Greetings and Goodbyes...

[azcycle]

Hello everyone... I'm a new member here (obviously) and came to find you through some sad circumstances.  But I'm also happy to be here.

My future father-in-law, John (his daughter and I are to get married next year) passed away two weeks ago from a sudden and unexpected heart attack at age 57.  My fiance is an only child with no mother in the picture, so other than some extended family in New York, we're it.  We suddenly came into possession of his property, one of which was his beloved 1981 BMW r65.  It's sitting in our garage right now, only ridden to his memorial last week.  My fiance wants to keep his bike for him, and I guess I am the unfortunate but lucky recipient, and we think John would like it that way.  I've always loved BMW bikes, though I never thought I'd get one like this.

John had built countless motorcycles over the years, one of which is hanging in a motorcycle museum in Japan right now.  He built his first BMW chopper as a teenager, and we now have possession of that bike too (though right now it's just a frame and engine).  He also had four 76-78 Honda Goldwings on his property, one of which was being made into a Frankenstein chopper with a blower on it, of all things.

The r65 is in great shape overall. Miles are unknown as John removed the dashboard but I did find the original gauges which read about 46,000 miles. How long ago they were removed, I don't know.  I will be wanting to replace the gauges back to "stock" so I'll be needing your collective advice. I'll post some photos of his BMW's once I get a few more posts under my belt.

So hello to you all, and here is to John... a great guy, great father, and a fellow who is painfully missed.  

[Justin B.]

Sorry you had to find us under such painful conditions but welcome.

[Rob Valdez 79 R65]

Welcome, az.

Please let your fiance know that as long as you guys have that bike, you have automatically been adopted by a VERY LARGE new family, scattered all around the globe.  We even have a couple of members in your back yard!

I'm so sorry you had to lose John at such an early age.  

[nhmaf]

Sorry for your loss, it is never an easy thing to experience the loss of a family member.   You are most welcome here, and when you are ready, we can help with your R65 questions.   In the meantime, take things at an easy pace, your fiancee' is going to need much of your time and attention right npw.

[Lucky_Lou]

Welcome to the fold, having lost a close friend last week i sympathize with your recent bereavement.
Im sure John would have appreciated your restoration efforts and rest assured you will get all the help and advice you need here.No matter how dumb a question seems dont be affraid to ask, there are no strangers here just friends you havent met yet.
Lou

[Bob_Roller]

Welcome azcycle,

Sorry to hear about your future father-in-law's early and unexpected passing .

My father passed away on Nov. 12, and personally, I would rather have seen him go in a quick way, rather than watch him 'die by degrees' like he did over the last 4 years from heart problems .

It's a difficult time no matter what the circumstances .

You've got a great 'airhead friendly' BMW dealer in Tucson, Ironhorse Motorcycles, on Grant Rd., about 4-5 miles east of Interstate 10 .

Don't be shy about asking questions about your newly acquired R65, we live for this .

[MrRiden]

Fine introduction and tribute. You'll find this a great resource as well as a community of honorable individuals. As you look through the posts you'll find everything from Steering head maintenance to advice on health or work issues.
On your interest of instrument replacement. These are surprisingly expensive little units but rebuilding service as well as replacements are available. the speedometers are also notoriously inaccurate. Here's a place that offers rebuild service.
http://www.paspeedo.com/bmw.htm

[azcycle]

Thanks everyone for the kind words and welcome.  I do admit that while I wish I didn't come across this bike in this manner, I can't help but see why John loved it so much.

As was said, my first priority is my fiance and her welfare, but I'm certainly going to be spending some time on John's r65... it really doesn't need much work except for the gauges.

Thanks again...

[azcycle]

Oh, and here is some of John's history:

Here is the BMW Chopper John built as a teenager. We've still got the frame/engine and rear tire:


Here is John on the (I believe) r65 sometime in the early 80s:


And here is the r65 taken two weeks ago at his memorial.  John designed the seat and saddlebags himself:


Thanks again...