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Author Topic: Buying A R65  (Read 5475 times)

Nice_One_Son

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Buying A R65
« on: August 18, 2009, 01:24:17 AM »
Hello everybody,

Just joined and looking for advice & info.

I have come across an R65 which the owner is considering selling.

It's an 81 and been in dry storage since 2000 (it last ran then too). I know the owner (he also has a Greeves 250 road bike).

The bike will have been well looked after whilst running, but has been left for 9 years now, the owner has been out of the country and has now returned and needs to clear the space.

Any advice on what I should look out for and be aware of?

Thanks :-?

Offline montmil

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Re: Buying A R65
« Reply #1 on: August 18, 2009, 06:25:05 AM »
My first concern would be the condition of the cylinders, valves, piston rings and all bearings after such an extended idle period.

Have you seen, heard or attempted to start the bike?  Could be one of those classic barn finds the rest of us usually miss.

Photos? Where are you located? Environmental issues and old bikes...

And welcome to our sandbox! All things R65.

Monte
Monte Miller
Denton, TEXAS
1978 BMW R100S
1981 BMW R65
1983 BMW R65
1995 Triumph Trophy
1986 VW Cabriolet

weasel01

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Re: Buying A R65
« Reply #2 on: August 18, 2009, 07:45:06 AM »
Hello and welcome!

You have come to the right place for help with an r65.

 I'm new too and these nice folks have walked me though every stage of my bikes resurrection and with good humor too.

I have a 1983 R65 and it sat for a long long time before the guy I got it from had it.

The clutch was locked up on the spline he told me ......he just started pushing it in gear and after a few minutes it let out a loud "CLUNK" and the clutch broke free.

he got it to start.... hopped on it and rode it for 10 years and 15000 miles like that with out doing anything else except fluids.

When I got it the abuse was evident so with the help of the nuts here I've been able to correct most of what's wrong with out too much expense.

I'm no seasoned mechanic but a lot of the folks here are and they are always willing to help.

Good luck!

Offline dav

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Re: Buying A R65
« Reply #3 on: August 18, 2009, 07:47:08 AM »
welcome mate :)....sounds to me you have found yourself a nice project 8-)...she probaly needs a decent overhaul, engine, carbies, brakes, drivetrain. With the bike just sitting there for soooo long i'll be reluctant to try to start it....Post some pics when you can!!! :)
BMW R65 ?1981
Ducati 1968 250 mk lll
Suzuki DR250 1983
Yamaha XT250 2015

Nice_One_Son

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Re: Buying A R65
« Reply #4 on: August 18, 2009, 08:10:13 AM »
Thanks to all those who have responded, I hope that many more do as I am going to need some help I think!

Without boring you too much, I have known the owner for about 7 years and only found out on Saturday that he had the 65 & the Greeves. He has just returned from a 5 year project in Norway and wants to have a clear out.

I have yet to see the bike, but a pal has who is a m/cycle mechanic and he says it looks very well considering it has not been used for a long time.

I have to be honest and admit that I was in the market for a Suzuki GT 750 and had never considered a beemer as they were always out of my price bracket!

Anyway from all accounts this is a straight bike with low mileage and has been looked after up until 2000.

I am looking for a project to do with my son who has just turned 15 and is bike mad.

I will post some pics when I have them.

BTW, I am based in the UK.

Thanks

Offline Bob_Roller

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Re: Buying A R65
« Reply #5 on: August 18, 2009, 08:24:50 AM »
Welcome aboard N O S, where on planet earth do you call home ?

Environmental conditions may have a large impact on the bike, even though it was in dry storage, if you reside in a damp, or coastal area .

Tires and tubes require replacement, regardless on how good they appear .

Front brake system needs to gone through cleaned and inspected replace seals if necessary, and at the least, replace the three rubber brake lines .

Fuel tank, if isn't already empty, needs to be drained and cleaned .

As mentioned the carbs need to be completely gone through, and at the very least bit, all of the seals, gaskets and floats need replacing, along with a thorough cleaning .

Probably as good a time as any to remove the transmission, and clean and lube the transmission input splines as well as the mating splines on the clutch disc .

While you have the transmission off, go a little further, and replace the rear main seal, and the oil pump cover o-ring .

Good chance the final drive output shaft seal is going to be leaking, replace the rear brake cam o-rings .

Sounds a bit overwhelming doesn't it ?

Believe it or not, the work is not as intimidating as it sounds .
'81 R65
'82 R65 LS
'84 R65 LS
'87 Moto Guzzi V65 Lario
'02 R1150R
Riding all year long since 1993 .
I'll give up my R65, when they pry my cold dead hands from the handlebars !!!!!

Nice_One_Son

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Re: Buying A R65
« Reply #6 on: August 18, 2009, 08:32:41 AM »
Bob,

I live in the UK, in God's own country - Yorkshire!

The shed where the bike has been stored is dry, it is very dusty I am told. Great advice on re-commissioning, it sounds like a lot of work, but I am in no hurry, I have some good friends who are experienced in working on old bikes/cars and want to help see the old girl get back on the road.

I have to say, I am getting quite excited!

Thanks for your input.

weasel01

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Re: Buying A R65
« Reply #7 on: August 18, 2009, 09:26:52 AM »
It's taken me 2.5 months of weekends (mostly) and I now have one sweet little bike!

Offline Ed Miller

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Re: Buying A R65
« Reply #8 on: August 18, 2009, 01:02:11 PM »
Quote
Bob,

I live in the UK, in God's own country - Yorkshire!


Isn't that where they film Last of the Summer Wine? I want to go there.  
« Last Edit: August 18, 2009, 01:03:32 PM by Ed_Miller »
Ed Miller
'81 r65
Falls City, OR

Offline suecanada

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Re: Buying A R65
« Reply #9 on: August 18, 2009, 04:02:17 PM »
Ahh, Last of the Summer Wine with Peter Callis? who was the voice of Wallace in the great Wallace and Gromit claymation short movies that won so many academy awards!

My one addition to that final drive advice is the easiest! Make sure the wee dome over the rear drive filler hole nut is lifted say 2/16ths or 3 mm above the 17mm nut so the rear drive can breathe! I just got this figured out myself thanks to a riding buddy taking close notice of why I had oil on my rear rim when going long and fast miles.

Also, my specialty...heee,heee....check for a notchy feeling when you turn the handlebars from side to side. Notchiness is felt when coming off the straight ahead position which is the direction the bike is headed normally ...except in Yorkshire where there may be too many curves for this to be a problem??!! The grease in the steering head bearings might well be hardened OR the bearings may be need replacement...the latter is not expected on a low mileage bike but the grease can be really hardened up! If you have trouble steering around a corner you will know that the steering head needs attention!

Have fun and have an Old Peculier for me please?!
1983 R65LS - LRB still my favourite!? 1988 Honda NX250, "Toodles Too" and a Suzuki DR650, "Calypso." All stored in the "Brrrmmm Closet".

Nice_One_Son

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Re: Buying A R65
« Reply #10 on: August 19, 2009, 02:06:59 AM »
Morning Folks,

I really appreciate the advice!

As for Last of the Summer Wine, do you guys get that TV show in the states?

The show is filmed in the Holme Valley, mainly around the beautiful village of Holmfirth. I live in the next village which is on the edge of the Holme Valley.

The views are amazing, however the roads are very poor in general, so most people tend to ride over to the Peak District National Park which starts about 6 miles away and takes you through some of the best countryside in England, there the roads are great and I am sure the 65 will really show what she can do.

I don't like motorway riding in the UK, the average speed is up around  the 80 mph mark and people are way too aggressive.

As for the beer, Old Peculiar is good, but the best is Timothy Taylors "landlord" ale, a north Yorkshire beer.

Thanks again and I will post some pics when I have them.

Cheers to all

Nice_One_Son

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Re: Buying A R65
« Reply #11 on: August 19, 2009, 02:07:40 AM »
Morning Folks,

I really appreciate the advice!

As for Last of the Summer Wine, do you guys get that TV show in the states?

The show is filmed in the Holme Valley, mainly around the beautiful village of Holmfirth. I live in the next village which is on the edge of the Holme Valley.

The views are amazing, however the roads are very poor in general, so most people tend to ride over to the Peak District National Park which starts about 6 miles away and takes you through some of the best countryside in England, there the roads are great and I am sure the 65 will really show what she can do.

I don't like motorway riding in the UK, the average speed is up around  the 80 mph mark and people are way too aggressive.

As for the beer, Old Peculiar is good, but the best is Timothy Taylors "landlord" ale, a north Yorkshire beer.

Thanks again and I will post some pics when I have them.

Cheers to all

Offline Ed Miller

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Re: Buying A R65
« Reply #12 on: August 19, 2009, 12:00:10 PM »
I watch it on Oregon Public Broadcasting on Saturday evenings at 6:30.  My favorite show on TV.  I'm working on being Wesley when I grow up.



Ed Miller
'81 r65
Falls City, OR

Offline suecanada

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Re: Buying A R65
« Reply #13 on: August 20, 2009, 10:30:22 AM »
Back in the mid nineties, Derek and I were within a few miles of your home. Derek was looking up some old relatives in Golcar and we found some slightly younger relatives at Almondbury. We will take note of the best Timothy Taylor ale for our next visit which may never happen sadly.
1983 R65LS - LRB still my favourite!? 1988 Honda NX250, "Toodles Too" and a Suzuki DR650, "Calypso." All stored in the "Brrrmmm Closet".

Offline Lucky_Lou

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Re: Buying A R65
« Reply #14 on: August 21, 2009, 03:53:16 PM »
Quote
Bob,

I live in the UK, in God's own country - Yorkshire!

Nice one errr you didnt say how old you were!!!
my 1980 had been stood for about ten years didnt need to do much to the engine. didnt try to turn it stripped and honed the cylinders new rings reseated the valves then just service items the biggest problem i had was the carbs dont muck about get them ultrasonically cleaned i can put you onto a guy in Halifax who is good and cheap!!and  avoid generic diaphragms pay the extra for Bing originals and avoid fuel additives like the plague hope to see you on the road sooner rather than later let me know when your rolling and we will meet up the sarsaparillas are on me.
Lou    
If your in the Holmfirth area your near to motorworks (meltham) and Mollsprings ...andrew is a saint and will bend over backwards to help you if you get stuck.
« Last Edit: August 21, 2009, 04:02:43 PM by Lucky_Lou »
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