front cover factory finish

[nhmaf]

The factory phots & adverts of the R65 and R45 models show unpainted valve covers -- if you are going for the factory look.   The R80 and R100 bikes had painted valve covers when BMW switched to the squared with ribs valve covers in the /7 series in the late 70s.   Many people do paint the valve covers on these bikes - helps them to look more like their big brothers.

[Matt Chapter]

Try washing you bike more than just once a year.

No offense, but that's absolute heresy!!!

[steve hawkins]

Its alright for you boys from sunnier places, but here in the UK, you have to keep on top of these things.

Rev Light

[marcmax]

I wash my bike every time I get caught out in the rain. I never put it away wet. I pull in the garage and leave it running until it dries off the engine then towel off the bodywork followed by a quick spray wax. When I was rebuilding it I replaced all the electrical connectors with waterproof ones from Eastern Beaver and have yet to have a problem there.