Around the world trip on a 81 r65 twin disc

[mrairhead]

Hi everyone...i have round the world trip starting in 7 weeks Heading for South Africa, over to South America etc and need to get all the finishing touches ironed out !!! Currently i have a cb500 to do the job but i'm 6ft and a 50 mile trip is not very pleasent for me  (small bike) so i have recently bought the slower, older, higher mileage (40 ish k) r65 registered in sept 1981,,,,, cost me £460.00 (this is my first beemer),,,couldn't afford to spend much more as i'm leaving with very little money anyway :-/,,,,,,,its like a comfy armchair compared and sits nicely at 50-55mph getting the same mpg as the cb500 and as i'll be living off it for 2-3 years, thought this might be a good choice ? :-/....
I need to replace all consumables, head bearings,wheel bearings, fork seals, full service and filters, brake pads, both tyres (just bought two used tyres with good tread) x 2 of everything to take as spares...........

The parts i can't find is a set of clocks as speedo reads incorrectly and both mileage counters don't work (repare?)....also the exhaust is in a pretty bad state blowing on one can and rotten in other places, could do with buying a good used full system !!!! also stiffer front springs and rear shocks ?  throttle and clutch cable too and a big screen...  Does anyone know where i can get these parts from at the cheapest possible price....also what are the most common faults to look out for ? i would appreciate any help or advice...Sorry for the long message....Many thanks and kind regards Simon.....Facebook HondaCb Globe Trotters (Might have to change that name lol)

[Bob_Roller]

We have a member here, user name is Mick, he did a round the world tour on his '81 R65 about 3 years ago, he resides in Fife, Scotland .

Send him an email, on what to do to prepare for your adventure .

The OEM ignition coil needs to replaced if it is still installed, it's gray and black in color, Dyna 'brown' coil is a popular replacement here in the US .

[steve hawkins]

You need to look up the various UK BMW part specialists.

1.  Motorworks
2.  Motobins
3.  James Sherlock

There are others, but I find this shortlist most useful.  They all do second hand parts bu motorworks part come with a 6 month warrantee, and that is where I normally start.

Try Armours in Bournemouth for the cheaper exhaust silencers.  Keihan stuff is too expensive - it will cost you what you paid for the bike.  

Try a cycle speedo for a milemeter/speedo.  Check you electrics carefully, both ignition and charging circuit.  These have a lot in common with those found on a car that normally found on a bike.

Needless to say, plenty of shakedown runs and reliability tests before you go.

Good luck.

Steve Hawkins

[nhmaf]

If you're going for a multi-month trip through 'outback areas' along with items mentioned above I would seriously consider replacing the stock ceramic fuse box system with one that is water-tight and uses more modern/conventional automotive blade type fuses.   These are often available at local auto parts stores.   IF the electrical system on your bike is still stock, you'll need (2) sealed unit fuses of 8 or 10A each should do it).   The stock system fuses are prone to corrosion, aren't water-tight, and prone to intermittents.

Progressive makes fairly inexpensive fork springs (heavy/stiffer) for the R65, as well as rear shocks.   They aren't rebuildable like the old KONIs or newer IKONs - but are cheaper and easier to find.  Still, might want to consider rebuildable units for such a trip if you can find some for a good price.

[ambrose78]

Am envious about your trip. I'm sure you have a great trip. The Beemer is a pretty reliable beast and easy to work in.  Good to hear you are taking the time to prepare it by replacing the mentioned bearings.

Add to that list - As mentioned -  Electrics Electrics Electrics. Get a good feel for it before going. Get up to speed on Diodes if you don't already know about them. - there are a few 1 ohm diodes which eventually stop working that will cause "gremlins".

Go Over the bike with a Multimeter and clean all/any connections, Change the heat sink paste on the ICU as it will probably have never been changed.

I'm sure you are taking a reasonably compentant tool kit. Don't forget the digital camera, Multimeter, solder and soldering iron, a wiring diagram or this website address.

As for spares - I'd recommend carrying a spare "Bean Can", and reading up on how to replace the inexpensive sensor inside it as well as a spare diode board. I'd also carry a clutch cable - yes you can ride without it but for the nominal weight and space it certainly makes life easier.

Possible Improvements - replace the front brake hose with a braided s/s jobie - heaps better feel.

Good luck with it

[montmil]

...Electrics Electrics Electrics...

It's a vintage BMW and electric. What could possibly go wrong? [smiley=Oscar.gif]

I would strongly encourage any motorcycle world traveler to maintain a list of parts vendors-telephone, email and website addys, shipping address to whatever part of the world you're temporarily stranded in, plus a working credit card.

CardAmerica. Don't leave home without it.

Monte

[mrairhead]

H all.....
Ive managed to get some new short megaphone chrome silencers from classic bike shop for £90.00, they come with a 35mm sleeve, ive been asured they will fit (think i'll have to make a bracket)....not too sure what they will look and sound like....think there very loud....
Also i bought some chrome rear shocks off ebay for £41.00, not 100% sure about the quality but they came at the right price....
Just done all 4 wheel bearing for £35.00, BMW quoted me £27.00 each !!!!OUCH!!!! and head bearing for £22.00....bought a used rear tyre with 5 - 6mm tread for £15.00,,, just looking for a front now....
..............So it's getting there and has cleaned up very nicely.............
Alot of people have mesioned updating the fuse box is that a hard thing to do as i'm not mechanic, sounds like a must !!!!!!
Also still can't find anywhere that repairs speedo clocks.... taking the Beemer to france for a test run on the 26th....
.......Huge thanks...... for all your advice it's given me a lot to think about... can't think of a better bike own...enjoying the challenge !!!!
......ps couldn't get hold of Mike ....

[mrairhead]

Not too sure what spares to take as yet, but have all spares needed for the Honda cb500,,,,so will make a copy of my spares list for the Beemer....been out for a ride again cb500 trip bike and it really does feel small compared to the comfy r65 (more vibration), find i get aches and pains after 30-40 miles and it does feel cramped to me !!!!it's looking more and more like an r65 trip to me.....
Still feel i don't know enought about the Beemer yet, what are the common faults
On my spares list i have for the cb500....Bar chain & sprockets...
1 x spare throttle cable / 1 x clutch cable / 2 x brake pads / 1 x tyre / pair fork seals / 1 ltr oil / 2 x fuel filters / 1 x foot gear lever / 1 x clutch lever / 1 x brake lever / 2 x inner tubes / bulbs / fuses / cable / switch ....
Not even too sure if there is any specialist tools i need for the r65 but i imagine parts will be very common all over the world ....

[Bengt_Phorqs]

I would be the very last person to discourage anyone from taking an adventure ride, but have you considered starting on the Honda and taking the BMW along as a spare?  

Spares for the R65 are not necessarily going to be easy to find, especially if you have problems with the valves, pistons, rings, or drive train.  Since you said you aren't mechanical by nature you should definitely include the Clymer AND Haynes manual in your kit.  Having said that, most of the issues you're going to have will be electrical and carburation.  You need a set of NEW diaphragms for the carbs, and possibly the Bing manual.  

Are you signed on to the Adventure Rider Motorcycle forum http://www.advrider.com/?  Consider posting an ongoing thread of your travels and when you have issues there are lots of people willing to make suggestions.  Most of them good but a few are not so good.  See some of the threads by RTWDoug who is currently riding around the Middle East on a H-D chopper.  He rode round the world last year on a 1948 H-D chopper, but then he is very mechanical.
That's my two cents worth.  Keep us posted.

[Dizerens5]

When you have all your spare parts don't forget the following, they take up almost no space, cost almost nothing and can be almost life-savers: 2 solderless nipples (one large one small), a couple feet of electric cable 1 mm2 size, a few screw connectors, some chewing gum (good for fuel leaks), some baling wire and a few various bolts, nuts and washers. Don't forget a R65 tool tray is fine for transferring fuel, just block the drain hole with your chewing gum and have a clean handkerchief to use as a filter in the filler.