Fuel

[Revel]

What type of fuel should I be using. I recently purchased an R65 BMW 1985 with the mono shock from a dealer in NSW Austrailia. The bike was originally from Japan Shipped out to Australia and put in Storage for a long time. The dealer says it should run on unleaded fuel with no valve additive and my local BMW repair shop says I need to add a valve additive as leaded fuel is no longer available hear. The dealer believed it should straight unleaded fuel because Japan got rid of leaded fuel long before Australia. Is there anyone out there that can put me straight on this or point me in the right direction.

Revel

[Bob_Roller]

Unleaded fuel is all you are going to find, so don't worry about it, by 1985 I believe BMW had the valve seat and valve materials figured out. Not a bad idea to keep a record of your valve adjustments, just to have an idea whats happening to them. I don't think I would waste my money on lead additives for fuel.

[Justin B.]

You are stuck with unleaded and I would put in regular and if it knocks/pings then step up a grade.  Our '84 R65 and '81 R100 run perfectly on regular whereas my '95 R100 will still ping (under load) on premium.  All of this is contingent upon the timing being set correctly, of course...

[MrRiden]

Revel,
The sad truth is that there is no petrol suitable for such an ancient bike in all of NSW or the rest of Australia for that matter. Blame it all on John Howard and David Kemp! But to ease your disappointment I'll gladly take that relic off your hands. If you froward me your information, I'll have my agent contact you concerning sale and shipping to the American southwest, sometimes referred to as "occupied Mexico". My condolence on your misfortunate purchase.
Rich
 [smiley=rolleyes.gif]

[Justin B.]

That's a good one, Rich!  

[Revel]

Yea the poor old ancient thing it is, with only 15,000 genuine kilometers on the clock it was a misfortunate purchase but somehow I don't think it will be up for sale for quite a long time, but thanks for the offer anyhow

Revel,
The sad truth is that there is no petrol suitable for such an ancient bike in all of NSW or the rest of Australia for that matter. Blame it all on John Howard and David Kemp! But to ease your disappointment I'll gladly take that relic off your hands. If you froward me your information, I'll have my agent contact you concerning sale and shipping to the American southwest, sometimes referred to as "occupied Mexico". My condolence on your misfortunate purchase.
Rich
 [smiley=rolleyes.gif]

[MrRiden]

I just had to try. I do want a Mono Shock and they are rare here. Post some pics when you can. Both Justin & Bob are giving you the info you need on fuel. I run the 87 octane (I think) the middle grade unleaded, no additives and watch my exhaust valve clerances. So far so good.
rich

[Revel]

Thanks for the tips everyone. This is my first BMW and I haven't been riding for about 20 years. When you say watch your exhast valve clearences, can you explain in laymens terms what I should be watching for,example noises, closing up etc etc. Until I get myself a good workshop manual and learn more about the bike any knowledge you can pass on is much appreciated. I will try the regular as it is around the 87 Octane level over here in Aussie Land. What had me worried was the bike was manufactured for Japan Standards whatever they were in 1985.

Revel

[Bob_Roller]

If your valve noise gets quieter, they are closing up, also the bike will not want to idle if the valve clearances close up, at least with my bike that is the case. The only way to check valve clearance, is to remove the rocker-arm covers and check the clearance between the rocker arm and the valve tip with a feeler gauge on a cold engine.

[Revel]

Thanks for that bob. Drained the tank today, put in fresh regular unleaded fuel and the bike seems to be running ok. When I get my hands on a manual I'll check valuve clearences as I don't know the correct measurement as yet.

[billygoat]

 I am just wondering if they would sell airplane fuel to you there in Australia. I have heard  8-) you can mix it with reg unleaded gas.