How to Get Started -R65 Maintenance 101...

[CC_Vic]

I finally have space and the desire to maintain and make routine repairs to my '80 but I have NO experience working on these things..(cars, bikes, etc).

So far I've managed to change the oil (thank MaxBMW parts fiche) and rear wheel (with help from someone who knows what he is doing and has tools.

I have the oem tool kit, the haynes Workshop Practice Manual, the Haynes BMW Twins Owners Workshop Manual, Haynes Motorcycle Basics Manual and the BMW r65 Riders Manual - US Model.  IS there anything else out there someone might recommend that has more diagrams, photos, etc and takes things a bit slower for the novice?

What else do I need? I guess a torque wrench. 10-80lbs? 1/4 inch? 3/8th ? is there a diff? Hex sockets?

I have time, space and the desire to do this but need to understand very basic things-like how to get to TDC (I had to look it up) working by myself.

Thanks,

Vic

[Jon_P]

thats what this forum is for! help each other out. i ask alot of questions myself so dont feel bad and i am a mechanic by trade! (i work on big semi trucks and trailers)

as far as what you need??? i know my clymer book lists a bunch of basic tools needed to service the unit so i would say go by what they say you may need for tools. as far as a torque wrench? i would go to your local sears and buy a 3/8 clicker type. i am not a fan of the older split beam type, it would have a long needle looking thing going down to the handle pointing to a gauge. the clicker type does just that, when you reach you set limit it will click and you will feel a slight give in the handle letting you know when to stop. i say a 3/8" drive because the 1/4" just really isnt big enough for doing heads and the like where the 3/8" is good and the 1/2" is a little over kill but is also good but will cost you a little more. rest of the tools? if sears doesnt have it you dont need it. you dont need to spend alot on tools (what i am saying is dont be like me! i have well over $75,000 in tools for my work and its real easy for some of the "old tools" to go home to make room for new tools at work).

and that is my after school special on buying tools from the drug dealers i mean tool guys.

big thing here is do a search, someone may have just asked that same question a month ago, and ask dont be afraid to ask if you cant find a answer! everyone is morer than willing to help.

[CC_Vic]

Thanks Jon, Bob and Rich for the advice on tools and manuals..ordered the Clymer and tools based on your recommendations..
Like alot of formerly abstract (to me) ideas, I'm sure it will all make sense once I see and touch it.  Being an NYC apt dweller my whole life kept me well away from this stuff until very recently.
Cheers
Vic  

[Ed Miller]

Maintenance is a pretty satisfying way to spend your time.

Do you know about this site:

http://bmwmotorcycletech.info/

He has an article on the subject.  Good luck and have fun!

[thrang]

I was a total and complete mechanical idiot (some might say I still am) when I bought my first R65 and its a wonderful machine to learn how to maintain an bike. Everything is resonably accessable and BMW use good quality nuts and bolts with a size of head that doses not shear off that easily.

The main thing is to enjoy working on your bike, as its really satisfying and rather thilling when you've had something to bits and it works when you've put it back together.

[Justin B.]

Vic, there is nothing "abstract" about motercycle maintenance - calculus and astrology are abstract...  You can readily see the results of your labors, whether they be good or bad!  

[Rob Valdez 79 R65]

Be careful of the torque wrench and blindly following torque settings recommended for specific fasteners.  There are misprints in some of the manuals you mentioned.  Sue (Canada) found this out the hard way with the small drain bolts on the lower, back-side of the forks.

I think just about every bolt that is threaded into a casting is mating steel bolts with threaded holes in aluminum castings.  This is a dangerous combination for the uninitiated.

I think my most used tools are my 3/8" ratchet drive metric hex (allen) bit set.  For rotating the engine to find TDC (clockwise while looking at the engine from the front), and loosening the drain/fill plugs that require them.

Here is the link to Sears (SK...) brand -
$89.99 for the set?  That is over $10 a piece!!!    
I'm sure glad I bought mine 27 years ago.  If you can find the money, or a less expensive brand, get them, you will thank me for it.  I pack the three popular sizes when I go on long trips.


This is a little better...


And here is a list from Amazon with a bunch to choose from.

[MrRiden]

Vic,
 I have to say that one of the high points for me in owning my little cow is that it responds very well to maintaince. I bought mine running over a year ago but tuning, adjusting, and replacing parts that were worn have transformed it into a completely better bike! It's truly a pleasure to get real result from your work. I spent years owning other marques but the r65 is my favorite to werk on.
rich