Converting a pre-'81 R65 to electronic ignition?

[Helix910]

I tried to search the old postings but it was not working for me.

I have been looking for an R65 (non LS), and because of the many improvements made to the 1981 and up models (as listed on http://www.nebcom.com/noemi/moto/r65faq.html ) I have been automatically excluding '79-'80 models from consideration. However, there are some nice '79-'80 bikes out there for sale, and I am not having any luck finding a decent '81-'84 in my area. Of all the improvements, the electronic ignition would seem to be the most important.

Question: What is involved in converting a pre-1981 R65 to electronic ignition?

Is it hard to do, or easy?  

Is it expensive?

Is it worth doing?

I don't want to start a flame war, but how important are other differences between '79-'80 models and '81-'84 models?

Thanks for any opinions/info you can provide.

Doug in NC

[Bob_Roller]

To install an OEM electronic system in place of the points, would be a bit of a job. The ignition can is quite pricey ( $300 +), if you can't find one on eBay or some other source, plus the ignition control unit that goes under the tank is about $80-100. You have to add 8 wires or so to complete the installation. I know of at least one member here ( I think it was Semper Gumby) that has installed an after market electronic ignition, and I don't think it was very complicated to do. Most of the other improvements done to the bike in '81 other than the nikasil cylinders ( something like chromed cylinders), I don't think it made a major difference on the bike. The '81 model which I have, had valve and valve seat issues, resulting in pre-mature top end overhaul, I can't remember what year BMW finally got that straightened out.

[Chris_in_BC]

Easily done. You can use the German made Omega Ignition system sold via Stephen Bottcher on his site http://www.stephenbottcher.net/~omega/   for about $220.00.   (Stephen is a regular contributor on Boxerworks)

It attaches onto the front of the crankshaft and provides electronic advance. The nice thing about it is, it allows all the points/ mechanical advance to remain in place, ready to revert back if there was ever a failure.

Can be easily installed in a couple of hours. My '78 RS has never started so easily or run so smoothly.

Re differences. The 79-80 R65 had smaller valves, which went 2mm larger in 1981. Make a difference, who knows?

[steve hawkins]

You are right,

There are significant differences between the models, very little of which you can see.  The main ones are weight and power.  The post 81 bikes had the following mods that increased the perfomance of the later models:

1. Valeo starter - significantly lighter than the earlier Bosch.  (Some people still prefer the Bosch though)
2.  Larger valves - worth 5 bhp apparently (with airbox).
3.  Nickasil Barrels - weight saving plus much longer lasting than iron bores.
4.  Airbox - plastic airbox is apparently better (lighter + performance) than the old clam shell.
5.  Light flywheel/clutch carrier.
6.  Electronic ignition - some people still prefer points.

The rest is minor cosmetic.  Later on Brembo brakes were introduced, but the ATE's work fine.  At least they are not the swinging caliper type!

All the above changes, meant a significant weight loss (x tens of lbs) and a small power gain.  Makes for a more spritely ride, apparently.

I would say that the least of your issues is the electronic ignition.

That said, I am running what is basically a 1979 model.  Although my flywheel has lost a few lbs, and when I was forced to change my heads (stripped exhaust thread, broken fins and in need of a valve job) I was offered a set of post 81 heads - which is what it currently wears.  And I still run a points ignition with no issues.

Even with all the changes you will still be better off with a good condition pre 81 than a poor post 81.  

It all depends what plans you have for it.  If you are going to make a cafe racer out of it, then perhaps a post 81 model might be better start point.  But if you are going to keep it fairly standard and use it for general motorcycling and touring, then either will do fine.  Buy the best example you can afford.

Cheers

Steve H

[Justin B.]

I have seen Stephen's unit and it is great.  It also allows you to switch back to stock ignition in minutes as it stays in place

[Semper Gumby]

Stephen B. Omega ignition is GREAT.  

Well worth the money.  Keep the points in the can as a standby.  You get two ignition systems on your bike!  What more could you ask for?

BTW - I have converted my 1980 to a single Dyna coil with this ignition system do to a broken forward coil mount.  

1979 model - Old style airbox - Works fine
1980 model - new syle airbox - also works fine - K&N Filters available for both.

Both the 1980 and 1979 model had the heavy solid flywheel of the earlier airheads.  Which sacrificed acceleration for drivability (but you would be hard pressed to notice a difference I think).  The post 1981 clutch is a lighter flywheel and clutch combination.  BMW had trouble getting it to idle properly due to the lighter flywheel.  They accomplished this but how this translates into keeping it in tune I don't know.  I suspect from the all indications here that this is not a problem.  People love there post 1980 R65s and R65LS and people also love there 1979 and 1980 R65s.

Both bikes seem to be a bit buzzy in the 4000-5000 rpm range but this varies with bikes and state of tune.  There is also a fix for this if it drives you bananas.  

There is a problem with Valves and Valve seats that seems to rear its ugly head in the 50-80000 mile range but there are plenty of people to rebuild heads with modern valves and seats.

There are differences.  Viva la diference!