Introduction and question!

[bmwanthony]

Hello all. I am new to this site, but not new to BMWs. I have a 1978 R80/7  and have recently acquired a 1979 R65. I would like to adjust the steering on the R65. When the bike is on the center stand, the front end falls quickly to either side and bounces off the stops. I believe this needs to be tightened. Is it a straight forward procedure of loosening the 10 mm allen head bolt, turning the knurled ring until the desired firmness is obtained and re-tightening the 10 mm bolt? Seems easy and straight forward...too easy actually! Is it? Thanks Tony

[Justin B.]

[movedhere] R65 Technical FAQ/Procedures [move by] Justin B..

[Barry]

Is it a straight forward procedure of loosening the 10 mm allen head bolt, turning the knurled ring until the desired firmness is obtained and re-tightening the 10 mm bolt? Seems easy and straight forward...too easy actually! Is it?

Yes very straight forward in principle but prepare to do battle with the Allen screw which has quite a high torque value even before taking any stiction or corrosion into account.  It can take at least 150 ftlbs to shift it.  You should also loosen the clamps on the triple tree to allow the stanchions to move.

While you are in there why not clean and re-grease the bearings- unless you know they have recently been done.