Vapor Computer Model for R65??

[Tv]

I've checked the search facility and found nearly all the info I need to install a Vapor Computer and I've looked at the Trail Tech website but I just wanna confirm which model you members have used for your R65.  Thanks and regards
Tony

[Bengt_Phorqs]

Monte can probably tell you specifically.  I saw his a couple of weeks ago at a tech day and his set up is really slick.  If I could do it over again, instead of having my speedo repaired I would go with the Vapor.  Be patient for Monte since he's off on a romantic cruise with his bride of 25 years and won't be back for another day or two.  

Anyone else out there have a Vapor set up?

[Tv]

Thank, I'll wait for Monte (maybe after he's recovered from his trip)

[montmil]

Whew! Now I need a vacation just to recover from THE vacation...
This may sound kinda sick but the first thing I did this morning was to check that all the bikes would start. I can unpack later.

So, to Tony's question.

My 1981 R65 had a nasty, torn "cow tongue" crash pad plus a negative function odometer and a speedo case that looked as if a church key had been used on the bezel. Also, the OEM ignition switch was now a riding lawnmower key switch. Gag me.

I have the TrailTech Vapor Model 75-704 for conventional forks fitted on the '81 R65. Install was easy. I did dump the cheezy plastic mounting bracket for a DIY aluminum bit that mounts under the two forward handlebar clamp bolts.

The Vapor provides more information than I'll ever need -unless I start riding enduros on the Beemer- but it also provides info I really appreciate. If you have downloaded the install manual, you've got some idea of the available data storage.



This is the complete installation. The glowing red light in the top fork bracket is an LED I fitted for the oil pressure warning lamp. I did have to clean and/or repaint several bits that looked poorly after removing the OEM instrument package. I have a simple ignition toggle switch fitted on the aft portion of the headlight shell.



A rare earth magnet attaches to the brake disc holder and triggers a sensor each time the magnet passes by. You will calculate the front tire's exact diameter and program this info into the Vapor. That data provides the speedometer readout.

The only fly in the ointment is the occasional degree of difficulty in reading the LCD info depending on the Sun's angle to the instrument face. Not a deal-breaker in my book.

Lemme know if you have additional questions. I have to hide the bike from Bengt.  

Monte

[Bob_Roller]

Monte,

Have you had any issues with the LCD 'washing out' in high temperatures ?

[montmil]

The manual does state that, if you leave the instrument in bright sunlight for extended periods, it may darken. TrailTech says to put it in the 'fridge for awhile! Too funny. I don't have a refridgerator big enough for my R65 AND beer!

What I did was to invest $1.00 at the Cheap-O Crap Store for an auto sun visor. I then made a paper pattern and used double-faced carpet tape to manufacture my own Vapor Coozie.



I thought this was a little weird until I noticed a couple other bikers at work using reflective material to cover various parts of their motorcycles and/or scooters. My coozie lives in the underseat tray when he's not working.

[awaffa2003]

lol you guys forget the original vapor/r65 combo that quick?!?! ANYWAY lol ive been running mine for about a year and a half with only one problem. it was out going to the wyoming rally last year that it stopped working competely for a day. like screen was blank and everything. next day it was fine. the only bad thing besides not knowing my speed and all that was that it didnt log my miles so now my odo is off by a few hundred miles.

[Tv]

Thanks for the info - now to source one out in Oz

[Justin B.]

Well, Harrison, that's what you get for only showing up once every six months or so!  You know the old saying, "Outa sight, outa mind..."

[Ed Miller]

Hey Monte, will you please add a photo to this thread, showing your ignition switch?  A part number would be cool, too.

I got a Vector for my birth day.  

Thanks,

[montmil]

Just back from a fantastic trip to the Barber Vintage Festival. Seems a lot of R65 dot org activity to catch up on...

Really simple deal. Ed. I snagged a SPST 30A weatherproof (sorta) toggle switch, with male spade connectors, from FLAPS. I used a Unibit to do a workman-like job of putting a hole through the sheet metal headlight shell.
   Of course, there's no longer an ignition lock. Your call on that issue. When I bought the '81. the ignition lock was from a Briggs n' Stratton riding lawn mower. Too nice, it was. You may be able to fit the OEM switch in the shell, maybe.

Gave up the parking light feature but, to me, that little light is just a fast way to accidentally run down my battery.

Should you have questions regarding the wiring, lemme know.

Monte

[Ed Miller]

Thanks Monte.  I may even copy your idea for the LED oil pressure light.  I did get the surround thing for the Vector, with spots for 4 lights, and I do want the turn signal indicators.  I'll have to muse a while.

[montmil]

Thanks Monte.  I may even copy your idea for the LED oil pressure light...

The wire leads for the LED oil pressure light run through the steering head with quick disconnects down below. An odd bolt can sourced the thin aluminum washer and a small dab of silicone adhesive holds the bulb in place.

Monte

[Ed Miller]

More questions:  You got rid of the neutral light, and if I understand right, just joined the two wires at the neutral switch.  Can you still start the bike in neutral, without pulling in the clutch?  I may use the wiring diagram for an avatar, but it doesn't mean I understand it....

I'm waiting for Justin to answer my PM about the speedo cable eliminator and a vented bolt for the gearbox.  Hint.  

[Rob Valdez 79 R65]

I'm waiting for Justin to answer my PM about the speedo cable eliminator

You mean like mine?
http://www.bmwr65.org/cgi-bin/yabb2/YaBB.pl?num=1288515373/11#5


(I hope that link works.  I can't see images from my pBase account. (firewall))