Potential buyer ooking at an 81 R65

[pumps]

I am going to look at a 1981 model with 9000 some odd miles today. What shall I look for? I've owned vintage Kaws , Hondas and own a 77 XS650 Yamaha now. Just sold a Ninja. Time for something different. Price seems right-around $2000 ish Looked at a friends R75/7 previously but it was a little higher than I wanted to spend for the condition.

[Bob_Roller]

Can't tell where you reside form your profile, but in North America, the '81 R65 had twin front discs .

Be sure the odometer is functional and the indicated mileage is accurate, quite common to have them stop working .

Welcome to the forum !!

[nhmaf]

Many things that I'd check out on any bike - the condensed list:
wheel bearings (no notchiness or sounds/growls, spins freely, doesn't always stop in same sport).  Also grasp wheel at 3 &9 o clock and try to wiggle/pull for looseness.  6&12 oclock too.
steering head bearings (no notchiness, smooth turning side to side)
throttle & choke operation (smooth, snaps back, not sticking)
brakes
   (calipers&pads (those Brembos have a plastic cover that pops off allowing easy viewing of the pad thickness&condition))
   rotors - straight, not heavily grooved or rusted
   master cylinder/lever - no signs of leaking good resistance, not floppy, clear/light color brake fluid - anything not right here may require rebuild
  
You won't likely be allowed to take the bike apart, but other quick things to check:
   Engine oil - color&cleanliness here might tell you something.
   Exhaust nuts - if these will easily turn off/unscrew then that is a VERY good thing.  IF they start to "stick/bind - DO NOT turn them any further or you WILL damage the threads on the cylinder head!   They can be cut off and replace to preserve cylinder head threads - otherwise $200 per head to repair
clutch lever - these bikes have a stiffer clutch than most japanese bikes, but still should operate smoothly with engagement point about 2/3 - 3/4 of the way out.
Any maintenance records for the bike?
All electrical stuff should work properly - lights, horn, etc.   Green neutral light should come on anytime bike is in neutral,  red "GEN" light should come on brightly with key on but engine not running.  With engine running it should go out by ~ 2500 RPM or so.  Engine should idle @~1100 RPM.  These bikes DO make more noises than similar vintage japanese bikes that are normal, though some sounds are not normal even for these - hard to describe but some "rattle" in the gearbox when in neutral @ idle is normal.   Check underside of engine&gearbox "shelf" for signs of oil leaks.   Slight oil weeping OK @ cyl base &p

[nhmaf]

Slight oil weeping OK @ cyl base &pushrod tube base.   If the engine runs and you can take it for a spin, understand that the clutch is a dry clutch and engagement feels different from the wet clutch bikes.  The gearbox also is normally notchier and requires a positive, unhurried movement of the shift lever to switch gears well compared to the japanese bikes, but it should not jump out of gear.   neutral switch (on underside of transmission near left frame bottom rail) can sometimes be a cause of leaks (Cracked body).  It isn't hard (Technically) to replace but is a PIA job as it takes while to do it properly.

Bike should have underseat BMW toolkit (ideally).  
Check that the gas cap isn't stuck (a common problem) and check inside of the tank for presence of rust, etc.   These tanks were painted at the factory with red paint inside to protect against rust - if it is still nice and red inside (not rusty) that is a very good thing.

[montmil]

Can't tell where you reside form your profile, but in North America, the '81 R65 had twin front discs...

May I differ on this statement? The '81 and '83 R65s sitting in my shop have single front disc brakes mounted on the left fork leg. Provisions are available on the right fork leg to mount a second disc, if desired. Neither of my bikes have had a second disc OEM or later removed.

Monte

[Bob_Roller]

I had the 1981 BMW sales brochure when I bought my bike , and in it the dual front discs were listed standard equipment, not an option .

But as we have seen, anything is possible with these bikes .

[montmil]

I had the 1981 BMW sales brochure when I bought my bike , and in it the dual front discs were listed standard equipment, not an option .

But as we have seen, anything is possible with these bikes .

Advertising, huh? And if I use that Just for Men haircolor to get rid of the gray, they say I'll be a chick magnet! I also want a claw-foot iron bathtub but the Cialis ain't working either. Go figure.

[Bengt_Phorqs]

Advertising, huh? And if I use that Just for Men haircolor to get rid of the gray, they say I'll be a chick magnet! I also want a claw-foot iron bathtub but the Cialis ain't working either. Go figure.  

TMI, Monte!  But, FWIW, you need to use TWO (2) clawfoot tubs with the Cialis.  I know, it doesn't make sense but that's how it works on the tube.

And, to keep on the thread, my 81 only had a single disc brake also.  But Bob's right when he says that anything is possible with these little guys.

[msbuck]

And, to keep on the thread, my 81 only had a single disc brake also.  But Bob's right when he says that anything is possible with these little guys.

Ditto here.  My '81 only has the single disc brake.  I wonder if there are any '81 owners out there that do have the twin discs?  

[Bob_Roller]

I bought mine new from the dealer (Abt BMW, now Chicago Harley/BMW) in January, 1981, they were on my bike  .

I'm wondering, if later in the model year, BMW stopped putting the right side rotor and caliper on the bikes .

[montmil]

Well, we've certainly hijacked -should we say that on the www?- pumps original question. He probably thinks we're all kinda goofy. He's right!

OK, I'm thinking somebody will set up a poll as to "One disc or Two on my R65"...  

Bobby R, you're plain ol' lucky to have dos discs.

Monte

[NC Steve]

And, to keep on the thread, my 81 only had a single disc brake also.  But Bob's right when he says that anything is possible with these little guys.

Ditto here.  My '81 only has the single disc brake.  I wonder if there are any '81 owners out there that do have the twin discs?  

But Aida, your bike is an '84 remember? Unless you had an '81 once upon a time.

And Bob's right, according to the factory info, the '81s were the only non-LS R65s to have dual discs up front, with ATE calipers too. Not to say that these weren't late '81's, as '82 went to the single disc.

Regardless, the pic looks like a very nice bike at an excellent price. If it checks out mechanically as well as it looks, snatch it up!

[msbuck]

But Aida, your bike is an '84 remember? Unless you had an '81 once upon a time.
 

DUH...Steve you are so right...I was just thinking that as I was rereading this...what was I thinking?  Graham has an '81, so I get confused sometimes.        

[Melena]

To go back to topic, Pumps, I think you've got some good advice up there nothing to add..........except...................

My '83 has the single front disc.  I've always heard that none of these had the dual front discs but only the possiblity of adding one.  So Bob you are the lucky one here to get that I guess.

[Ed Miller]

And, to keep on the thread, my 81 only had a single disc brake also.  But Bob's right when he says that anything is possible with these little guys.

Ditto here.  My '81 only has the single disc brake.  I wonder if there are any '81 owners out there that do have the twin discs?  

Mine does.  November 1980.