Looking at a R65

[redpicker]

Howdy from Texas!

I'm an old fart, been riding motorcycles for way too long.  Mostly cruisers, Hondas and Harleys.  Anyway, I've always wanted a beemer and I've been looking for an airhead for several years.  I ended up finding one one block away and am interested in opinions.

It's advertised as a 1981 R65LS.  From Wikipedia, it seems as if the LS model wasn't offered until 82.  It has dual disks up front, and a metal faring, but the windshield appears a bit larger than most of the pictures I have seen.  The asking price seems a bit high for it's condition, but it runs OK and, like I said, I've been wanting an airhead for a while.

Anyway, I am interested in insight I can get on this model.  It supposedly have 57000 miles or so, I was unimpressed with the rear brake (it didn't seem to work at all) but the front brake did OK.  On my test drive, it did OK up to about 45, which is as fast as I took it on residential streets.  The engine was a bit dirty (not like someone wanting to sell it, I would have at least taken it to a car wash to clean road grime before listing it), and the Corbin seat has a fair amount of wear.

How well do these hold up?  Here in Texas, the weather has been over 100 every day well, since July started anyway, and that is just the way it is.  Does the heat bother the engine?  Does this bike hold up to the miles?  I am an engineer, and rebuilding an engine or transmission does not scare me unless there are a lot of specialized tools needed.  Here in College Station, I doubt there are many mechanics that specialize in BMWs, and the thought of having to go to Houston to get service does scare me a bit.  

Any information or comments would be appreciated.

Thanks

Redman

[montmil]

Welcome, redman! Yep, it's hot in Aggieland, UT (was there last Saturday-Monday) and triple digits up here in North Texas. Ride early...

If you can get the VIN number from the R65LS, we can provide a site that will give you the bike's production month and year. BTW, the LS models do not have metal OEM fairings.

The rear brakes on these Airheads have always been, uh, rather unimpressive. Could need shoes or a seal or just a good cleanup.

Perhaps post up a couple photos (sized to a maximum of 640x480 pixels) so we all might notice items worth your attention and an aid in price negotiations.

Monte

    

[Bob_Roller]

I've lived in Phoenix for the last 18 years, at highway speeds in 105 F temps, the oil temp gets pretty high, almost to the point of concern .

The only way to tell for sure what bike you have, is to get the last 7 characters of the bikes VIN .

After 30 years and who knows how many previous owners, anything is possible .

[redpicker]

Thanks for the replies.  I have attached the photos from the ad.  I am not sure, are those what they call the "snowflake" wheels?  I thought the LS didn't come with those.  The faring is much biger than I have seen on photos of the LS, too.  

I will try to get back to the owner to get the VIN.  He is not in a big hurry to sell.  He would like to keep the bike until the end of September, so I have a lot of time to make up my mind.

Thanks, again.

edit:  I guess I don't know how to add pictures.
edit 2: Well, maybe I do...

[Bob_Roller]

I'll go out on a limb and say the bike isn't an LS model .

[Semper Gumby]

OOOOgh Resale Red.  Yummmm.

(Nice looking bike)

[Bengt_Phorqs]

Howdy Redman, welcome to the forum.  Lots of Aggies in the fambly.  Doesn't look like an LS to me either but it's possible it's been modified.  The best airhead mechanic I've found in the Houston area is MPH Cycles in the Katy area off of I-10 and Park 10.  Call Mike or Todd Havens and talk to them.  While they specialize in Guzzi's the do a lot of BMW business.

[montmil]

Thanks for the photos, redman.

Twin front disc brakes are typical of the LS models but the cast 'snowflakes' are of the standard R65 variety. Nice wheels but not R65LS. LS cast wheels were most often painted white.

The seat is an aftermarket item. Nice looking. Can't see the tailpiece aft of the seat but if it's LS, it will have built-in pillion hand grips.

The fairing is also an aftermarket item. The "lip" on the top of the windscreen is a currently fashionable item designed to redirect and lessen wind buffeting.

Nice bags and rear rack. Definite upcharge on the sale price if they are really tidy. Also, the centerstand appears to be the popular upgrade "Brown" ride-off bit. Very nice, they are. Another sale price up-check.

The mufflers look good even though they are non-LS items. The LS came with blacked out header pipes and semi-gloss black "megaphone-style" but quiet mufflers.

VIN number will tell all. Buyer may or may not be knowledgeable as to standard and LS models.

Wish we had another member in College Station to help you with a second pair of eyes.

BTW, the best mechanic for almost 90% of any work required on these old farm implements will be you. Couple shop manuals- there's even an owners handbook in the FAQs for pdf download- and this forum will save you mucho dinero and keep you ridin' and smilin'.

Monte SOF Miller  

[nhmaf]

I agree, it does like nice in the pictures, and doesn't appear to be an LS.  The VIN and/or the serial number from the frame on the right hand side up near the steering head gusset will indeed tell all.  Actually, on the "LS" models - mine and several others I've seen anyway- it will be stamped into the metal "R65LS" if it was an LS or "R65" if it wasn't, at least on the 1982 bikes.

The fairing has similar lines to a Pichler fairing - fairly pricey accessory and sporty looking.   IT is obvious that someone held this bike in high regard at some point in its life, and with the other add-ons, could be a good acquisition if it has been mechanically well maintained.

[MrRiden]

I'll throw in with the rest and say it isn't an LS. Well, it may have started life as one but the fairing, pipes, seat, tail piece and wheels are not of the LS lineage. Still an attractive bike, I won't discount that but an LS it's not.