The member photo gallery is now integrated and live!!  All user albums and pictures have been ported from old gallery.


To register send an e-mail to admin@bmwr65.org and provide your location and desired user name.

Author Topic: Yearly bike lust.  (Read 4582 times)

Offline Barry

  • Mt. Olympus Resident
  • ****
  • Posts: 5148
Re: Yearly bike lust.
« Reply #15 on: January 29, 2012, 08:06:30 AM »
Quote
It is a 1980 with it's original engine as far as I know.

More interesting still !  I wonder if they built some hybrid bikes with the 1980 frame and 1981 engine.

It certainly looks like an 1980 bike with the seat tailpiece and smooth instead of ribbed final drive housing. A 1980 would originally also have had flat top carbs and the choke lever on the the round type air filter box. You have dome type carbs, the flat airfilter and I guess the choke lever is on the left handlebar. Nothing to worry about as all those changes were for the better. Maybe someone updated your bike.
« Last Edit: January 29, 2012, 08:59:51 AM by bhodgson »
Barry Cheshire, England 79 R45

Cinciride

  • Guest
Re: Yearly bike lust.
« Reply #16 on: January 29, 2012, 08:37:51 AM »
You are right, choke on the left bar, flat element.  When I try to get spares for it I alays double check the differences between the two years. Mi had to convince a salesman that even though my bike was an 80, I definitely neede the flat element for the air box. By the end of the conversation I am sure he thought he was going to hear from me again with a return because it did not fit.  Turns out it did not fit, but not because I neede the round element, the filters sold by Bob's had a hard plastic rim instead of the soft rubbery type on the original filter.  I hade to grind off some tabs (from the element) to get it to sit properly on the box.  
Cheers.

Offline Barry

  • Mt. Olympus Resident
  • ****
  • Posts: 5148
Re: Yearly bike lust.
« Reply #17 on: January 29, 2012, 08:55:43 AM »
I think that flat filter fitting issue is not that unusual.

As for the various model differences there are a whole host of detail differences. Some time back in an idle moment I had a go at listing them on the attached pdf file. See how many boxes you can tick.

I don't pretend it's any where near complete but even still there are more than most people think.  I would very much welcome comments, elaborations, corrections and omissions that would help to produce a definitive document that perhaps could be posted in the FAQ section.
« Last Edit: January 29, 2012, 09:02:50 AM by bhodgson »
Barry Cheshire, England 79 R45

Offline montmil

  • Mt. Olympus Resident
  • ****
  • Posts: 8371
Re: Yearly bike lust.
« Reply #18 on: January 29, 2012, 09:36:26 AM »
Quote
Quote
P.S.I know I need to something about my centerstand.  

Easily fixed with a bit of welding...

Not so sure that 'easily' is the word, Barry. After removing the stand, welding, paying the tradesman, grinding, test fit, removing again, add more weld -pay the tradesman again- or grind off more weld, test fit, etc and ad infinitum you'll still have that horrible iron ball in your sock and a poorly designed stand. BMW even decided it was an engineered PITA ;D

I believe once and done saves time and money... and boot leather. Just my  [smiley=2cents.gif]

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

Offline montmil

  • Mt. Olympus Resident
  • ****
  • Posts: 8371
Re: Yearly bike lust.
« Reply #19 on: January 29, 2012, 09:44:44 AM »
Quote
...the flat element for the air box .. Turns out it did not fit... the filter... had a hard plastic rim instead of the soft rubbery type on the original filter. I hade to grind off some tabs (from the element) to get it to sit properly on the box. Cheers.

There's an article and diagram I've seen somewhere, perhaps in the BMWON or a repair manual, that discusses the need to trim a bit off the edge on the flat filters. It may depend on who made them rather than the dealer. I bought my flattie from Dennis Kirk http://www.denniskirk.com and it fit just fine with a soft edging.

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

tvrla

  • Guest
Re: Yearly bike lust.
« Reply #20 on: January 29, 2012, 11:58:56 AM »
Quote
Funny you should ask.  Two other 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 an R65 ;D

I'd definitely fix the coil mounting - they need to be secure. Also, they get hot so I don't think a plastic zip tie is the best solution. There are metal ones, or metal clamps that would be better, but it's best to just to fix it properly. It may be the mount wasn't beefy enough to begin with, so might need some extra bracing to prevent the new repair going the same route as the original.

Ah, the carb issue - I'll bet you this is the reason for the lust, the wandering gaze to those hotter girls!  ;)

This is the one that really needs to get sorted! And no, it's not because you ride an R65 that compacts are zipping by - it's because your bike needs some tune-up attention.

What's your fuel consumption? I'll bet it's in the high 30s, low 40s? Reason I say that is because after that much time (guessing 40 or 50K miles) the needles and needle jets wear because they rub on each other. When that happens, too much fuel flows past causing too rich a mixture and sluggish performance.

Also, going up hills be sure to keep the RPMs up - probably above 5K. You shouldn't have any difficulty staying at 60 or 70mph going up hills solo, though you might be in third or fourth.

It sounds like the carbs are functioning fine otherwise, so I wouldn't touch them. When they aint broke, don't fix em!
« Last Edit: January 29, 2012, 11:59:35 AM by tvrla »

Cinciride

  • Guest
Re: Yearly bike lust.
« Reply #21 on: January 29, 2012, 04:51:24 PM »
I
Quote
I think that flat filter fitting issue is not that unusual.

As for the various model differences there are a whole host of detail differences. Some time back in an idle moment I had a go at listing them on the attached pdf file. See how many boxes you can tick.

I don't pretend it's any where near complete but even still there are more than most people think.  I would very much welcome comments, elaborations, corrections and omissions that would help to produce a definitive document that perhaps could be posted in the FAQ section.

I guess mine is bait of a mix and match.  ATE caliper on front, no indicator beeper, dome top carbs, flat filter, ribbed seat, rear tray lifts with seat, smooth rear drive, 2 coils, external clutch spring, round brake cylinder.
Serial number ends in a single digit, so I do not honk it is a late run 1980, but I do not know if that even makes a difference.  

Cinciride

  • Guest
Re: Yearly bike lust.
« Reply #22 on: January 29, 2012, 05:01:24 PM »
Quote


Ah, the carb issue - I'll bet you this is the reason for the lust, the wandering gaze to those hotter girls!  ;)

This is the one that really needs to get sorted! And no, it's not because you ride an R65 that compacts are zipping by - it's because your bike needs some tune-up attention.

What's your fuel consumption? I'll bet it's in the high 30s, low 40s? Reason I say that is because after that much time (guessing 40 or 50K miles) the needles and needle jets wear because they rub on each other. When that happens, too much fuel flows past causing too rich a mixture and sluggish performance.

Also, going up hills be sure to keep the RPMs up - probably above 5K. You shouldn't have any difficulty staying at 60 or 70mph going up hills solo, though you might be in third or fourth.

It sounds like the carbs are functioning fine otherwise, so I wouldn't touch them. When they aint broke, don't fix em!

I am agreed, if they aren't broken, why repair them.  Heidegger, it think they are probably worn.  I am uncertain how many miles the bike has, because I rode for years without a proper odometer.  Likely 70k+ as 35k were on it when the odometer quit years ago.  

My fuel consumption is low 40s to 40 even most of the time.  Any advice on where to get a rebuild kit.  Is the bingcarburetor.com site he best place?

Cheers,

Colby

Offline Bob_Roller

  • Global Moderator
  • Mt. Olympus Resident
  • *****
  • Posts: 9127
  • -7 hours GMT
Re: Yearly bike lust.
« Reply #23 on: January 29, 2012, 06:01:35 PM »
Bing is a bit pricey, the only thing I'd tell you, is if you replace the rubber diaphragms, make sure they are original Bing parts .

I did a complete rebuild of the carbs on my '81 R65 about 5 years ago, I used all Bing parts from the Bing Agency, without floats, the price was around $130US .

There are 'pattern' replacements not made by Bing and they have caused problems by being a thicker rubber material and not being flexible enough for this application .

About the only metal part that gets really worn, is the needle jet, the needle wears the hole into something other than a round shape .

If you're going this far, replace all of the rubber parts and gaskets, including the o-rings on the throttle shaft and 'choke'/enricher shaft .

You need to remove the screws on the throttle plates to access the throttle shaft o-ring, upon reassembly, the screws need to be peened on the back side to keep them from coming out .

The screws are a soft iron and deform easily .
'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 !!!!!

tvrla

  • Guest
Re: Yearly bike lust.
« Reply #24 on: January 30, 2012, 01:17:23 AM »
These are very simple carburetors - once you get familiar with them. There really isn't much to them.

Here's my 'take' on your situation:

Some guys like to replace everything and know it's all new. I tend to replace what's worn out and use up what aint broke. That is, unless it's deep inside the engine or transmission and could cause a lot of trouble (and has a history of breaking).

I've found the butterfly o-ring lasts a very long time. It's protected inside the carb from oils, fuel, and most things that would damage it. If there's a problem with high idle (air leak) and everything else has been crossed off the list, then do em. But otherwise I wouldn't bother.

Diaphrams - that's another item easily replaced and easy to diagnose. I wouldn't worry about them either.

If the choke works properly, the bike won't start cold without it, but does fine with, then cross it off the list.

Jets don't wear - but they do clog up. Especially from fuel drying up in them and leaving a gummy varnish. But since your bike has been run regularly, and there have been no complaints about flat spots or other lean conditions, all seems fine in that area as well.

Treated properly, these carbs don't seem to wear out. I love em! But...

The needle rides in the needle jet and if you've ever taken a good look at it, there's a lot of play! It flops all around and they contact each other. The needle is aluminum, the jet - brass - both fairly soft metals and they do wear. Your fuel consumption tells me those two items are letting waaaay too much fuel past. And there's where your performance has gone - an over-rich mixture makes for a sluggish bike!

I'm not saying some good could come of a total clean-up of the carbs, but it's not necessarily the best bang for the buck. I believe all that's needed is the needles, needle jets, and perhaps floats. There are new black plastic floats to replace the old white foam ones - yours are probably a dark yellow or brown by now. The floats tend to get heavier over time which would cause the fuel level in the float bowl to ride higher than spec. This would also cause a rich mixture, reducing performance and mileage.

The best (and cheapest) place for BING parts is from the BMW dealer. The black plastic floats - I think they're not even on the parts list at BING, so you'll have to ask for them specifically.

Cinciride

  • Guest
Re: Yearly bike lust.
« Reply #25 on: January 30, 2012, 05:31:36 AM »
Thanks for all the advice.  I will probably replace the needles and needle jets and floats, for the floats are yellowish brown.  And for what it's worth I am refocused on the R65 again.  No new bike for me for now.  Maybe down the road when I can line up the funds for a Basso or Griso, but maybe the R65 will just keep carrying me through. It has for this long.

(projects: carburetors, coils, centerstand, etc.)

Cheers,

Colby

tvrla

  • Guest
Re: Yearly bike lust.
« Reply #26 on: January 30, 2012, 01:56:50 PM »
Glad to hear it! Ya know, my bikes have tended to be projects when I got them. I could see they were basically sound, usually neglected or a bit run-down. Because of that they were good deals and the 'sweat equity' actually looked fun.

So I'd work on the bike and there would come a time when I'd fixed the major issues (maybe as minor as a good tuneup) and it was running great, and (more than a few times) I'd have the thought "if it was running like this, the PO never would have sold it".

I sure know that when they start running rough, down on power, poor handling, they feel like crap! And the funny thing is that they still work fine, get you down the road, but JUST DON'T FEEL RIGHT.

It's like magic - when things are working right and doing what they should - these bikes jump into another universe. It's like magic. But let the carbs go out of balance and you're back to good ol planet earth.

Big let-down!
« Last Edit: January 30, 2012, 01:58:20 PM by tvrla »

tom_hudson

  • Guest
Re: Yearly bike lust.
« Reply #27 on: February 01, 2012, 09:38:55 PM »
Here is ny R1100RT  -  couple of momths ago I did a 1,300 mile trip to Las vegas on it - great bike & can be had for not a bunch of money - 500 miles days are pretty easy

Offline Dave 2

  • Lives in Foothills of Mt. Olympus
  • **
  • Posts: 456
  • Airheads: A Blast from the Past
Re: Yearly bike lust.
« Reply #28 on: February 02, 2012, 10:40:13 AM »
What a beautiful bike. I used to do 500+ days on my naked R60/5 back in the early 70's [smiley=bmw_smiley.gif] On yours 500 miles looks like it would be a "walk in the park" [smiley=bmw_smiley.gif] D2