Newest R65LS Owner

[EGRG]

I finally decided and purchased a 1982 R65 LS. Not perfect, but neither am I. My wife just shakes her head for me buying a 29 year old motorcycle, but in my opinion y robbed the cradle as I am 49.
Any way, it has Continental front and a Michelin Rear, both are in decent shape, was wondering if it is better to have matched pair?

[montmil]

Welcome to the farm, Double Ought.

It's always nice to have the front and rear tires matched up from the same manufacturer as the rubber compounds will be the same and tread patterns will complement.

That said, if the tires are in good shape, enjoy the new bike. Try 38 psi front and 41 psi rear tire pressures. The manuals give lower pressures for older rubber.

Post up a photo when you can.

Monte

[EGRG]

Thanks Montmil:
I will set the pressures like you recommend. I haven't had chance to take it for a longer ride yet to check handling. I will post pictures later. It has the high handlebars instead of the normal short low ones. I don't know if they are factory or aftermarket, but I like the feel of the position of the handle bars.  

[Barry]

it has Continental front and a Michelin Rear, both are in decent shape, was wondering if it is better to have matched pair?  

Sometimes it's hard to avoid when the rear wears out before the front as they always do. I like to have matching tires but I've ridden on a mix of makes front to back and didn't notice any great difference at least in the dry.  As Monte said nobody rides on the handbook pressures. The tire manufacturers web site will usually list pressures for a particular tire on each bike. I use these pressures as a minimum which for my tires are 31 PSI Front and 34 PSI Rear. They do vary quite a bit from one make of tire to another.

[EGRG]

Thank's Barry:
This Bike has Conti TKV 11 90/90-18 in front and a Michelin Macadam 4.00-18 rear. On the next tire can I go any wider on the rear?
Here are a couple pictures, sorry about the quality it was raining and dark.

[EGRG]

Hi Guys: Does anyone know what is the stock valve cover color for the 82 R65LS?

[montmil]

Hi Guys: Does anyone know what is the stock valve cover color for the 82 R65LS?

Black.

Raining in Eagle Pass? I don't believe it! Forget the BMW pics, post up some rain for us here in North Texas. It’s so dry up here that Gov Rick Perry has announced a water pistol buy back scheme.

Monte

[EGRG]

Your right, I have young dogs that had never seen rain before. Chickened out on riding as it poured a frog drowning drencher for a time. Glad for the rain though.

[EGRG]

I will not post rain pictures as I believe that would cause undue distress and puddle envy to drought stricken areas all over Texas and Northern Mexico

[montmil]

...puddle envy

Gotta remember that one. Gracias, Victor.

[Justin B.]

I have a 120/90-18 Macadam on the rear of my '82 LS with a little room left.  I think that works out to between a 4.25 and 4.50

[EGRG]

Thank's Justin, I will check the info on it.

[nhmaf]

I think that LS bikes (and all the R45/R65s I've seen) have unpainted valve covers originally.   Owners often paint them black to match the bigger bikes, which were painted black at the time.



Be careful about fitting a 120 series tire on the rear - SOME makes& models of tire fit better than others, and there are also a couple lentghs (widths) of internal, top hat spacer to put in the final drive assembly to provide a couple more millimeters of clearance on the swingarm side (where things usually rub).   I stick with the 4.00 imperial tires or use 110/90 tires on the rear because they are closest to the stock size, fit nicely without clearance issues and don't require being partially deflated to get in/out around the rear fender.
YMMV.

[EGRG]

Thank's nhmaf, I will try to see if the covers are painted. I will keep checking opinions on the rear tire. I need to ride the bike and feel it work before I make a decision. It just seems narrow to me.  

[EGRG]

First ride after 25 years.
I had never ridden a BMW opposed twin and can say I am hooked.
Its like getting to know a new girlfriend. What she likes and dislikes.
Half choke when cold, a crack of throttle when hot.
A little thumping below 3500 rpm's, purring between 4000 and 5000.
The throttle response like a trigger with relief, some slack first then the harder pull with the engine kicking in with joyful power.
Engaging 5th gear when cold at the first try, is a "sometimes" affair.

MUST remember the unwelcome peril of riding in Texas: Steer clear of livestock trailers.