New member - Raleigh, NC

[jgray]

Hi to the board, I'm new to the R65 and to motorcycling in general. I picked up my bike from a friend and so far I'm loving it. I know I need to post a pic, will do soon.

Fortunately my bike is in great shape. I plan to learn a lot about basic maintenance, but to start out I would like to have someone with a lot of experience give the bike a good look-over. The only problem I think I have is a some roughness in the idle when the bike is cool. Anyhow, I notice some of you are local so wondering if you had any suggestions on where I could take the bike? Thanks!

[Bengt_Phorqs]

Welcome to the forum jgray.  Your timing couldn't be better.  If you can carve out some time next weekend head off to Johnson City, TN for the international BMW rally.  I guarantee you will find some very experienced people who can help you out.  Several of us will also be there too.

[montmil]

Welcome to the Funny Farm, JGray. You'll learn to love your R65. It's stone axe simple and pretty easy to self-maintain. Plus, you've got us!

If you have not already, I suggest you purchase a shop manual for your new ride. Clymer and Haynes have much to offer. I have both and the cross-reference data is very helpful.

Clymer may say, "Use special BMW tool...blah,balh,blah" where Haynes would counter with, "Build your own BMW special tool with a Swiss Army knife." Almost...

"The only problem I think I have is a some roughness in the idle when the bike is cool."  Does it go away after the engine warms up? Normal.

Again, welcome and stop by often. As you've discovered as a site lurker, we love photos. [smiley=thumbsup.gif]

Monte

[Lucky_Lou]

Welcome to the forum........the manuals recommend you do not make any adjustments to the carbs untill the bike is fully warmed up and say that you need to do 15 miles to do that !!! before you start tweeking and twidleing make sure the connecting hoses are tight any air leaks anywhere will make it run rough.
Lou

[msbuck]

Welcome jgray!   I'm in the Raleigh area - down south near Fuquay-Varina.  I work up at the local BMW shop, Capitol BMW on Atlantic Springs, but just one day a week.  I wouldn't call Capitol real Airhead friendly, but they will work on them.  Not sure you need to go that route, though.  There's plenty of tweaking you can do on your own and with the help of this forum, it's a cinch!

Where did you get the bike?  Maybe I know the previous owner?  I've been around the local BMW 'gang' since 1984.  Have you heard about the local club, the Tarheel Travelers?  They have plenty of old school folks that could help you out with the bike.  Look them up at http://www.tarheelbmw.org/  They have get togethers that will give you an excuse to ride, if you need one.    If you're not headed to the National Rally, the monthly club meeting is in Fayetteville at the club founder's home on July 19th.  You can find the info on the club website.  I plan to be there with my R65.  It'd be great to meet up with you!