I joined the forum earlier this year but due to a too hectic schedule I have not posted anything about myself or my passion/insanity for motorcycles – mostly old.
I have had a number of BMWs over my riding career, but sold them all as I found them too tall – I am 5’7”, or too big. My K75S was a beautiful bike in many respects but in a parking lot it was a pig and I never got used to the buffeting of the S fairing regardless of what windshield I put on. My R1100RSL was just too big for anything less than touring. Then I got interested in older bikes. I restored a 69 Bonneville and a 72 Commando from baskets as well as a 67 Harley Davidson Sprint (Aermacchi) and a 75 CB400F. During this time I realized that these were really fun to ride, but aside from the Honda, required constant attention which I enjoy. This meant that for periods of time the bikes were not available due to ongoing repairs & maintenance, parts on order and time constraints etc. What I needed was a “modern” bike and airheads were definitely on the list. I tried to buy an R65LS on two separate occasions, but a deal could not be struck either time. I really fit the bike well and it was a blast to ride.
I went to the January 2012 Motorcycle Super Show in Toronto and in the vintage display area sat a showroom condition 1984 R65. I thought that an R65 it was the perfect fit for my modern all purpose bike and my stature, and set about looking for one for sale in the Toronto Area. Shortly thereafter one came up for sale on the Canadian Vintage Motorcycle Group web site (CVMG.ca). It had a link to a Kijiji ad and upon clicking it was not just any R65, but the one that was on display at the show. I made contact and a deal was struck. WOW - I bought a “new old stock” 1984, R65 with only 5,000 km (3,000 miles) on the clock - what a privilege to find it.
The story goes that a guy bought it new in 1984 and took it on one 3,000 km trip. He liked it so much he put it on display in his basement where it was admired for 25 years. It was then sold to an airhead aficionado for his wife. I guess his wife would rather be in back than riding – my wife is the same. He put 2,000 km on the bike but realized that you can’t ride 4 airheads at the same time, so he sold it with 5,000 km on the clock. That’s where by good luck I was able to get her.
It was ready to go and all it needed was new tires. I won’t ride on old tires. I installed new Avon Roadriders as I have had great success with them on other bikes. While installing them I replaced the tubes, but considered running tubeless as many riders of bikes of all makes have done so successfully. I can tell you, I am glad I didn't, but that’s another post to follow.
The bike has been just great and fits the bill when I don’t want to ride one of my older bikes.
Just wanted to say that the forum has been great so far and I have received some great info from other members – thanks!
Winter is upon us and up here it’s time for restoring – too cold to ride. This winter’s projects are a 68 Honda CD175, a 75 Honda 400F café and down the road 83 R65 is waiting.
Cheers Dan
