All,
I wanted to engage in some chit-chat with your approval. I'm finding myself in a very enjoyable learning curve on this bike and wanted to share some of my "young" observations. My experience on BMW's is extensive since 1978 but only on the 247 bikes which has conditioned my senses. This is a very fun project and experience and am looking forward to some of your opinions to collaborate or help me become better in tune with this very adequate and enjoyable, and sometimes dis-respected R65.....
I like the Spitfires. I like the tread design, especially the rear. I was concerned about the front tire's straight center groove finding the CA rain grooves and wandering but it was rock solid and true, even in the longitudinal seams and expansion joints. I did 30 miles last night, shared freeway and residential, tried to find as many motor conditions as possible. Won't know about grip and performance until we get her on a twisty road but my anticipation is they will be great. I'm quickly learning the bikes characteristics. She's still teaching me. Some I like, some I don't. These 650's are spinners. At 65 mph the bike is running at ±5,000 rpm. It will creep to 80 mph with very little coaxing. It's almost like a 2-stroke with a very definite and peaky power band. Probably a result from the short stroke. Although docile and adequate in the lower end. There is a definite vibration in the bars and pegs in the range of 4900 to 5100 rpm. It comes on suddenly and leaves just as quick. It's nothing more than a slight nuisance. Anywhere below or beyond that area, the bike is like silk. I've noticed a mid-range flat spot, maybe caused by the snorkels as mentioned on Bum's site. I'm not going to chase any gremlins at this point until the dynamics level out through the break-in. Apparently this can be fixed by drilling holes in the snorkels. The carbs aren't perfect yet but very adequate. (cont. on Part-2)
Topic: 81 R65 - Some 1st Ride Observation / Part-1 (Read 832 times)