Front fork and gaiters

[DiecastDick]

The Metzeler Lasers I removed were:
F: 100/90/18
R: 120/90/18

You're right there is no exact equivalent so when I got the Shinko 705's I got the:
F: 4.0 x 18
R: 120/80/18

They fit okay.

What size Shinko's are you running. I can't find anything but 19 and 21 inch front tires in the 705 in the States?

[DiecastDick]

That's great Al. Can you ship it to New York?  Let me know how I can send postage. I'll pm you the address. I don't mind the split, at least I have something that fits until I get my hands on new ones. Many thanks!

I have a pair of stock R65 gaiters, I went with boots instead. They're used, and one has a small split, but let me know if your interested.

[DiecastDick]

Got it Monte, sending out inquiries to BMW suppliers. Too bad our BMW dealer here is relatively new and sells newer models. The one that got to sell most of the Rs closed shop long time ago. And it can be a chore going through our aftermarket.

As I mentioned in my earlier post, I snagged that photo and part number off Hucky's site just to show what the boots with fewer ribs look like. To determine which boot would be 'correct' for your R65, suggest calling with upper and lower diameters of the stanchion and lower slider. As there were no "R65 specific" boots, you'll need to confirm with the seller.

Bob's BMW also has some excellent parts dept folks answering questions just like yours.

[DiecastDick]

Another option is to go with the Rancho shock boots.  Snowbum mentions these as a good alternative in his fork article.  They are cheap and easily accessible at your local FLAPS.
I've also found that the boots may need a small air hole at the bottom to prevent the bunching up.  Not sure if that's already on that particular set, but I had to add one to the Rancho boots to prevent that bunched up look on full compression.

Thanks for the lead on this ranchos. We'll also try out the air hole fix that you and marcmax suggested.

[Ed Miller]

The Metzeler Lasers I removed were:
F: 100/90/18
R: 120/90/18

You're right there is no exact equivalent so when I got the Shinko 705's I got the:
F: 4.0 x 18
R: 120/80/18

They fit okay.

What size Shinko's are you running. I can't find anything but 19 and 21 inch front tires in the 705 in the States?

Are you using a rear tire on the front?  

[marcmax]

All I could find from suppliers in the US was 4.10 x 18 and 120/80/18. Both are listed as front/rear tires and are mountable at either end. Do you have any fitment issues with a tire that size on the front? I have run a 120 on the rear and it was close but still fit.

[DiecastDick]

All I could find from suppliers in the US was 4.10 x 18 and 120/80/18. Both are listed as front/rear tires and are mountable at either end. Do you have any fitment issues with a tire that size on the front? I have run a 120 on the rear and it was close but still fit.

Ed, marcmax, yes they are listed as Front or Rear. At first I thought I will have issues with the clearances on the rear. They went in fine and were no more tight in there than the ones I removed. The 4x18 on the front also did not have any problems with the fender. They are listed as tube type. The metz lasers had tubes in them anyway.

[DiecastDick]

Update on the gaiters:

Chopped off a couple of ribs from them and secured them with zip ties. (Gotta get some of those s/s clamps later). Also drilled a small hole to release some air. Looks okay for now.

Now if only I can bbq some of these "spareribs  

[AlfromNH]

That's great Al. Can you ship it to New York?  Let me know how I can send postage. I'll pm you the address. I don't mind the split, at least I have something that fits until I get my hands on new ones. Many thanks!

I have a pair of stock R65 gaiters, I went with boots instead. They're used, and one has a small split, but let me know if your interested.

Here's a pic of the gaiters. It looks like you found a solution, but if you still want them, make a $20 donation to the forum, and I'll ship them to New York on my dime.

[AlfromNH]

That's great Al. Can you ship it to New York?  Let me know how I can send postage. I'll pm you the address. I don't mind the split, at least I have something that fits until I get my hands on new ones. Many thanks!

Sorry for the delay responding. If you're still interested, make a $15 donation to the forum and I'll ship them to NY on my dime.

[jeffcoatfilms]

Moto Bins makes gaiters specific to the R65.  I got a pair and have been really happy with them.   http://www.motobins.co.uk