox this Spring as there may be damaged splines there, also.

Steering head bearings were so worn and damaged that the bike would fall into "notches" while counter-steering into turns. It has been a terribly expensive fix.

Ask for documentation and a service history, even if it's done by the owner. Without proof of service, the price should be knocked down as an unrideable/unsafe motorcycle can not be justified by a pretty face.

[dziadzu42]

Thanks all, for your input.  I bought the bike.

[quixotic]

Check for weeping carb reservoirs when warm.  Happened to mine, and the cause was ethanol laced gasoline soaking into the floats.

[Steve G]

Nice buy, nice paint. And, I am am about 40 minutes from you over the hill in Ashfield MA. Maybe get the R65's together sometime. Send a message if you want.
Happy new bike.