New member needs help getting first R65

[oldfangled]

I wanted to introduce myself as a brand new member of the forum. I haven't ridden since high school (dirt bikes) but recently something inside me told me I desperately needed an adventure. This led me to countless hours of motorcycle and gear research, the Hurt Report, and finally, scheduling private lessons from MotoMark1 in Burlington, NC. Mark Brown is going out of his way to help me out. I look forward to working with him. After looking at all bikes suited for beginners ever made on the planet and available for purchase, I decided I would like to try an R65 as my first bike after training. Most days I feel like I was born into the wrong generation anyway and have a habit of surrounding myself with cool old stuff. This bike spoke to me.

I have my eye on a couple that I have found for sale. Problem is of course, I have no idea what is a fair asking price, or what to look out for. They are all over the place pricing wise. I was hoping I could get someone to chime in on the two bikes in question:

Number 1:
1981 BMW R65, $3500 Or Best Offer
Runs Spectacularly, 36089 Original Miles

I purchased this motorcycle from it's original owner; a "garage find", it was in good cosmetic and mechanical shape. This bike has had extensive mechanical attention, performed by a very reputable motorcycle mechanic specializing in Vintage European Motorbikes (serious buyers will be put in touch with him to discuss his work).

All original- including paint (no pitting) and emblems
Work completed on: Brakes, Ignition, Transmission, Generator, Exhaust, Carburetors, and More
Seat recovered to match original
All work completed with OEM, or custom milled parts (surpassing factory spec.)
Speedometer not functioning- OEM speedo and instrument cluster readily available online
I have more than $6k invested in this motorcycle

Number 2:
1982 BMW Air Head Motorcycle for sale.  Very nice.  23,500 miles.  Just serviced, new tires.  Includes an unmounted windshield and Luftmeister fairing. $2750

Both bikes are black as that is my preference. Any pointers, observations, etc. would be welcome. It is hard to find a black one, or has been for me at least. I am somewhat partial to the 1981 because of the dual front disks but welcome input on that as well.

I live in Raleigh, NC. I have a fair amount of experience with engines and am not afraid to attempt maintaining my bike. But at 52, I would really like one that is well sorted to begin with. Luckily, there is a great vintage BMW mechanic in Durham who I could turn to need be.

Thanks everyone for your time. I hope it was appropriate to ask for your help in this way. I look forward to getting to know everyone. I am a jazz pianist and a woodworker so if I can help any of you in those areas let me know.

[Bob_Roller]

The '81 model year bikes had a  problem with valve recession, the material for the valve seats was changed for the '81 model year .

The new material acted like an insulator and kept the valves from transferring heat to the seat and then to the cylinder head .

This issue was termed, valve face plastic deformation .

I have one of the first '81's and my exhaust valves were ready to fail at 45,000 miles .

Figure at least $500 to get the heads worked on possibly more, not up on current prices, this involves new seats and valves .

Odometer not working is another common problem with the bikes, make sure it works, or the mileage may not be accurate .

With a 33 year old motorcycle, age related issues will come up when you start using it regularly, just be ready for them .

[oldfangled]

Thanks so much Bob_Roller! I will ask the owner if the "valve face plastic deformation" issue has been resolved within the scope of work done to the bike. I would hope so with $6000 in the bike.

That is exactly the kind of info I need. Thanks again.

[nhmaf]

If the person invested $6K into the bike, wants $3500 and didn't address the potential valve issue or get the speedometer working (a speedo rebuild/repair is a couple hundred dollars), that is telling me something right there..

I'd get a closer look at the second bike.

Ask to see the receipts or be given a copy of all work done on both bikes.

If you can get them to send you good quality pictures with closeups of the bike(s) that would be good too.

Generally, I tend to have a little more confidence/faith in a bike that has seen some regular use, than one that has been "resurrected" from a long hiatus and "restored" by someone, who may have been focused on the superficial elements of the bike and not the critical parts, and the bike hasn't seen at least several hundred miles of shakedown cruise and daily-driving after the "restoration".

The R65s I think have less of an issue with valve plastic deformation (often incorrectly called valve recession in these bikes) than the larger R80/R100 of the same time period, but they can still have an issue, especially if they been run hard and carbs misadjusted.

[oldfangled]

Excellent points all, nhmaf. Thanks!

[tvrla]

Welcome to the forum, Oldfangled! I think you'll fit right in.

I had an 81 and loved it. I don't think the heads had ever been worked on and it was running like a champ when I sold it with 80K on the clock. Also, if you let that stop you, most of the R65s are in the same boat. Instead, use that info as a data point relating to initial price.

I like the 81 for the same reason - dual discs.

They both sound like good bikes to me and well worth a look.

[NC Steve]

Have you met Aida Chappell, aka Ms. Buck here on the forum?
She is a long time R65 owner, and works for MotoMark1!
Also, she lives just outside Raleigh, in Willow Springs, and is a musician.
You might want to get with her and husband Graham, who is quite Airhead knowledgeable, as soon as you get a chance.

You sure you two aren't related somehow?  


ps: and the shop in Durham is excellent

[NC Steve]

And ps: Personally, I would check into the '82 model.
Not only is it less expensive, but it seems to have a more realistic description. The Luftmeister fairings, they work great but they're ugly, some love them some hate, but it can be sold on Ebay for a decent price. which could further reduce your overall costs.

The '81, while it might be very nice, seems to have a bit of an overblown description. One thing that always reallly triggers "Warning!" with me is a non-functioning odometer, as you have no idea at all how many actual miles might be on the bike. And, if gauges can be easily found online, as the seller claims per his words"Speedometer not functioning- OEM speedo and instrument cluster readily available online", if he spent over $6K on the bike, why didn't he replace them himself? And, if a speedo is found online, sending it out to Palo Alto for a rebuild is another $250. As I'm sure you know, in NC the seller has to make a legal disclosure on the title at time of transfer as to the mileage on a vehicle-what's the seller going to claim?

Too may unknowns here for me... :-?

[montmil]

Me? I'd be all over that '82 R65. It sounds like a daily rider that's been cared for. A little patina of age and use is not a bad thing. Right, Oldfangled?

Just recently, a couple new forum members have purchased R65s that turned out to be earlier models than described in the "for sale" adverts.

Ask for or copy the VIN number of the bikes. Go to this site and plug in the last seven digits. You'll get the month and year of manufacture.

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/select.do?vin=6387284&part=&kind=P&arch=0

As noted, any of these classic Airheads are 30+ years old and will generally need something to make it right for you. You've received some good advice. Now, go get one!

[oldfangled]

NC Steve, regarding Aida, that is quite a coincidence. She has been helping me get set up with the lessons. I had no idea she rode, or had an R65 and was on this forum AND is a musician. Holy smokes. I will have to contact her to let her know about the R65/music/forum connection.

Thanks everyone for the warm welcome and the very useful advice. It is much appreciated. Sure seems like I'm in the right place. Since its so hard to be at the right place at the right time, I have found that if you find the right place, you should just hang out until the right time comes around . I might just learn something.

That is what I plan to do. No rush to buy. Will post updates on the bike purchase and follow the forum posts. Thanks again for everything.

Cheers.

[ShutterPilot]

This forum has been very, very helpful to me as I get familiar with my new-to-me '81 R65.
Personally, I'd be all over the '82. Sounds like an honest machine.
And I can attest that Mark Brown is great, having taken the BikeSafe course with him a few years back.
And also that Bombar's Beemers is a great resource for local airheads. He's even got everything in-house for doing any headwork you need.
Welcome!
And please keep us updated as to your progress, both on the bike and the classes.

[msbuck]

Hi oldfangled!!  I got your email and responded there, but I certainly want to welcome you to THIS forum!  This is a great place to hang-out and you'll be able to find out ANYTHING you want to know about these bikes.  I personally have a black R65 that I will probably never part with.  

So we have 2 Mark Brown students on this forum!  How cool is that?  ShutterPilot, I've been sort of off and on the forum lately and missed it when you joined up.  So Welcome to you, too!  Looks like we have quite a few R65ers in this area.  NCSteve is just over in Winston-Salem, so I'll count him as well.   8-)

[suecanada]

Oldfangled, I have just arrived home from a visit to NC which included a visit out to see Graham and Aïda. So we have now found the jazz pianist on our very own forum.....phew! That takes the pressure off.....me thinks a R65 group may arise yet! Aida on trumpet, Nhmaf on Sax and Oldfangled on piano...anyone else out there?? Now I can concentrate on listening with a wobbly-pop!

Welcome Oldfangled!!!

[montmil]

I can play the phonograph.  [smiley=mad.gif]

[tvrla]

If you want to ride this year, better grab a bike soon. Prices are likely to go up before summer really hits - that's how it is with the motorcycle market. Cheap in the dead of winter, most expensive in the summer.

One of the things I like about the 81 is the dual front discs that came stock that year - not a cheap upgrade.