Intro

[jcusick]

Hello to All,

Just joined tonight... about 4 hours after getting my first BMW, a 1980 R65 with about 18K on it. My test ride was in the rain around 45 degrees warm, and surprisingly the bike felt pretty good, or at least felt better than I did. Good enough, vibration about matched the Triumph Bonnie I've owned for 27 years or so, always a good sign as far as I'm concerned, so I thought, "What the hell", and said, "I'll take it."

I've been looking at BMW's for years and finally decided to get off my a** and get one. The R65 seemed a perfect choice for me, older, fairly light weight, not too quick and not too slow (I'm describing me, not the bike), a match hopefully made in heaven.

I've owned lots of bikes over the years and I'm looking forward to riding this one. My taste in bikes has been all over the board, so far, in order of ownership,

1970 Honda Trail 90
196? BSA 650 Lightning
196? Moto Guzzi
197? Kaw 400
1976 Triumph Bonneville (still own it purchased in 1980)
1979 KZ 900
1968 Triumph Trophy
198? KZ 1000
A indeterminate year Velo Solex (still own it - a great little moped and a real head-turner)
1986 Yamaha Radian

Drum Roll please......

1980 BMW R65

I picked up the Radian last year (I figured I owed it to myself after 15 months in Iraq), an immaculate little 1-owner bike that I figured would be a perfect size for short haul cruises and around town. Unfortunately, I was very disappointed. Too light, too quick. Everytime anything larger than a Dodge Dakota pickup went by, I was blown all over the road, so I started looking around for a road cruiser light enough for me too handle and still fairly quick (I'll never forget the night I pulled into the driveway with the KZ-1000 and dropped it after I had stopped - I was trapped underneath the damn thing for almost an hour. Long story, but it was late at night and there was no way I was gonna shout for help - way too embarrasing).

I live close to Watkins Glen and have been green with envy every Labor Day Weekend for years, but NO MORE! I gots me a beemer!

I'm gonna have lots of questions for you all over the ensueing season and look forward to checking out the posts.

I'll have pics when I can.

JC

[NC Steve]

Welcome to the 'hood, JC, and please visit often! [smiley=thumbsup.gif]
Sounds like you already share some interests beyond just R65s with many of us, like Triumphs, BSAs, Guzzis, and everything else with an engine & 2 wheels. Look around and you'll find someone writing about these and many, many more.
Get us some pics and stories soon, and again, welcome!

[Justin B.]

Welcome aboard, hope you enjoy your "baby cow" and if you have any questions feel free to ask.  Most of te folks around here are current on their shots, the others we keep a muzzle on...

[nhmaf]

Welcome aboard !

Also, go to our Frappr map site and post a marker where you are from - there is a thread sticky in the top
of this forum section !    There may be some fellow R65 friends closer than you think !
(which may or may not be a scary concept !)
 

[Ed Miller]

Mmmph mm phmm phmmp ooof!

 [smiley=vrolijk_26.gif]

[SCJJR65]

Good to have you aboard, JC!  [smiley=thumbsup.gif]

Lots of folks here to chat with about all things BMW and R65 in particular!  If you run into any problems getting your R65 into primo running condition, you will find the guys and gals who are regulars here will be ready, willing, able to help out however possible.  Chances are, someone at this forum has had personal experience in just about any situation you may find yourself in with your new ride.

Hope to see you around here on a regular basis!

[Justin B.]

Ed, you need to take the duct tape off your mouth, I couldn't understand a word you said!  

[its_only_me]

Welcome on board. nice line up of old bikes been through your yard.

I visited up around Watkins Glen, and the finger lakes a few years back, a very nice part of the world, I would love to go back some time.

[Ed Miller]

Ed, you need to take the duct tape off your mouth, I couldn't understand a word you said!  

"Most of te folks around here are current on their shots, the others we keep a muzzle on..."

 [smiley=grin.gif]

[MrRiden]

JC,
Seems you've been around bikes for quite a while. As a fellow reformed Britt / Orient bike owner I think you'll be happily surprised with what the Wee MW can do and how it responds to proper care & feeding.
Love the part of the country you hail from. I use to be there every October for a little race in that town called The Grand Prix, And no, I never took part in the goings on at "the bog". At least thats my story and I'm stickin' to it. Welcome to the org.
Rich

[Justin B.]

Heh, turn my own words against me!  I thought we'd let you take your muzzle off...  

[jcusick]

JC,
Seems you've been around bikes for quite a while. As a fellow reformed Britt / Orient bike owner I think you'll be happily surprised with what the Wee MW can do and how it responds to proper care & feeding.
Love the part of the country you hail from. I use to be there every October for a little race in that town called The Grand Prix, And no, I never took part in the goings on at "the bog". At least thats my story and I'm stickin' to it. Welcome to the org.
Rich

Thanks for the all the Welcomes. As I mentioned before, I'm sure I'll have a zillion or so questions before the summer is done up here. A a few pics will be coming soon.

As for The Bog, before things got out of hand, there were some very fun, and funny, happenings there... not that I would know anything about it. [smiley=1drink.gif]

By the way, if anyone is riding up this way during the summer, let me know. There are some great back road rides in the area and more than one good winery (or brewery, depending on your 'druthers)

Regards to all,

JC