New R65 owner

[Piwi65]

Greetings from Auckland!

Been lurking on this site some time now in my search for the ideal airhead.  Finally took the plunge and bought this 1982 ex California bike sight unseen with no service records.  Bike was delivered earlier today, probably paid too much but it seems to run and stop ok.  Odo shows 25K miles but who knows.  Plan is just to make it reliable and slowly restore as used parts become available. Will get a workshop manual as I intend to do my own wrenching, hopefully.  I look forward to exchanging ideas with members of this excellent group.

Cheers

[Burt]

Welcome Piwi,

Close inspection indicates the PO had an association with the ANG.  Hopefully he was a mender and not a bender.  

Cheers, Burt.  

[CaptainSlow]

Hi Piwi, welcome to the forum. As a newbie I can confirm its a very friendly and knowledgeable place - convinced me to get an R65 rather than an R100  

Nice bike you've found - it'll clean up nicely I reckon. Nice 928 too (or is it a 968?) A 928 is on my bucket list - always fancied one of those.

[montmil]

Welcome to the asylum, Piwi. Appears you've got a West Coast USA R65. A little patina of use but seems to be a solid looking bike. Give us a test ride report when you can.

Can't help but wonder if the left side hasn't received a couple rounds from a twice-barrel shotgun. Maybe the previous owner tried to go ballistic with the admiral's daughter and needed to dispose of his escape vehicle.

And try scaling your next photos to a smaller size. It helps. [smiley=thumbsup.gif]

[Piwi65]

Thanks everyone for the words of encouragement!

Sam, yes it's a 928 S4.  Great cars but quite underrated and much maligned I guess pretty much like the R65  

Cheers

Joel

[tvrla]

Welcome to the forum and R65land! Looks like you got a good solid example of the breed, though it might need some detailing. Seems all of my bikes came to me that way whether they looked like projects or not.

[MR.E]

Piwi

Nice looking bike you have there.
Have you ridden it yet?

Elliott

[decorn33]

Piwi,

What is that bright red cable coming down from the handlebar on the right side?

[MR.E]

Piwi,

What is that bright red cable coming down from the handlebar on the right side?

I was gonna ask that but then assumed it was the starter cables.

[montmil]

Piwi,

What is that bright red cable coming down from the handlebar on the right side?

I was gonna ask that but then assumed it was the starter cables.

I, too, noticed the red wire wrap...

Follow the wires at the top. Where do they end up? In the photo, it looks like perhaps three wires are being "wrapped". Then pull off the fuel tank and trace the other ends.

Doubtful that's a starter lead. The start button switch on the handlebar uses a small, low voltage gauge wire to trigger the starter relay. High amps moving through the start switch would quickly burn it out. Possibly just protecting several wires from chaffing? ..but red?

Or contact the seller and ask him.

[Piwi65]

Have just taken the bike for a quick run.  Brakes feel a bit wooly and have difficulty engaging first gear.  Engine doesnt smoke and revs quite happily.  Will replace all fluids on my return next week and probably adjust valves.  

Red cable goes to the start switchgear, it's also missing the kill button.  Might get of this one on ebay.

Cheers

Joel

[montmil]

The kill switch is a bit of junk, IMO. Little spring n' ball bearing goes Tango Uniform. Use the key.

Have you cleaned out the master cylinder, fresh juice and bled the brake system yet? Could be all you need.

First gear? Often, it's just a training exercise for new owners. However, check clutch cable adjustment. Be advised, the Airhead cable adjust begins at the clutch lever on the back of the transmission, not at the bars. There is an R65 Owners Manual available for download in the FAQs Section. And buy a shop manual- Haynes, Clymer or both. Will save you pain and cash.

[Piwi65]

Thanks montmil for the tips, will get into it on my return.  Had I known I could download the manual, would not have ordered reprint of factory manual.

Cheers

[suecanada]

Looks like a good bike Piwi. Nice shade too. I will let the guys point you in the right direction except for one thing I fell prey to and got cleared up. That dome filler cap on the rear final drive, rightside of the bike (perspective from sitting on bike looking forward) is not only the filler hole for final drive lube but also is the breather for the final drive. Make sure that dome is clear of crud...there is a flow through hole inside.....dome comes off and spray some cleaner in there and make sure the dome sits proud.....it is always raised up about 3-4 mm. Otherwise pressure builds up in the final drive enclosure and gear oil spews out more than usual. Just kidding...actually the final drive can be quite tight but there are circumstances that can allow leaking...brake actuating arm has O-rings that need replacing...easy peesy job and even then an extra o-ring on the outside of the brake arm coming out the rightside is a good idea. Your final drive or rear wheel shows no sign of oil as I see it but I just point out the need to understand that the dome should be in a raised position.

You will be well guided by all our members here so never ever be too embarrassed to ask...even when you blow it!!

[Piwi65]

Thanks Suecanada, would'nt have known that!