Instrument panel overhaul on '81 R65

[lukemike]

I've browsed the wealth of info on this site unsuccessfully for pics/info on the instrument panel and gauge housing.

I picked up this gem last May. I had to invest some sizable $$ to identify some poor wire rigging (kill switch that didn't kill everything) and eliminate a constant current drain that resulted in draining the battery once a week.

I picked up some used parts from the US and would like to bring the instrument cluster up to snuff.  Does anyone have some pics of their instrument panel and gauge housing from a recent rebuild?  I'll post some pics later today showing what I'm facing.   :-?

From what I can see, it seems like there has been some real custom fitting.  Thanks for any insight.

[Barry]

Welcome Luke

I don't have any photographs but if you look in the FAQ section we have a pdf file of the owners manual which has some pictures of the instruments.

Another option would be one of the online parts fiche sites.
http://www.maxbmwmotorcycles.com/fiche/DiagramsMain.aspx?vid=51897&rnd=03252011

[lukemike]

Thank you Barry, I'll certainly have a look. Perhaps there are different images than what I have in the Clymer manual. I have looked on maxbmwmotorcycles at the fiche, but I must admit my novice eyes have a hard time making sense of the instrument panel.

Here's what I've got for images thus far.

The second picture shows how the indicator lights have been attached...seems rigged considering I see no part like that in the manual or fiche.

I found a used gauge housing and want to put it together, however, I'm not seeing how the housing attaches to the instrument panel, perhaps additional parts are missing as a result of the rigged solution.

For reference, the hazard switch was what was bypassed by kill switch, to remedy, the mechanic disconnected the hazard switch circuit and was able to remove the kill switch all together.

Thanks for any insight.

[Rob Valdez 79 R65]

You can start with this mid-gallery on my photo website.
http://www.pbase.com/tomfarr/accessories

There are a few sub-galleries from there, as well as any more galleries in the main R65 gallery.

Those threads on the studs of the speedometer and tachometer are fairly fragile, and nearly impossible to fix, so take care with them.

[Rob Valdez 79 R65]

And if you are not interested in originality, you might want to know about this neat electronic instrument panel.

http://www.bmwr65.org/cgi-bin/yabb2/YaBB.pl?num=1316298556

[Barry]

Luke

You will have seen from Rob's photo's that you are missing the plastic instrument surround that is a push fit over the instruments and is secured by the ignition lock ring and a couple of clips. There is also a rear section secured with 2 screws. This whole set up is not easy to find. If you do find one for sale take care to inquire/inspect for condition as they tend to split from being pushed over the instruments.

[Rob Valdez 79 R65]

Yep - click on the pic for larger



This picture is HUGE and you can see lots of detail

[lukemike]

Barry and Rob,
The explanation makes perfect sense. I did manage to find a plastic housing from the US that is in excellent condition. I'm in the process of ordering the miscellaneous hardware to attach it properly as the clips were broken, caps and hardware missing, nothing major.

I was most interested in how the bracket attached to the handlebar, part #9 shown in the attached picture.

[Barry]

The bracket #9 is secured under the handlebar clamp bolts and the 2 clips slide onto a a strip of sheet metal reinforcement under the plastic top cover.

A good tip when removing the top cover is to first pop the 2 clips out with a screw driver otherwise the metal strips under the cover will get bent out of shape and be difficult to make flat again.

[Rob Valdez 79 R65]

But a plastic cover in good shape won't even need to attach to the metal piece #9.  I quit attaching mine LONG ago.
Mine is held on by the clamping force around the instruments and the circular ring around the ignition lock.

The two screws that hold on the "front" piece can be tough to get in place sometimes.
Don't forget the metal clips for these two screws, and buy the screws and washers from BMW - they are nice.

It looks like you have everything for your ignition lock, but if you want a nice new panel that shows what position your key is in, they are available - # 14.

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do?model=0363&mospid=51897&btnr=51_2603&hg=51&fg=15

[lukemike]

Good to know!  Thanks for all the tips and assistance. I'll post a "job completed" photo after the parts arrive

[clonmore1]

Rob,

Your top picture shows some nice grip covers, can I ask what type?

Cheers

Chris

[Barry]

top picture shows some nice grip covers, can I ask what type?

Look to me like the original BMW type though they would come without the hole in the end. BMW grips are properly handed with the throttle grip being thinner due to a larger internal size.  

[Rob Valdez 79 R65]

Yes, mine are OEM grips, although those are OEM heated grips and are slightly lighter in color than non-heated.  Grey vs. black.

The holes in the ends were meant for bar-end mirrors ages ago, but when I cut out the ends and saw where the wires were for the heating elements, I realized the mirrors would destroy the wires, so they have been like that ever since.  



Edit:  I just realized you are probably talking about the brush guards.
They, too, are OEM for the G/S and GS models.  They are available in black or white.

They are meant to be used on the bikes that have the rectangular brake master cylinder.
I have the round master cylinder, so I had to butcher the right one to fit.
The left one slides right on.

If you have a rectangular master cylinder, they will easily fit your bike.

[clonmore1]

Barry, Rob,

Thanks for the info.

Cheers

Chris