Looking for my first Airhead

[Soeren]

Hello BMWR65.org

I'v been lurking the forums for a few weeks now and thought it was time to make my first post.

Earlier this year I took my motorcycle license, and way before that I already looked into a lot of bikes. Back then I was pretty sure I wanted a Yamaha XS650. But while I was taking my licence we went to a driving course were we had to ride an old orange beat up BMW R65GS... and I fell in love.

The past month has been a back and forth battle to decide which airhead to go for. (R65, R75, R80, etc.)
And now I have decided. I'm pretty sure the R65 is the right airhead for me. The nimble handling, higher revs, smaller size and higher mileage are all strong points for me.


So, are there any specific features I should look for when I set out to purchase an R65? I would love something like a 1981-1984 double Brembo Disc model, but I'm not sure how picky I'm allowed to be and if the different models (the 1981-1984 ones) are different enough for me to make a big deal about it?


Any advice and comment is very welcome, I'm here to learn!  

[k_enn]

Welcome.

You can't really go wrong with a R65 as your first motorcycle, it you get one that is sound.  My first motorcyle was an R65 (I still have it) and it was my only motorcycle for over 30 years!

IIRC, the dual shock R65 are the "smaller" ones.  I think that when they went to the single shock version, they used a larger frame like on the R80.  Others can correct me if I am wrong.  The smaller frame ones are reputedly the more nimble of the two versions.

Duel Brembo - I believe that in 1982, they went to the single ATE (other than on the LS version).  The singe ATE works for me.  

As for individual condition items, I am sure someone here has list of what to check out before you buy.  From my own experience, check the fuel tank for any signs of leakage or rust (particularly on the bottom seam area, or particles inside the tank).  If they have not been properly stored for the winter, there is a good chance that they could be rusting through by now, and it is not cheap to replace and repaint (if necessary).  Also, check the steering head bearings for notchiness - they tend to go every 30,000 - to 40,000 miles and can be a significant repair job.  

I wish you well in your shopping and selection.

k_enn  

[nhmaf]

The Brembo brakes were the standard items installed at the factor after BMW used up their production supply somewhere in the 1981-1982 model year builds

An R65GS would be a pretty interesting bike to ride - I believe that the military ordered a number of these bikes for use in Europe - otherwise any R65GS is a "homebrew" creation.  None were brought over for sale in the US of A.

Welcome aboard!

[montmil]

Dual disc R65s will be much easier to find in Europe. Most North American imports had the single disc. You will carry more front end weight with duals but that look so very cool.

1981-1984 R65 twin-shockers will be all same-all same. They have electronic ignitions where the earlier Mks have point n' condenser ignition and the earlier 'flat top" Bings.

Check around some local Motorcycle shops -perhaps BMW dealers- and see if you can find a knowledgeable Airhead BMW owner that might be willing to inspect a bike you're considering. Visit the local coffee shops on bike nights.  

[mrclubike]

I wouldn't pass up a good bike just because it doesn't have dual disk.
My first and only motorcycle is my R65

[thrang]

Don't be to hung up on the dual disks, you're much better looking for one with a good history, a file full dealer receipts and parts invoices is always a good sign that its been well cared for. Even if you're a mechanical idiot (like I was when I got my first airhead) they are very simple machines to work on, and most jobs are with in reach of a half competent home mechanic especially with the wealth of knowledge you can access through here and other places on the net.

When you get one post photo's the natives here get a little restless when they don't get a dose of R65 porn!  

[Andrewsteward]

Hi and welcome,
Being in an identical position to yourself a year ago i will share my thoughts and small amount of experience about R65 ownership.
First thing is that the guys on this forum are amazing and even as a mechanic myself doesnt count for the amount of experience and passion they have. Priceless.
My experience with my 81 r65. (twin ATE calipers)
I had to (or best option at the time) replace all caliper pistons which due to time restrictions ended up being an expensive fix. You can read heaps about these calipers on this forum. I ended up replacing lines, seals etc costing about $1000 aus.
Parts are available but not plentiful and not always the cheapest.
Get the bike checked over well even if it costs you. A small clunk in the wrong area could be an expensive fix.

Have a good look at the forks, again not the cheapest rebuild if the tubes need replacing.

Be patient with the purchase. Though good specimens are hard to find, its worth waiting and paying a bit more for a low km, well looked after model.
I went for buying a cheaper bike and doing it up. Its the expensive option.

All in all I think the r65 is a good buy. They are a great ride and I have found fairly reliable and enjoyable to work on.

[clonmore1]

I would echo the sentiment of buying the best you can afford. Because of the inherent build quality and general reliability, many airheads have been neglected by PO's.

I bought a 'ban find' a few years ago and it has cost me a lot of money, the PO had never cleaned it or maintained it properly and I am paying the price!

Having said that, during the strip down only the non standard bits & fasteners were difficult to remove, everything that was BMW came apart without too much aggregation

Enjoy the experience and get the best you can afford.

[Barry]

I agree that the best you can afford will be cheapest and best in the long run. The holy grail is a low mileage original example that gives you some assurance that the mechanicals are going to be sound leaving only the inevitable rubber bits and cosmetics to worry about.  I bought a bike at 6000 miles complete with original 28 year old tyres and have had to spend very little other than the said rubber bits.

On high mileage examples, wear in the rear wheel splines is worth checking for if the rear wheel can be removed or at least quiz the seller on his spline lube practices. The gearbox itself is considered to be a bit weak in airhead circles generally although it will will less stressed on an R65 than some others. You won't read of too many gearbox problems on this forum.

There are lots of detail differences between the original 78 -80 models and the later 81 -84 models. The attached pdf attempts to list the most of them but is not exhaustive.

[Soeren]

Thanks a huge bunch for the feedback!  

I'll keep an eye out for an overall nice one and not get cough up in small specifics.


There have been two for sale the past 1½ months.


One is this red R65 RT (60.000 miles / $4360):

http://www.123mc.dk/1983-bmw-r-65-rt-mcimg-600_8461404854480.JPG

The add says its an 1983 RT and specifies that its "the 48hp model" which dosnt make too much sense. As far as I know all the 48hp R65 RT's where post 1985, and I'm guessing it's just an error and it's really an 50hp 1983. That's all I know about it.


The other one is this 1983 R65 (80.000 miles / $3635):

http://dbastatic.dk/pictures/pictures/2a/b8/4e31-4683-4113-bef5-a954af662e12.jpg?preset=large

I talked briefly to the seller.

It was originally sold in Italy but made it's way to a German mechanic who did a full service on it and replaced the steering bearings and swing-arm bearings. After that it was sold to a Danish retailer from which the seller bought it. The seller then replaced the clutch, upgraded all electronic components to beefier parts and installed new valve seats to better accommodate unleaded fuel. He put an RS fairing on it and stiffened the fork.
He also did a total overhaul of the carburetors and replaced the gearbox at every 3100miles and assured me that oile was drained and replaced at every 1500miles.
Seems like it has gone through a lot, but he seems to have really cared for it and looks like a good guy.

[montmil]

Although the mileage on both bikes may seem high, it works out to be between 4 and 5000 miles per year which doesn't appear to be excessive for either bike.

Both bikes will have the Nikasil-lined cylinder bores rather than iron. As such, they can't be bored. The good news is they really don't wear out so a set of fresh iron piston rings is an easy chore. Any smoke could be an indication of worn valve guides.

I'd ask the sellers if their bikes were used as commuters or weekend tourers. Long highway rides are easier on the bike than the daily jousting on urban battlefields.

Run your fingers over the disc rotors and check for grooved wear patterns caused by the pattern of holes drilled in the discs. BMW ultimately adjusted the pattern but that doesn't help our classic Airheads.

Big fairings and bags add weight but offer more capability for a variety of uses. Check the "build date" on the tires, if they have that info. Some countries don't require it.

Me? I like the red 'un.

[Soeren]

Yeah the red one looks good but there are no papers on it, the seller (a small shop) has no clue about previews owners and has no service historie or receipts for parts what so ever.

[montmil]

Yeah the red one looks good but there are no papers on it, the seller (a small shop) has no clue about previews owners and has no service historie or receipts for parts what so ever.

That just gives you much more wiggle room for price negotiations. Ask if the shop owner would warm up the bike and then do a compression test on each jug. If a test ride is possible, you can run through the gears, checking clutch action, brakes, handling and all the electrics. If the seller declines, simply walk away. There may be hidden issues he doesn't want you discovering until he has your cash.

Be patient and you'll find the right bike for you.

[Soeren]

The black one has double brembos and ikon shocks, and most of the stock parts that where replaced are included (even an extra fuel tank and two carburators from an R65gs.

I'll keep looking a few more weeks, but as I'm limited to the Danish market I'm afraid I could wait years for the "perfect" one.