Yearly bike lust.

[Cinciride]

It happens every year in the off season.  I find myself lusting after a new bike.  My only street bike has ever been my r65 in 21 years of riding on the street.  The current object of my desire is a cb 919, a zrx 1100, a 2001 bandit 1200, or a lightweight dual sport (dr 350).   There are used examples for sale now that are fairly reasonable.  The rationale for each of those bikes is that they would be better for riding long distances on the interstate (cinci to Boston or Denver) than my current ride, and the Dr would let me get back into trail riding again, However, I am not convinced I need another bike.  Every spring when riding whether comes around, I climb on my bike and I am happy and content.  I would only make one or two highway rides a year, and I am not sure there are even good trails around here (i am new to the area).  

Thanks for reading if you made it through my whine.  I am going to occupy my bike lust by working my way through the maintenance section of my Clymer.  

(picture of my r65 to follow as every post is better with photos.

Cheers,
Colby [smiley=bmw_smiley.gif]

 [smiley=bmw_smiley.gif]

[nhmaf]

The Bandit 1200 is a very dependable, does-it-all except dirt riding bike, and makes more than enough horsepower for any practical purpose - it would be the best choice of all in your list for a long distance, eats up the highway road machine.

[Cinciride]

Yes, I have been through all the pros and cons.  They would all do what I would like.  They are all low mileage examples of each bike and look exceptionally clean on line.  It would more be which one I could get for the best price including anticipated repairs (tires, chains, etc.).  I could do the maintenance on all of them myself, and the cost of owning all of them is pretty low.

Here is my current bike.  Used for commuting and leisure rides, but no serious travel.  I used to log 500 mile days on it twice a weekend when I was dating my wife.  That was 19 years ago.  

Cheers

[montmil]

You would soon regret, Cinciride, selling your R65. You already have way too much history with the bike to let it go -plus you'd feel insulted, no doubt, by the offers. Lust for other bikes all you want but never forget who brought you to the dance.

If you really, really want to add a bike to the stable then press on. After 19 years, you may have earned it.

Monte

[Cinciride]

P.S.  I know I need to something about my centerstand.

[Cinciride]

I will not be selling the r65.  I do have too much history with it.  This is a bit of a cathartic thread for me.  Kind of like an airing of the grievances.  I figured if I wrote it down somewhere, maybe I would stop daydreaming so much about the other bikes.  If I come across anything interesting while I go trough my bike I will post it here.  I still owe a couple of posts for projects this past summer including an acewell install to give me some reliable gauges and I fixed my turn signal switch with a little superglue and dielectrics grease. It is now smoother than I ever remember it being.  

Cheers for the responses.

[Bob_Roller]

There have been  many owners that have sold their R65's and regretted it later .

I've had mine since 01/81, I couldn't / won't sell it, ever .

Nothing wrong with having more than one bike, as long as you can keep it parked in a garage and not outside .

[montmil]

P.S.  I know I need to something about my centerstand.

I note in the photo of your R65 that you have the hernia-inducing "ball on a stick" centerstand. My '81 had the same horrible design. The Civil War-era 'Mini Ball' wrecks havoc on the sole of your boot and there's just no easy way to grunt the bike up and over.

Am I pretty much describing your view of the centerstand? Thought so...

My 1983 R65 has a nice, square foot pad and a little different design to the centerstand. Much easier to use. These stands show up occasionally on eBay or if you want to do something immediately, call Mark or Marco at RePsycle Bmw in Lithopolis OH. I have used their services several times and have gotten excellent service.
   Don't bother using their email parts request form. Takes forever. Call 'em on their 800 dime

http://re-psycle.com/

[Cinciride]

Very accurate center stand description.  I have two problems with it.  The ball torture device that reminds me I do not have the correct shoes on, and it has developed the saga/hyper extension.  I fixed he as somewhat with new pivot bolts and collars, though I think part of the problem is in the ears at the top of the stand.  The bottom is beginning to become worn away anyway, so I could use a new one.  

Thanks for the advice.  I will try one of the square pad stands.  I hardly ever use my side stand, but I am thinking of replacing that as well.  I ordered a sure foot stand from motobins this summer but they were out of stock.  

Cheers,
Colby [smiley=bmw_smiley.gif] [smiley=bmw_smiley.gif] [smiley=bmw_smiley.gif]

[tvrla]

I hear you Colby! Good for you realizing this is just a phase and putting it out to us will help dissolve it. I think it's an excellent idea to do some create on the old girl to get your attention back where it belongs.

Centerstand's a good place to start. Anything else about her bug you?

[Cinciride]

Funny you should ask.  Two othere issues.  

First is coils.  I broke a mount in 1996 and the coil has been anchored to the frame with industrial strength zip ties since.  However on the way home from work the weeks ago the bike quit while going down hill.  Not under power, just coasting.  It was dead.  Definitely electric.  Filmed p after less than a minute and it reminded of the short I used to get before I found the broken mount.  

The second issue I am considering is a carb rebuild.  Other than draining the bowls every winter and replacing bowl gaskets, they had never been touched.  However, I am not totally convinced they need it.  It starts great even after sitting for weeks.  The only issue is that at highway speed it is a bit gutless and I was passed by a subcompact going uphill the other day.  

Could just be that I ride and R65

[jg928s4]

Dr350 isn't lightweight.  The Later DRZ400 rode as a lighter bike tan the 350 I had at one time.

[Barry]

P.S.I know I need to something about my centerstand.  

Easily fixed with a bit of welding. Biggest regret I had was I didn't do it sooner as the further over centre they go the faster they wear.

Interesting bike. Is it a 78 -80 with a post 81 engine ?

[Lucky_Lou]

Lust is not a bad thing as long as you keep your zipper up, the R65 will be more forgiving than your wife....IMHO
Lou

[Cinciride]

P.S.I know I need to something about my centerstand.  

Easily fixed with a bit of welding. Biggest regret I had was I didn't do it sooner as the further over centre they go the faster they wear.

Interesting bike. Is it a 78 -80 with a post 81 engine ?

It is a 1980 with it's original engine as far as I know.  I was told it was imported from England.  I got it from my father in 1989.  He got it when it was nearly new from a carpenter who was from England in exchange for some glass work.  With all the horse trading there is bound to be something amiss. According to the folklore, the bike came over from England with a twin.  I am originally from Maine, so it's twin may still be bouncing around up there.  

Cheers, Colby