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Author Topic: Seat differences?  (Read 721 times)

Offline marcmax

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Seat differences?
« on: March 24, 2010, 05:30:18 AM »
Are there are differences in the actual seat between an R65 and an R65LS? I know the tail is different I just wondered if the actual seat pan portion is the same. I have a chance to pick up a seat in near perfect condition that is supposed to be from an R65. I have started the collection process for rebuilding my other R65LS and would like to know if this will fit.
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1982 R65ls    1984 R65ls

Offline nhmaf

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Re: Seat differences?
« Reply #1 on: March 24, 2010, 03:24:07 PM »
The seat pans are a bit different, but the difference *might* be able to adjusted somehow if you're working with a plain metal seat pan.   The "normal" R65 seat's tail portion where it meets up with the rear cowl goes upward more quickly and at a steeper angle.  The LS seat has a slower, more gradual rise.    I don't have a non-LS seat with which to compare to see if the total end-to-end length is exactly the same or not.
If the LS seat is longer by a bit, one *might* be able to adapt a "normal" R65 seat to fit an LS tailpiece by bending the top rear portion downward - essentially lengthening it.   But, I don't know for sure. :-/
Airhead #12178 ? BMWMOA #123173 ?BMWRA #33525 ?GSBMWR #563 ?1982 BMW R65LS ?1978 BMW R100/7 1998 Kawasaki Concours

Offline Barry

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Re: Seat differences?
« Reply #2 on: March 24, 2010, 03:54:54 PM »
Make sure it's an 81 on seat. The early 78 - 80 R65 seat would be completely different.
Barry Cheshire, England 79 R45

Offline marcmax

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Re: Seat differences?
« Reply #3 on: March 24, 2010, 05:00:55 PM »
Thanks for the info. In looking closer at the seat on my running LS it looks like there is an additional indent almost to the seat lock area that the tail piece has two little arms coming forward into. The stock R65 seat looks like the bottom of the seat pan it straight across and the tail piece ends right were it attaches. I guess I will have to see the seat before I decide it I want to have the shorter tail piece on my bike when it is finished.
Keep your bike in good repair: motorcycle boots are not comfortable for walking.

1982 R65ls    1984 R65ls