Just joined

[markrennick]

Hi fellow airhead lovers. Just signed up to research mods for my R65.

It's a 1981 with RS fairing. I'm changing the bars & brake lines, hoping to put it on the road this summer, after 5 years at the back of the garage... (the guilt finally got too much).

Also have a R80RT which I use regularly. But the R65's sweeter & maybe faster too. The R80 is an ex-police model, low compression & geared down I think.

If you're wondering why the barn-door fairings, I should say out I live in Somerset, UK. Overheating's less of a problem than getting soaked!

Mark

[suecanada]

Welcome Mark. Always great to find another British member...never know when I might get over that way someday and need a tour guide!! I look forward to maybe being able to help out with your modification work on the R65. There will always be an answer on this forum.
I have a friend who is interested in an R80RT. Why exactly is the R65 "sweeter" to you?

[montmil]

Hi, Mark. Get that R65 running and post some pics of both your bikes. We love photos.

Quite a few members on the forum live on your island.
Help is likely close by. Help or a pint... whichever 'helps' the most. [smiley=beer.gif]

[tvrla]

Welcome, Mark!

I know what you mean about the R65 being the sweeter ride - every time I get on the R100RS it feels like a huge over-weight pig at first.

[markrennick]

Thanks all for the welcome. I'll post some pics when I can.

Why exactly is the R65 "sweeter" to you?

In my case, I think it's because it's low mileage - smooth & quiet. It revs freely & the gearbox feels like new. I'm not sure about the RS riding position yet - I'll have to get used to it.

In comparision the RT feels bigger and less nimble in corners. And my R80 has had a hard life, it shakes a bit & could probably do with new oil seals etc.

On the plus side, the RT riding position suits me very well. And the R80 shares more parts with the other boxers, which is useful. I expect your friend will like it... especially if they're into long distance comfort.

[markrennick]

Hi, Mark. Get that R65 running and post some pics of both your bikes. We love photos.

**Finally** got a replacement battery for my camera, here's a few pics of the work in progress:


Do those front brake hoses look a bit long?


Still trying to work out where to put the splitter.. in this position it'll be tricky to fit & remove the tank.


My idea for bar risers - just a pair of top clamps upside down. I may raise them further if the brake's hard to reach.


The terrible twins. The R80 is wearing its summer windscreen.


Not a rusty rim, just what happens when you use cast iron discs in the rain.. yuck!

[2dogs1cat]

Thanks for the pictures, looks like fun.  Keep us up-to-date with your magic.

:^)

[steve hawkins]

I am not far away in the next county.  Wiltshire in fact.  In the 'much maligned Swindon Town'!

I also have two airheads, a R65 Cafe Racer and a R100.  I have fitted an S fairing to my R100 and both bikes sport spoked wheels instead of cast.  And the R100 has cast Iron disks and a muck front end as well!

[markrennick]

I have fitted an S fairing to my R100

Cool, I'm thinking of doing the same to the r80 (after I get the r65 done).

I saw a smart white boxer with cockpit fairing in glastonbury a year or 2 ago. Wasn't you was it? I think it still had RT bars, which is what I want to try.

I could also shave quite a few pounds off the r80. It still has the police radio box carrier, a large iron plate on the back. The PO thought it was originally a Wiltshire police bike.

Give me a shout if you're ever riding this way, I'm always looking for advice on something..!

[steve hawkins]

Not sure RT bars will work with an S fairing.  you can see how high my standard euro bars are.

Here's the R100.  Hand painted (with a brush) by myself

Rev. Light

[Air4Life]

Good luck Mark.  If you haven't figure it out yet, you've got a great bike and now a great place to come chat about it  ...great bunch of airheads, here.