new nc r65 owner

[Patrick_Krivacka]

Glad it's not just me for a change. Monte, that link that you sent looks pretty complete and straight forward. I think i'm going to go with it. does anyone have any comments on the procedure as it's described? things you'd add? subtract?

[Patrick_Krivacka]

i got the title transfered today and according to the title, I have a 1980 and not and a 1981. The PO told me it was a 81 and I went with it. Totally my fault. I just get too excited and don't take care of business. I really wanted electronic ignition, but I guess I have points? Nuts. Oh well, sometime else to learn about.

[Bob_Roller]

What's the last 7 characters of the bike's VIN, that will tell you for sure, on what year you have .

[Bengt_Phorqs]

Welcome to the farm i-man.  Don't worry about having a bike with points.  In many ways they are less trouble than the bean can.  Do yourself a favor and buy one of these little gadgets from Paul Tavener.  http://w6rec.com/duane/bmw/points/points4.jpg
It will make setting the points so much easier.

[Patrick_Krivacka]

i had heard that many folks prefer the points to the bean can. anyway, if I'm looking in the right place, right after made in germany, it says 6382209. I didn't look too hard, but where is the serial no. for the engine?

[Bob_Roller]

The bike was manufactured in 04/80, that makes it an '80 model year bike .

[Patrick_Krivacka]

thanks Bob. i better start reading up on setting points!

I've got to confess that I took the bike for a short (less then 10 miles) ride. i'm going to do the spline lube, but I couldn't resist a little taste. I took it for a short test ride when I bought it, but it was short. anyway, the shifting is kinda clunky. I had a r75 many years ago and I remember it was kinda clunky as well. I also remember (mis-remember?) that 'they all do that'. true? or is this something to be concerned about? Also, do I need to turn both petcocks on since there's a cross over? I ordered a Haynes shop manual today. what other things would you guys look at besides the splines? any other feed back is welcome.

[msbuck]

Welcome i-man!   from another nc r65er.

If your seat pan is in good condition, you're better off just to keep it and get it reuphostered.  The seats are VERY hard to come by.  If you're not up to trying it yourself, just find a local guy car upholsterer and they can take what you have and fix it up.  Easy job for them.   I did a little butter knife carving on mine to shorten it up and ran it by a little shop that steamed it up and tacked it back together for me.  Easy!

I wouldn't put off riding until you get the spline lube done - just get it done as soon as you can.  Come on by the get together in Raleigh - I'm planning to be there (but I thought it was on Friday?)  Definitely get yourself the shop manuals and visit here often!  These guys are worth their weight in gold!  

Where did you find the bike?  Just wondering if it was a local bike.  

[Rob Valdez 79 R65]

I have a seat pan from a '79 if you want it.  It is not perfect, but it is not falling apart, either.

But I have already sold the tail cowling.

[msbuck]

the shifting is kinda clunky. I had a r75 many years ago and I remember it was kinda clunky as well. I also remember (mis-remember?) that 'they all do that'. true? or is this something to be concerned about? Also, do I need to turn both petcocks on since there's a cross over?  

Yes, they all do that!  I actually love that definitive clunk!

I only have 1 petcock?  :-/

[Rob Valdez 79 R65]

2 petcocks, eh?  You either have a non-R65 tank, or someone added a second petcock.

It also also looks like you have a /7 or /6 front end.  I see a fender brace (not on R65) and it looks like it might even be non R65 fork legs.




And "big-bike" sidecovers, and spoke wheels.......

What is the serial # on the frame?  (right hand gusset at the steering head)

[Rob Valdez 79 R65]

I don't think you will have a use for my seat pan.


Instruments, too.  (non-R65)

[Patrick_Krivacka]

hey msbuck. thanks for the welcome. I hope to make it to the event in raleigh.
I got the bike in Ayden nc (just outside of greenville) the guy had a r90 that he was looking to sale. it runs (and has a kickstart!). I think it can be had for a good price.

Rob- /7 or /6 front end? non r65 cluster? two petcocks? what kinda frankenbeemer do i have?! cripes!
the serial number is 6382209

[GrimReaper]

Welcome i-man.My R65 has 2 petcocks but it is '86.Rob you are right.It looks like /7 with R65 engine.

[GrimReaper]

Welcome i-man.My R65 has 2 petcocks but it is '86.Rob you are right.It looks like /7 with R65 engine.


As moderator, I am tempted to delete this duplicate entry, but the last one I did that to (one of my own), it deleted both!  So I won't, for now.  The forum's database seems to acting flaky tonight, anyway..... ~Rob