G'day, few Q's

[fuzzball]

G'day from Oz.

I'm haveing a look at an '85 r65 on the weekend, hopefully buying . Just had a couple Q's. How does one tell if an r65 is restricted or unrestricked (search turned up nothing), difference in ID numbers I'm guessing?

Also does $3500 sound good for an r65 with pannears, staytune exausts, but needing a front end rebiuld and being a little rough around the edges? (how rough I'm not sure)

Edit: how easy is it to get spares these days?

Anybody in central west NSW give us a shout,
Thanks for any help and happy rideing
Fuzzball  

[steve hawkins]

Sounds alot for a bike that needs work.  But then I am not from Oz and do not know how the land lies price wise.

In the UK an A1 standard bike (not the subject of an expensive overhaul) would stuggle to realise £1500.  Is it a twin shock on Mono?

I bought an 1982 R100 last year for £700 - it needed some work - but not that much.

Some of the Oz guys should chime in soon.

[steve hawkins]

R65's should not have been restricted.

R45's were in mainland Europe (might even be Germany only) for insurance purposes.

So unless you have peculiar laws over there, it should be full power.

Steve H

[nhmaf]

There were restricted R65s sold, but I do believe that they were confined to european market, and unless later exported to Oz, I would expect that your bike would be non-restricted.   We can likely tell from the frame serial numbers or VIN.

Like Steve mentioned, the market for these things varies quite a bit.  Even in the USA the "norm" for these bikes, even in A1 condition, varies by region.    In the northeast part of the US, a very good condition example with panniers could net around $3000 - 3500, but it would have to be in need of no work.   In other regions, the same bike would be lucky to bring $2500.   And, all bikes were selling for at least $500 - $1000 MORE last year than they are this year, due to the downturn in the economy.  Some sellers over here refuse to admit that the market has gone down.   Some fellow in my region is trying to sell a VERY clean/pristine '79 R65 with panniers and S-fairing and relatively low mileage for $4500 - he's been sitting on it for a long time..

[Darwin_R65]

sounds a bit high to me, I bought mine last year $2000 from a friend but it needed front brakes overhauled and wasn't registered. Darwin at the time had very poor choice in the secondhand market in my opinion.

Trading post at the time showed bikes in NSW, Vic and SA as $3500 in good, running condition

[Darwin_R65]

my spares I get from munichmotorcycles in Perth
http://munichmotorcycles.com.au/
they have an online catalogue with prices

or secondhand bits from discount motorcycle wreckers in Melbourne.
http://www.dropbears.com/d/dmw/

both mail bits interstate.

John

[Lucky_Lou]

Wouldnt have thought they were restrickting anything bigger than 45s.In the 80s the limit was 250cc,,,,,, restricted HP came in later in the UK dont know what the exchange rate is but sounds alot for a bike that needs work.
Lou

[nhmaf]

They had restricted R65 for sale in Austria in some other euro countries where the insurance class dictated a ~30 HP limit.  BMW did initially offer the R45 for this class as well as a sub-500cc insurance class, but it was too costly to build a 450 with the parts of the larger bike and sell it for what one could get for a 450 on the market - so by the mid 80's it was restricted R65s all around - much more cost effective.

[Bob_Roller]

I guess the restricted bikes, explain why there is a listing in the Bing manual, for a 26 mm carb for the R65.

[fuzzball]

Thanks for the replies. So were the restricked models just sold in the euro countries, or were they all restricked globealy, not %100 on your wording there nhmaf.

Had a look at the bike today. Outside looks fine enough, but has a few oil leaks, one from what looks like an switch or sensor on the left side, the left side push rod tubes are leaking from the "base", and there was a small pool of gearbox oil under the bike.

Sounded fine when she started, but after a short ride had a big rattle, probably cam chain. How much of the bike has to be dismantled to put a new chain on?

Very small woble in the rear wheel, feels like a bearing is stuffed New bearing or can it be fixed with shims, or is it likely something nasty like the spline crown?

Also the oil pressure light dimly flickers up 1500 RPM cold, then flicker at 1000 RPM when hot, this sounds like a majour problem, does the cam chain adjuster use oil pressure to keep tension, and could this be the reason it's flikering so much.

Cables, lines and most rubbers need replaceing. I was hopeing this bike would only need a few minor fixes then be a reliable long range commuter .  If the cam chain and oil pressure are easy fixes then I may still pick up the bike, but recon it's only worth around $1000 ~ $1500 with its current mechanical problems. Any advice or comments appreceated.

Fuzzball

[steve_wicks]

Dunno what a rattly cam chain sounds like, but big rattle could also be rocker shaft end float - a quick 'n easy fix!

I always thought my top end was noisy, but they say its normal.

[aussie]

Hi Fuzz

If it was me, I think I'd keep on looking.   But don't worry - they are relatively plentiful.

I know that the price of bikes have gone up in recently here due to the increase in petrol costs - but for the money I'd be hoping that I'd be getting a better deal. I speak from experience - I bought mine and then had to shell out a heck of a lot to get it up to speed. What are the rims like - no little creases in them from hitting potholes? If so - definitely keep looking - you don't want to go and get new ones - believe me.

Panniers will add quite a lot to the price - just check out the cost of new ones that fit from BMW....then - as I discovered...you need to shell out out for locks as well - they're additional - nothing like getting the most out of the customer! Then there are the mounts as well.... However, you can pick up panniers realtively cheaply from eBay - though you have to factor in the cost of shipping... try looking on US and German eBay in particular.

Staintunes are definitely the way to go and do cost an arm and a leg. Is it the full system or just the mufflers?

http://www.staintune.com.au/docs/pricelist.pdf (go to Pg 11) You're looking at AUD$1 200 and from what I understand, that doesn't include the headers..

I've found that a lot of 'stuff' that you may need is actually more cheaply sourced from o/s - even allowing for the shipping - guess it's supply and demand.

Oh - and I didn't know Oz had restricted....'course I don't know a hell of lot either...

Cheers

[plc]

Hi there,

At first I would think that $3,500 is too pricey, but I bought my R65LS for $2650 (new tyres added $150) and just recently I fitted a full Staintune system and that was $1800, so if it already has Staintune pipes that is good. Also new panniers aren't cheap and if they are good second hand ones then maybe $3,500 is pretty good.

Regarding parts, I also buy from Munich Motorcycles in Perth, they are great. If they don't have it I buy from Motobins in the UK. I have been surprised how it is often cheaper (as long as the Aussie dollar isn't too weak) to buy from the UK or US than in Oz. Prices here for some things are quite high.

Every bike that age will need some work, well that is my thought. My bike was ridable but bit by bit I update bits when I can. In fact I think my bike has an uncanny ability of knowing when I am most amenable to buying new parts for it. But maybe I am giving it to much personality.

BUT having read your ride review I would be wary. My bike wasn't perfect but there weren't any shocking noises or clear faults at purchase. I have spent enough on unexpected problems so if it has clear problems maybe point all that pout and see how much the price comes down.

All the best,
Paul

[nhmaf]

Definitely sounds overpriced to me, given the pools of oil/leaks indicated.
Least ways, for bikes on this side of the pond..  I would keep looking, or point out the items and start negotiating  from the $1200-1500 range that you were indicating.

As to the restricted R65 question - these models were only made/sold new in several countries in the European market as far as I know.  They were not sold by dealers in North America, at least.  There were also some lower HP R65 GS models that were made for the Danish army, I believe.  It is possible that BMW sold some restricted R65s in other countries, but I don't have any information to offer as proof. Of course, used bikes get bought & sold internationally more often now.

[fuzzball]

Gah, life has decided for me, need the money elsewere, can't even afford $500 ATM

:sigh: Oh well, thanks for your help guys.