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Author Topic: New Member  (Read 788 times)

Offline mpe

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New Member
« on: December 01, 2023, 12:00:23 PM »
Hello. New member in Tacoma, Wa, USA. I bought a 1979 r65 last August. It had sat for 10 years was the story, needed some work but no major problems. It is up and running now but the cold, rainy weather is here so no riding until next spring. This is the first BMW I've owned and was pleasantly surprised at the build quality.
If you can't fix it with a hammer it's an electrical problem.

Offline Burt

  • Lives in Foothills of Mt. Olympus
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  • I Love YaBB 2!
Re: New Member
« Reply #1 on: December 01, 2023, 08:46:46 PM »
Welkom. 

I have replied to your Xover question in the relevant thread. 
Black 1984 R65 - the Wombat

Offline Steve

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  • 1979 R65 with 175k miles
Re: New Member
« Reply #2 on: December 02, 2023, 10:01:25 AM »
I have the same bike and live in Bremerton so use me as a resource. Lots of experience with it, mostly good.

Offline mpe

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Re: New Member
« Reply #3 on: December 02, 2023, 01:55:13 PM »
I have the same bike and live in Bremerton so use me as a resource. Lots of experience with it, mostly good.
Great. 175k miles, that's a lot. Mine has 27k miles, it should last for many years. I had to make a lower seat, the stock seat was was too high, couldn't reach the pavement. I'm looking for some crash bars right now if you know anyone that has some for sale.
If you can't fix it with a hammer it's an electrical problem.

Offline Steve

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  • Posts: 32
  • 1979 R65 with 175k miles
Re: New Member
« Reply #4 on: December 03, 2023, 12:26:05 AM »
I don't. I need a used final drive because my splines are worn out but I don't suppose you know of anyone parting out an R65?

Offline mpe

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Re: New Member
« Reply #5 on: December 03, 2023, 01:44:30 PM »
Sorry, I don't but if I hear of anything I'll let you know. This is the first BMW for me, I don't know any people or have any spare parts yet. I'm also looking for panniers, the mounting hardware is present, just need the cases.
If you can't fix it with a hammer it's an electrical problem.

Offline Steve

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  • Posts: 32
  • 1979 R65 with 175k miles
Re: New Member
« Reply #6 on: December 03, 2023, 02:29:31 PM »
What bikes have you had previously. And did you purposely look for an R65, or a BMW generally? If so, why?

Offline mpe

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Re: New Member
« Reply #7 on: December 03, 2023, 04:31:51 PM »
I don't think I can remember all of the motorcycles I've owned going back to the late 1960s. Triumph, Harley Davidson, Honda, Yamaha, Suzuki, Puch, Bultaco. I'm retired and look for inexpensive project bikes to keep busy. Here's the tale of the R65. I saw this R65 on Graigs List last summer at a reasonable price, it had a clean title, 27k miles. The story was it had been sitting for ten years. It had a few problems but started up and the engine sounded good but gas was leaking from the right header/muffler joint. The front brake was stuck from sitting, it had some dents in the gas tank but overall was in decent condition. So I fixed what needed fixing over the next month, rebuilt the carbs, changed the fluids and filters, removed the dents, did a repaint, general cleaning up and so-forth. It still needs fork seals. It's a good running bike, not real heavy, a low center of gravity so it handles well. The stock seat was too tall (what were they thinking, I'm not 6'2") so I made a lower seat. I had a little fairing and some saddlebags over in the corner so those went on. It's a good quality bike, better quality than most.
If you can't fix it with a hammer it's an electrical problem.

Offline Steve

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  • 1979 R65 with 175k miles
Re: New Member
« Reply #8 on: December 04, 2023, 05:55:05 PM »
Sounds nice. I'm a little jealous that yours has so few miles compared to mine. I have a long history with bikes too. I am biased but I think the R65 is one of the best and best-looking  bikes ever made. I just hope parts remain available. :beerchug:

Offline mpe

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Re: New Member
« Reply #9 on: December 04, 2023, 09:12:05 PM »
This is the first BMW for me, I'm impressed with the quality and workmanship, ease of maintenance and repair. It took a month to sort out the issues but ended up with a nice bike at a bargain basement price. Everything works, it fires right up and runs very strong. Lots of miles left in it. Some times you get lucky. :clap:
If you can't fix it with a hammer it's an electrical problem.

Offline Steve

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  • 1979 R65 with 175k miles
Re: New Member
« Reply #10 on: December 04, 2023, 09:42:26 PM »
I'd like to meet up some day and look each other's bikes over, maybe ride.

Offline mpe

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Re: New Member
« Reply #11 on: December 04, 2023, 11:42:04 PM »
I don't ride this time of year, too cold and wet for me. If you ride in this weather you are certainly welcome to make a trip down to Tacoma.
If you can't fix it with a hammer it's an electrical problem.

Offline Steve

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  • Posts: 32
  • 1979 R65 with 175k miles
Re: New Member
« Reply #12 on: December 05, 2023, 11:22:13 AM »
Right, spring or summer is better.