R65 Anniversary

[Bob_Roller]

I bought my '81 R65 January 22 1981 .
I've had it 35 years as of yesterday .
Not many miles for a bike this old, just about ready to turn over 90,000 miles, 145,000 km .
Rode it in to work today, feels like an old friend when I'm on it  .

[montmil]

Doubt anyone could beat your R65's ownership history.

One thing you cannot do with your old friend is blame a PO for anything!

[donbmw]

Got my 82 R65 in April of 82. I think I could have over 100,000 mile on it. Don't really know since the odometer working intermittently around 70,000. Went 20,000 to 25,000 miles before it completely quit with 88,000 and the needle falling off. Still put around 1000 to 2000 a year since I got the 75 R90 in late 1986.

Bob it is kind of strange that we both have still have our R65's since new and we both are In the aviation maintenance industry. I have stayed in general aviation never did want to get with the airlines.  

Don

[Bob_Roller]

Monte, so far, I have not messed up anything on the bike !!!

When I bought my bike, the motorcycle market was being flooded by Japanese bikes at cut rate prices .

A coworker at the time bought a Yamaha 650 for $1900 new from a dealer, my R65 was $3200 out the door .

I was told I was crazy to spend so much on a 650 bike .

I wonder if he still has the Yamaha ??

Don, I guess the flat twin reminded me of an aircraft engine .

Have never regretted getting the R65, it filled my need for a motorcycle, dependable transportation and easy to work on .

The airline part of aviation is not for everyone, I don't regret getting into it, but I migrated off to component repair and overhaul 10 years ago, got tired of dealing with flight crews on the flight line, have my own shop and no one bothers me !!!!

Still work weekends and holidays, but after 40 years, it feels ' normal ' now . 8-)

Retirement is on the horizon .

[donbmw]

After a trip out west on a Honda CX500 Custom. I wanted a bigger bike. Though it was a Gold Wing until I rode one. They are nice bike but not for the way like to ride. Could have bought that for the price. I like you the R 65 fit me for what I wanted and still does. I still look at new bikes and still don't see any that I like.

This October will be 41 years in aviation. Started right out of high school.

Don

[Bob_Roller]

I started my aviation career in June '76, a few weeks after graduating  A+P school .

It's all I've ever done !!

I got the oilhead almost 14 years ago, no character, but requires about as much maintenance as a new car, fluid, filters and tires .