tools

[Vegasrandall]

I just got my new R 65 it came minus the tool kit. what does the learned membership recommend? I can't afford the factory replacement kit.

[Barry]

Basic kit includes:-

3 Spanners that cover 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 17mm  

21 X 22 Box Spanner  (axle nuts and spark plugs)

4, 5, 6, 8 mm Allen Keys

Plain and philips screw drivers

Feeler gauge set Metric or Imperial according to how your brain was programmed as youth (mine is imperial)

The factory kit also includes pliers but they would be rarely needed

There is an odd sized nut that clamps the choke cable which you will need to remove carbs.  I think it's 7 mm

I'm sure others will add to the list

Here's a link to the more comprehensive tool kits supplied with the earlier mainstream airheads  
http://w6rec.com/duane/bmw/toolkit/index.htm

[Rob Valdez 79 R65]

Motobins sells a kit of their own making.  It looks pretty nice and is cheaper than OEM.
Each page has a currency converter for your convenience.  ($93)

http://www.motobins.co.uk/displayfinal.php?q=99980A&go=GO

I highly recommend buying a BMW tool 71 11 1 237 847  10x12 ring spanner.  About $12 from any dealer.  It is good for removing the drive shaft fasteners.  Nice and thin for working in tight spaces, and high quality.  12 point, to match the fasteners, too.

[montmil]

There's always the odd bits that might be helpful if you have them: nylon zip ties, a small amount of SS safety wire, small roll of go-fast tape, cell phone and credit card.

Early on, I was plagued by a couple bean can ignition failures while riding well out in the country. One failure was my own undoing as I had pinched the wire loom between metal-to-metal inside the front case. Wire sheath looked fine but the 22 gauge wires had been severed. So, these days I carry a spare bean-o can but have not needed it. I also carry a tire plug kit and a small 12V air pump; also not yet needed.

My theory is if you have the tools and parts, you won't need 'em.  Hopefully...

Monte

[steven m]

My theory is if you have the tools and parts, you won't need 'em.  Hopefully...

I agree completely!  I also carry a box cutter, which fits in the original pouch, to cut off the zip ties I will 'hopefully' never need, as well as a few locking nuts to insure nothing ever gets loose.  Also, along with an air pressure gauge, a very handy removable 90 degree valve stem extension for gas station air pumps that don't like snowflake rims.

Steve  

[Bob_Roller]

Stop by you're local Harbor Freight tool store and get a compact nine LED flashlight for free with a coupon .

[Bengt_Phorqs]

Monte didn't mention it but he has a nifty little 1/4" drive socket set that rolls up and stores in the main frame tube under the tank.  Show us a picture and source Monte.

[montmil]

Monte didn't mention it but he has a nifty little 1/4" drive socket set that rolls up and stores in the main frame tube under the tank.  Show us a picture and source Monte.

Bob's BMW is the place and Kathy's Tube Stash is the bomb. This is a well made product that has a malleable wire loop inside zippered the stash tube that aids in pushing the "rope" uphill into the frame. It's amazing how much stuff you can fit into the upper frame tube.

Everytime I pull the stash tube out, I think of Easy Rider...

http://store.bobsbmw.com/SearchResults.asp?Search=Kathy%27s&Search.x=0&Search.y=0

Mike, I'm impressed you remembered this! I gotta find a new place for my "stash" of... donuts.

Monte