Replacement Exhaust / Bike Bandit

[Mike V]

Well, looks like my re-plating is a no-go for my original mufflers. The plater called this morning and after stripping, there was too much rust damage (pin holes) to continue. I remember someone here mentioning Bike Bandit and after checking out their site I'm quite impressed with the stated prices for OEM parts. In fact the OEM replacement mufflers are substantially less expensive than other vendors. Can someone enlighten me who has experience with them and support their product? And, they're local here in San Diego?! Maybe this whole exercise may turn out to be serendipitous. My first preference is OEM chrome. Looking forward to some replies guys.

Mike V. / San Diego
81 R65 (project)

[Bob_Roller]

Mike,

I did business with them about 2 years ago, I ordered 2 EBC semi-floating rotors for my '81 R65 .

It was about 2 months later before I got around to installing them on the front wheel .

They were the wrong rotors for the bike, but their catalog stated it was the correct ones .

Well, when I contacted them to get it straightened out, I was told I couldn't return them because it was beyond their 15 day return time frame .

I never got to talk to a real person, just email type contact .

I filed a complaint with the San Diego Better Business Bureau, and contested the charges with my credit card issuer (Citibank).

About 2 weeks after filing the complaint with the BBB, I received a call from one of their customer services managers, and the problem was resolved right then, and I got my rotors 2 weeks later .

I would not have any qualms about doing business with them in the future .

[Mike V]

Thanks Bob. I'll wait for more info to filter in, I have some time before I get to the exhaust - that should be the last task in the restoration. I did notice they have an order by phone number. I always like to talk to a real person and cross reference part numbers for verification if at all possible. But I'm looking at close to a $150 to $200 savings with their OEM prices. Almost too good to be true?

Appreciate the information.

Mike V. / San Diego

[Justin B.]

I have ordered a couple of jackets and inner tubes from them.  Unlike Bob's experience mine went very smoothly.

As far as OEM parts, I have not ordered any from them.  Have you priced your OEM components through Chicago BMW?  Take the price listed from their site and then subtract 20%...

[Mike V]

Justin,

No I haven't used Chicago yet. 20% discount? (explain?) More good information I'll look into. I'll have to give them a call and discuss.

Motor is next, that will be costly and even though I'm not cutting corners in quality I'm trying to keep my costs down as much as possible. I'm happy to share my restoration spreadsheet when I get this project completed. (lump in throat)

Valuable source of information this forum. Thanks guys.

Mike V.

[Justin B.]

What's wrong with the engine?  Other than a valve job in the 70k mile range the bottom end is usually god for a few hundred thousand...

Chicago BMW sells parts over the net/phone at 20% off published list price. http://www.chicagobmwmotorcycles.com

[weasel01]

Hey Ive been having very good luck with in stock parts from Bob's Bmw.
I've ordered several things from Chicago bmw and the discount is nice but it always takes at least 10 days after my order is placed because they dont stock a lot of stuff for airheads.
Bob's had it on the shelf and shipped same day and I received the parts 3 days later.

They also have used parts too.

[Mike V]

Nothing wrong with motor that I know of, will be doing a limited top end job and thorough inspection (valves & guides), anticipating breather service, head gaskets, seals, PTS's, clutch and throwout service / inspection, complete carb rebuild, rear main seal, oil pump seal and inspection and probably inspection of the engine electrics. The bike is in relatively strong mechanical condition but has set idle for many years. The exhaust threads on one of the cylinders were damaged and had to be sent away for repair or I would have considered leaving the heads attached. Since the motor is out of the bike it's easily accessible. The bike has just over 10k miles (only). I won't be going into the crank or connecting rods. Tranny is in good shape. It's primarily an aesthetic restoration and will go only as deep as necessary. I've replaced the steering head bearings and swingarm bearings. And when I replace the tires I'll be going into the wheel bearings. Most of the damage to the bike was due to years of exposure by the PO being unprotected.
Just trying to be as thorough as possible without unnecessary work.

Mike V.

[Bengt_Phorqs]

I visited with Tom Epperson of EPCO stainless exhaust systems at the MOA rally and was impressed with the quality of their mufflers.  He had some that looked just like OEM except stainless and quoted me about $450 for my R90/6 although there were several options.  Haven't bought from them but when I get ready I'll definitely get a quote.  www.epcostainless.com

[nhmaf]

Epco does have nice products.  Sito makes verra nice mufflers for older BMWs but they are also much more expensive.   Either way though, those stainless systems will probably last as long as the bike will - or certainly as long as any of us would own it.

[Mike V]

Well, things are going from bad to worse. Just spoke to the boys at Chicago BMW...25 right side mufflers are available in Europe, 0 left side mufflers world wide.

Looks like I may have to go with Stainless, Kiehan, Sito? Looking for quality with good quiet stock exhaust note.

Help?

Mike V.

[Bengt_Phorqs]

The only other option that comes to mind that hasn't been mentioned is Hucky's spare parts.  I've heard good things about them, but again no purchases.  Looks like you have several good options available.

[Justin B.]

I really prefer the MAC mufflers to the OEM.  I have a very nice pair of OEM mufflers that I would be willing to trade for a pair of MACs in similar condition.

[montmil]

I visited with Tom Epperson of EPCO stainless exhaust systems at the MOA rally and was impressed with the quality of their mufflers.  He had some that looked just like OEM except stainless and quoted me about $450 for my R90/6 although there were several options.  Haven't bought from them but when I get ready I'll definitely get a quote.  www.epcostainless.com

On Mike's suggestion, I visited the EPCO site. Could not find any exhaust products specific to R65. Did I miss them?  :-/    Monte

[Mike V]

Monte,

I think that was someone elses suggestion, I came up empty as you did.  I'm looking into Capital Cycle at the moment...the information continues to be helpful. I'll keep checking in and reporting what I find out. Hopefully someone like Motobins may have some OEM's in stock? I still believe in Santa too.
Thanks guys!

Mike V. / San Diego