Still getting to know my R65!

[Bob_Roller]

When I first got my R65, the vibration band at around 4500 rpm was quite pronounced, now I can't even detect it.

[Justin B.]

So, what happened?  Did you finally learn how to sync carbs or did your a$$ die?   [smiley=ROTFLMAO.gif]

[Bob_Roller]

I have no idea what has changed, but I had a co-worker who runs a BMW repair shop out of his garage, ride the bike, he was thinking about getting an R65  for his wife, and he said there in no vibration band on my bike at any engine speed, that he could detect.

I do have the Luftmeister rubber mounts on the bike, but their reputation for solving the problem isn't all that good.

[Justin B.]

Barbi's bike has these but I'm thinking of removing them due to fram-flex theory issues I've read about...

[Bob_Roller]

I've got 77,000 miles on these engine mount isolators, and I keep an eye on the installation, and so far the nuts have never come loose, and at least up to this point in time, no frame cracks.

I use the ultrasonic tester at work, that is used to check for cracks in aircraft skin, so it's more than just a visual inspection.

[bobbydyabb]

My first freeway ride was very rough and jiggly in front at 50-55mph.

To those of you who regularly cruise California Interstates (cement slabs), may I ask what your front set up is?  Stock or progressive springs?  Weight of fork oil?  Moly additive in fork oil? Front tire size?  Tire balanced? Tire pressure?  Cruising speed?  

Thanks in advance.

---
Bob
1983 R65

[aussie]

When I first picked up my bike it was kind of similar. Both rims had fairly substantial 'dings' in them - I'm still looking for some reasonably ( ) priced ones that I can swap over - and the they both needed these gently knocked out as far as they could go as well as new tyres and balancing.  

Made one heck of an improvement. I went from being tentative to being able to throw it all over the place - very confidence inspiring I have to say.

I run a Michelin A39 on the front and a Bridgestone Spitfire on the rear.

Australia has - in general - a speed limit of 100kph (about 60mph I think) and the bike is more than happy to run at these speeds with two up.

[Darwin_R65]

Australia has - in general - a speed limit of 100kph (about 60mph I think) and the bike is more than happy to run at these speeds with two up.

Although here in the best part of Australia we have 130km/h speed limits, only just introduced due to federal budget pressure (Do it or we'll withdraw government money). Years ago we had open speed limits.

Raaf members at Tindal would take 4 hours to ride the 320kms to Darwin Mcdonalds buy a cheeseburger and ride back to Tindal, just to take the bike for a blat. 640kms in 4 hours including drive thru. Then you just had to look out for Water Buffalo and Retirees on the road, now it's highway patrol.

[drewboid]

BOb,
Running Bridgestone BT45s front and rear - not sure about the springs because I've not had it apart. Read the articles on fork stiction from Snowbum and Vech.
When I brought my R65 home the head bearings were shot - notched and looked like they had never been greased. - an afternoon's work to replace and quite a difference.
Was out this weekend and cruised easily at 70 MPH (by the GPS - not the speedometer!) and was rock steady. It will start to feel "light" at about 80 but I think that is more due to the bike's weight and the windshield.
How is your tire pressure? You may want to run it at 32 - 35 PSI - new tire technology seems to require the higher perssure.  YMMV

[bobbydyabb]

Thank you for your responses.  Drew, I'm running Avon Roadriders at 32psi in front.  I've printed Snowbum's article and his link to Randy Glass' fork alignment procedure in Duane Asherman's site.  I'll probably do a simple stiction test (without removing springs) and then replace fork oil with Spectro 5W (easy enough to do) and try the freeway again.

[ambrose78]

Although here in the best part of Australia we have 130km/h speed limits, only just introduced due to federal budget pressure (Do it or we'll withdraw government money). Years ago we had open speed limits.  

That was a very sad day when they introduced limit in NT....End of an era.

Supposedly to save lives. I was reading the other day that the fatality rate on the NT roads has increased about 40% in the two years since the introducing the limit. Strange how speed limits do sweet FA to stop people falling asleep or driving when drunk.

When will the government learn that the real culprit is inattention when driving not speed is what really causes fatalities.  One thing is certain, speeding policy is a lucrative way to Save governments revenue lives.

I'll get off the soap box now....

R65's are Rad. After some mechanical bonding during the early days with the R65, I really dig it now. Plenty of get up and go. Loads of character. There's only about 3 moving parts, reasonable fuel consumption and great handling. Lest not mention the awesome horn. So loud it can make peoples ears bleed!!  (Not that I've had to use it in a situation yet, but good to know it is there just-in-case.)

Happy cruising.