R65 V,s K75

[Lucky_Lou]

Just back from a 200 mile blast on Willie the K............
K more comfortable.
K more mpg
K much quicker
V.s
R better handling
er
er
er?

verdict .......... K Boring
Lou out on Gertie tomorrow

[Red_Hen]

K great for longer distance riding + super reliable! 8-)

[clonmore1]

If you had to choose just one as your bike, which one would it be And why?

Chris

[montmil]

Trick question. Both answers could be considered correct.

My R65s are terrific 'round town errand runners. With their nimble steering and light weight -relatively speaking- they also serve admirably on twisting roads such as Texas' famous Three Sisters. I've also had no concerns on weekender trips.

The K75 is considerably heavier and may not be as comfy as an in-town, everyday bike such as the R65. The 'K' be hustled through turns by experienced riders and has great legs for long distance touring.

Both bikes, maintained properly, are as reliable as an axe.

So, I believe there's no wrong answer as to which bike is better than the other. I also believe that's why I own five bikes; selecting the correct tool for the job at hand is easy.

[marcmax]

There is no way to choose between them. I have an R65LS and a K75S. They are apples and oranges. They are generations apart as far as technology, handling, comfort and just overall feel.

It would be like trying to chose between a Porsche 356 Speedster and a Porsche Boxster, same basic design, same function but light years apart in actual practice.

The R65 is quick, nimble, light weight and a blast to ride. But....It is a killer for a long distance ride.

The K75 is quick, can definitely get thrown into the corners and can be just as much fun. I have done 800 mile days on the K75 and wouldn't think of it on the R65.

The biggest difference to me is the technology, The R65 is a different machine when first started than it is once it has warmed up than it is after a hard ride. The K75 is the same from the time you start it up until you turn it off.

I was once told that an airhead is like a living, breathing thing and a K bike is like an appliance, always there, waiting to do what it is intended to do, exactly the same each time.

I believe it. That is why I have one of each.

[clonmore1]

Interesting responses from experienced guys!

I didn't mean it to be a trick question, I just wanted to see the response from somebody who had two different machines.

Having met Lou on a number of occasions (for those that haven't yet, I can recommend it, he is a top guy, but you already knew that...), I wanted to see whether he preferred one over the other.

[Lucky_Lou]

Interesting responses from experienced guys!
 I wanted to see whether he preferred one over the other.

Thanks for the kind words Chris.... I will pay you later [smiley=lolk.gif]
Its the old horses for courses thing, I only ride for pleasure so most of my trips are relatively short, and I don't commute on my bikes I cannot remember the last time I did more than 200 mikes in a day on either bike but I just find the R65 far more satisfying all-round and the K hard work when off the motorway. I would like to try one of the newer (Lower/Lighter )K,s to see if I feel the same.
I am on the MotorBrick  forum where those guys are just as passionate about there K,s as we are about our R65,s but in the end it has to be down to personal taste, my preference is the R65.
Lou

[marcmax]

My favorite thing to do with the K75 is go grocery shopping. With the huge top case I have mounted and the panniers I can load an entire shopping cart worth of groceries on it. Three full bags in each pannier, two twelve packs of adult beverages and two more bags in the top case. When the youngster bagging the groceries asks if they can help me out with them I just smile and say "Sure"! The look on their face when I point to the bike is priceless.

[clonmore1]

Thanks Lou,

Your answer makes sense to me bearing in mind the type of riding you do. I've seen both your bikes, the K is a beast (a good one), but looks heavy whereas the R looks to encourage a more involved type of riding and therefore more satisfying, particularly in the area we live in with smaller tighter roads and plenty of win?

But, the R wins out with your preference. The other guys above use their bikes differently, so I would expect a mixed reaction to the question.

Thanks

[clonmore1]

"particularly in the area we live in with smaller tighter roads and plenty of win?"

I meant to say winding roads...

[Lucky_Lou]

"particularly in the area we live in with smaller tighter roads and plenty of win?"

I meant to say winding roads...

There is a song there somewhere Chris....
Love the Café R65 Marc looks like one of Steves  the Rev Lights wet dreams.
What paint have you used in the engine casing and cylinders ?
Lou

[marcmax]

Thanks Lou. The engine and cylinders were sprayed down with Eagle Etching Mag Wheel Cleaner. It is an acid based cleaner and works well. The cylinders are not painted, they were just carefully cleaned with various 3M pads after the wheel cleaner. The rest of the engine covers were cleaned lightly with 3M pads after the wheel cleaner then a light coat of rattle can DupliColor Engine Enamel, cast aluminum color. I heard about it from a friend who has Corvettes and uses it on the cast aluminum intake manifolds. Works great, perfect color match and seems to be pretty durable. The black bits are also rattle can Duplicolor, satin black epoxy paint. Perfect match for the frame black.

[livingdeadhead]

the reason i bought my r65 , is just down to wanting a straight forward bike with no expensive electronics etc etc , i had an bsa a65 years ago , awfully unreliable and wanted a 650 because when i was a kid a 650 was the biggest and nastiest thing on the road (i am aware of vincents and such !) i was initially drawn towards a brit , but am a bit too knackered to push one very far ! and they start at about £3,500 . my r65 was completely original with patina for £900 and didn't need kick starting ! apart from a seat cover and a few consumables i haven't spent more than £150 on it . (touch wood) still can't get over the build quality. don't the k series weigh a ton btw? 8-)

[Lucky_Lou]

don't the k series weigh a ton btw? 8-)

Yes Kirb weight for R65 is 450Lb K 75RT is 570 Lb maybe that's why they have the nickname "Flying Brick"
Lou

[Ed Miller]

My R65 is about as heavy as I would want a bike.  Less is better.  The man I bought my R65 from had a K75; I don't remember the model but it had a fairing so was probably an RS or RT.  Back then I wouldn't have known the difference.  He later said he wanted to see the K, but I didn't want it.