Hi from Oz

[tomtit]

Hi,  Just joined the forum so I will tell you a bit about my '83 R65. Last week I bought this bike, my first ever BMW motorbike. It has 127 Thousand Klms on the clock and could do with a lick of paint on the tank also missing both side panels that cover the battery. After picking up the bike I had a 5 hour ride back to Sydney and about half way there the front brake gave out (Air in the hydraulics) so that was fun riding home on the freeway in the  dark which incidentally I had not ridden a bike in over 35 years. More than likely I will be drawing on some help and knowledge from you guys in the forum.Thanks and regards, Tom.

[Barry]

Welcome Tom.

Sounds like you had quite an adventure which I bet you enjoyed just the same.

Missing side panels is not uncommon. Most are now zip tied in place as they are not particularly cheap to replace.

[dav]

G'day Tom, welcome to the world of the R65 [smiley=bmw_smiley.gif].

Wow, 2hrs without a front brake & at night, your one brave man mate. Lucky you did't take the back roads to get home. What area did you buy your bike from?

Mate, post some pics of your new beast asap, as we love seeing pics of new members bikes  [smiley=thumbsup.gif]

[Lucky_Lou]

Welcome Tom...
Air Brakes on an Airhead itll never catch on.
Lou

[tomtit]

Thanks for the welcome guys, The trip was a bit hairy at times to say the least but I was glad to get home safe and sound and I have to say the old girl never missed a beat.
Dav I bought the bike from a guy located in Wingham just south of Taree.The bike originally came from Sydney and back to Sydney again with me.  Barry, I've read about the side panels falling off but am looking out for replacements. I bled the front brake which was full of air, I think the seal between the MC and reservoir is letting air in as while pumping the fluid through with the lever there were air bubbles rising from the bottom of the reservoir. I took these photo's on the way. Thanks again for the warm welcome and will keep you up to date with my (mis)adventures.

[montmil]

Welcome to our asylum, Tom.

Nice looking '83 model you've got. For BMWs, black is the best.

Show off you old BSA when you can.

Monte

[Bob_Roller]

Welcome Tom .

Riding an unfamiliar bike without front brakes, at night none the less,

you'll fit in fine here !!!!!

[tomtit]

Thanks for the welcome Monte and Bob. I feel like a novice looking at the bikes you guys have, I have bike envy now. Monte the BSA is a weekend hobby and hopefully should be up and running in a month or so, I will post some photo's when she's all dressed up and pretty.

Tom

[Crossrodes]

Hey Tom, welcome to the forum.  It's nice to see yet another Aussi here.  We hope to visit your country some day.

[Darwin_R65]

Welcome Tom.
We've at least two members in Sydney who have met before for a ride. I'm in Darwin so it's a bit far for a Sunday ride.

Form Taree to Sydney with no front brakes. I lived in Newcastle for 10 years so I know that stretch of road. I'd like to say reasonably well, but it's been 14 years and lots of roadworks since then.

Nice looking bike, bound to provide years of pleasure.

John

[tomtit]

You will not be disappointed if you visit Mike, Thanks for the welcome.

The road is still much the same John, Still a straight run but in August a bit on the windy side especially going over the Mooney Mooney bridge.

Tom

[Semper Gumby]

Hi Tom.  Having a BSA Golden Flash is brave!  (Congrats by the way)

The master brake cylinder pumps out air through a little hole in the bottom of the resevoir.  If you tap the lines with the front wheel turned all the way to the left and work the brake you can get a lot of the air out that is in the upper lines.  You still need to bleed the caliper(s) though.  I usually bleed the calipers first and then check for any air in the upper lines last.  Get the brake nice and firm that.

Was out riding my 1971 BSA Thunderbolt today (95'F).  But the R65 is ready to take me to work tomorrow.  After you ride the BSA, riding the R65 will be like going to heaven and you will never sell it!!!

+1 on the pictures of your Golden Flash!

Cheers and welcome,

[tomtit]

Thanks Bill, I thought the air bubbles were a leak in the system somewhere but could not see fluid leaking anywhere. The lever is still pretty firm since I bled it so hopefully no leaks.
The Flash is in bits and pieces at present so when I put it back in one piece will post some before and after pic's.

Tom