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Author Topic: R65LS Questions  (Read 5151 times)

Red_Hen

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R65LS Questions
« on: March 28, 2011, 09:07:42 AM »
Hi Gang,

I picked up my R65LS from Judson Motors on Friday.  Ron wanted me to take it for a spin but I said "Ron, it's only 30 degrees outside." He gave me gloves & a helmet and told me toride it.  I did and it runs unbelieveable!
Hoping to get pictures and a video posted soon.  

I've got some tidying up to do and have a couple Questions, if you can help:
1. The mechanic didn't put 2 of the 4 rubber tank cushions on - he said I really don't need them - wondering what you guys think?
2. He forgot to replace a couple burned out instrument bulbs - is there an easy gentle way to remove black cowl w/out taking off the rest of the fairing? I believe I can buy the bulbs at O'Reilly auto parts.
3. I need the little C clips that hold the seat pins in - I know I can buy them at the hardwares store but if you know the size, that would help.

The bike is way cool!  Can't wait until it warms up so I can ride her.

Oh, btw - Ron sold me a brand new pair of round red reflectors for the rear.

Offline Justin B.

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Re: R65LS Questions
« Reply #1 on: March 28, 2011, 09:25:21 AM »
Ken,

Just bundle-up and ride!  Congrats on getting it back.

1. The mechanic didn't put 2 of the 4 rubber tank cushions on - he said I really don't need them - wondering what you guys think?  -- I can only think of 3 cushions, one on the front frame and two on the tank in the rear.  The ones in the rear keep the tank from metal-metal rubbing against the frame and I feel they are rather important.  You can use flam pipe insulation for the rear if you don't want to buy the factory ones as they are horrendously expensive for two little chunks of rubber.

2. He forgot to replace a couple burned out instrument bulbs - is there an easy gentle way to remove black cowl w/out taking off the rest of the fairing? I believe I can buy the bulbs at O'Reilly auto parts. -- Just be as gentle and careful as possible.

3. I need the little C clips that hold the seat pins in - I know I can buy them at the hardwares store but if you know the size, that would help. -- You can get standard "E-clips" the proper size but they are a bytch to put on.  The factory clips have a little "lip" on them that allows you grab onto them with pliers.  Most people just leave 'em off...
Justin B.

2004 BMW R1150RT
1981 R100RT - Summer bike, NEKKID!!!

Offline montmil

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Re: R65LS Questions
« Reply #2 on: March 28, 2011, 09:50:09 AM »
Quote
Ken,
-- You can get standard "E-clips" the proper size but they are a bytch to put on.  The factory clips have a little "lip" on them that allows you grab onto them with pliers.  Most people just leave 'em off...

Yep. I've tried the e-clips from Ace (just buy a few that look close and cuss 'em into place) plus I've ordered the BMW OEM clips with the helpful little tab. Shoot! I can lose either of 'em during the first ride. Latched down, the seat ain't gonna fall off.

Monte
Monte Miller
Denton, TEXAS
1978 BMW R100S
1981 BMW R65
1983 BMW R65
1995 Triumph Trophy
1986 VW Cabriolet

Red_Hen

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Re: R65LS Questions
« Reply #3 on: March 28, 2011, 09:52:17 AM »
I should sound more excited (spent the better part of the morning restoring files I accidentally deleted on my Mac (Thank goodness for time machine backups!)) - I bought her on Valentines Day 2009.  Do the math and it's about 27 months later that I've got her in good order. It's been quite a gratifying experience and wow have I made some new friends and received a lot of help!

Really looks more like a piece of art than a m/c but I'll be happy to call it a m/c and ride it.

I do have the two rubber pieces - don't want to take the tank off but guess I'll have to to get them inserted - guessing there is a slot to place them in on the frame?  I can refer to my Clymer book at home.

Thinking about luggage racks but think I'll spend some time riding her first to get a feel for her.
« Last Edit: March 28, 2011, 09:54:05 AM by Red_Hen »

Red_Hen

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Re: R65LS Questions
« Reply #4 on: March 28, 2011, 10:15:04 AM »
Here's an attempt to upload a picture.  All those tools on the ground?
I didn't have a key for my fork lock and had a used one with a key.  After trying about 300 keys and none worked, the mechanic, David, had to carefully drill out the old one and put in the new one.  

Good news is I know have a working fork lock and matching key for the seat lock.
« Last Edit: March 28, 2011, 10:16:48 AM by Red_Hen »

Offline Barry

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Re: R65LS Questions
« Reply #5 on: March 28, 2011, 12:32:45 PM »
Quote
I do have the two rubber pieces - don't want to take the tank off but guess I'll have to to get them inserted - guessing there is a slot to place them in on the frame?  

The tank comes off easy in two minutes but you should be able to fit the rear rubbers by just releasing the securing loop from the frame tube and lifting the rear of the tank an inch or two without disconnecting the fuel hose.  The original rear tank rubbers were glued to the tank. I would imagine you would get vibration fretting from metal to metal contact if no rubbers were fitted and feel the vibration and noise.
« Last Edit: March 28, 2011, 12:48:31 PM by bhodgson »
Barry Cheshire, England 79 R45

Offline Lucky_Lou

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Re: R65LS Questions
« Reply #6 on: March 28, 2011, 01:38:43 PM »
Nice .....
The seat retaining clips are a pain i no longer use them but be warned the seat can jam if the pins are not located properly resulting in a difficult release job.
Lou
Ask questions later

Red_Hen

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Re: R65LS Questions
« Reply #7 on: March 28, 2011, 03:39:31 PM »
Hey Lou,

What'a another pain?  The whole process was a real breathe-in, breathe-out Zen-like experience.  It took a long time but in the end, I'm holding the fruit!  It's looks to be a fun ride!

The Lufmeister exhaust really sounds cool - a deep throaty sound; much unlike the sewing machine sound of my K75S or the drumming sound of my F650 Thumper!
« Last Edit: March 28, 2011, 03:39:53 PM by Red_Hen »

Offline Bob_Roller

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Re: R65LS Questions
« Reply #8 on: March 28, 2011, 04:09:56 PM »
I use 90 degree needle nose pliers and other than dropping an occasional clip, don't have any real problems getting them off or back on again .

I have a Staintune exhaust on the '82 LS and it sounds a lot deeper than a stock LS exhaust .
'81 R65
'82 R65 LS
'84 R65 LS
'87 Moto Guzzi V65 Lario
'02 R1150R
Riding all year long since 1993 .
I'll give up my R65, when they pry my cold dead hands from the handlebars !!!!!

Red_Hen

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Re: R65LS Questions
« Reply #9 on: March 28, 2011, 05:55:09 PM »
Gonna buy a needle nose like that and another member posted a great resource for a tool kit - saw that in the tool kit thread last night.

One of the badges on the tanks is shot and I bought a new one at the MOA Rally this past summer - I know it's an adhesive back - would a heat gun be best to remove it?

Also, how many of you with LS's have luggage racks and Panniers? I don't have plans to put on a windshield but thought Panniers might be nice to have for a road trip.

Thanks much.

Offline montmil

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Re: R65LS Questions
« Reply #10 on: March 28, 2011, 06:28:27 PM »
Quote
...One of the badges on the tanks is shot and I bought a new one at the MOA Rally this past summer - I know it's an adhesive back - would a heat gun be best to remove it?...

Dental floss. Work the floss behind the badge and then use a sawing motion to cut through the double-faced adhesive foam. Then select your weapon of choice to get the sticky remnants off the tank. I removed the dbl-stik tape from my new farkles and mounted them with silicone adhesive Fit snugger.

If you're careful with the floss, you can slip it back on the wife's spool and she's none the wiser.

Monte
 - The guy that "borrowed" his bride's very antique hand mirror to use as a slick base to lay up some   laminated fiberglas components. Even though I waxed the glass, the fiberglas bonded so well it pulled flakes from the vintage glass when I popped it free. Oops. Placing a small perfume bottle on the chipped area didn't fool her for a minute.

Ask me about the time I cut up her stainless steel tea strainer thingy to make a fuel tank sump strainer in an aircraft fiberglas fuel tank.
Monte Miller
Denton, TEXAS
1978 BMW R100S
1981 BMW R65
1983 BMW R65
1995 Triumph Trophy
1986 VW Cabriolet

DavidPorter

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Re: R65LS Questions
« Reply #11 on: March 28, 2011, 06:55:04 PM »
The factory Touring cases fit fine.  I have an extra set of brackets, make offer.  You won't be able to lift up the seat without taking off the right bag, but otherwise they fit fine and carry a lot of stuff.

To remove the black dash panel, use snap-ring or needle-nose pliers and carefully unscrew the nut around the ignition switch.  The dash is then held in place by two small tabs at the lower front corners and two rubber mounts up near the top on each side.  Carefully press inwards on the front lower corners of the black plastic where they meet the red cowl, until you can pop up the lower corners of the black piece just a little, just separating it from the red cowl.  You can see the tabs by pressing in a little.  They fit into recesses in the red piece.  When you have the lower front edge released, just pull the whole thing up and back and the rubber mounts will release.  They fit into C-shaped recesses on the back of the dash.

The wiring harness for one of the turn signal bulbs (left?) is a little short and the plug only fits one way.  It's a pain to get your fingers under there (mine at least) to push on the connector while the dash is half-way installed.  Just persevere, or find someone with smaller fingers.

Good luck.

bruce_launceston

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Re: R65LS Questions
« Reply #12 on: March 29, 2011, 06:13:37 AM »
Hi Ken, You shouldn't hasve to remove the whole nosecone fairing, the black cowling should just slide upwards away from the faces of the instruments. Just remove the bezel ring from the ignition switch and be gentle. If your cover still has all its parts there are two flimsy plastic bits that slot over rubber grommets.
Mine broke off the first time I removed the cover 20 odd years ago. I have 2 tiny black self tappers screwed into sheetmetal brackets under the headlight bolts securing mine.

Red_Hen

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Re: R65LS Questions
« Reply #13 on: March 29, 2011, 07:36:23 AM »
Bruce,
You're is stunningly beautiful!  Thanks for your reply.  

Making a list of things to do - hoping to ride her this weekend - s'posed to be warming up here in frigid MN - hope so!

Offline suecanada

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Re: R65LS Questions
« Reply #14 on: March 29, 2011, 10:37:19 AM »
Ken just remember that in these cold temps plastic breaks easily. I'd wait a touch for the temps to rise before tackling the black nacelle on the fairing. You will be pretty lucky if the wee lower tabs are still intact! Just remember to get it moved forward only halfway and then get your fingers inside to disconnect the turn signal sockets from the bulbs. Each socket has a very small tab on it to "unclip"  but those could be broken too. I have had to wrap some duct tape around the junction of the bulb and its holder on one of mine. Fiddly job. As is the seat circlips; as is the cable splitters/distributors; as is the bolt for the sidestand...etc...etc. when THOSE jobs come up!! We all will be there for you!
1983 R65LS - LRB still my favourite!? 1988 Honda NX250, "Toodles Too" and a Suzuki DR650, "Calypso." All stored in the "Brrrmmm Closet".