after market shift linkage

[Rob Valdez 79 R65]

Melena has a 2nd generation R65 ('81-'84), so she should not have the "coat hanger" set-up that the early bikes had.  BMW upgraded in 1981 to a ball & socket connector, I believe.

Quite honestly, I never had a problem with mine, and it was with reluctance that I installed Justin's.

I like Justin's, but I believe the 1st gen. shift linkage could be fine on a one-owner bike that was babied (garaged) all it's life.

[Melena]

Melena has a 2nd generation R65 ('81-'84), so she should not have the "coat hanger" set-up that the early bikes had.BMW upgraded in 1981 to a ball & socket connector, I believe.

Ahhhh!  Thanks Rob.  I guess I'm fine with mine then.  It's kinda hard to see when it's 10 miles away.    I'll check it out soon.  Didn't make it over there today.  Went for a walk around here instead.  

[nhmaf]

The 81-84 shift linkages were definitely better than the coat hanger variety, but I can also tell you that they can also get sloppy/worn in a hurry too - especially with the disintergrating fiber washers they used with them..  Glad mine is sitting on a back shelf in the garage somewhere - I think that Justin's will last much longer.

[Rob Valdez 79 R65]

Yes, I could see where those nylon parts would break down over decades, just like anything else.

With that in mind, I could see where a run might be feasible.

And perhaps Justin just doesn't have time for the extra work of posting the packages right now.

Someone else could put these things together?  

Hey Melena - are you looking for a job?

[nhmaf]

Perhaps  Rob Valdez Enterprises, a division of squirtworx....

 

[montmil]

The required Heim joints are available from these vendors. A short, DIY threaded rod, four nuts and two bolts - all 0.25" - you're good to go.

http://www.aircraftspruce.com/

http://www.wicksaircraft.com/

A fun Saturday project.  [smiley=thumbsup.gif]

Monte

[suecanada]

Both the 82 and 83 LS's I owned had coat hanger wire shifts covered with that rubber boot accordion. I got the '83s replaced with Justin's and had it on in TN. when nhmaf helped me get it adjusted the right way. I had it all wrong I think as it was never tight. So I still carry a replacement coat hanger wire for others now but it doesn't take up any room at all.  I guess I just never took it off the bike even after the Justin design arrived. I did carry a spare coat hanger when the coat hanger was all I had on the bike. I bent one to fit after reading about a guy who replaced his on a trip by a visit to a hardware store. Gotta admit it is simple!! Just cheesy for a bike of such austere heritage!!

[Rob Valdez 79 R65]

Just cheesy for a bike of such austere heritage!!  

Those little clips and that rubber boot were anything but cheesy!

And this was the first design of the linked shift lever that really improved shifting performance!

I have always been proud of mine when I looked at those poor, old airheads with their shift lever mounted directly onto the shift shaft...

[Patrick_Krivacka]

i guess i should back off on calling the coat hanger cheesy. Like i said, I think mine was messed with (bent) by the PO as some kind of adjustment. I'd be interested to try one without it having been bent.
i still have the one Rob was nice enough to send me, and i promise to send it on to the next person who needs it.

[suecanada]

You and me both I-man. Rob is right....especially the rubber boot is very nice and that is the one thing I missed on the bike when I replaced the wire one. Those clips were pretty inspired too and after I actually zip-tied the one clip on that only once tended to slip, it never had another problem. I bet the rubber boot setup helped me get a prize at the concours during our vintage rally.

[Rob Valdez 79 R65]

But those rubber boots have a short life-span, if they are removed too many times, I will quickly admit.

[Justin B.]

I seriously believe the factory used the boot to hide the cheesey coathanger wire out of embarrassment!

If a few people want linkages I'll order some joints but I don't sell enough of them anymore to warrant stocking a bunch of parts I'll probably loose before I get around to building something!

PM me if you need/want one...

[aussie]

Justin. If you're going to do another order, I'd be interested in one - let me know and I'll pay.

[fermin]

Justin
Count me in for a linkage.  Do you have enough orders yet?

[nhmaf]

In anticipation of adding another airhead to my stable and in the interest of bolstering the order, I would take one, also.