Hey Guys;
Thanks for all the info in sorting out my new 82 R65LS 34K miles. It basically sat for five years after the original owner bought an 2005 R1150. Just run occasionally to keep the seals moist, or so he says. Not in bad shape really, actually it’s in quite good shape except for a tear on the seat and UV fading of the kill switch, etc. Droop Snoot is intact (no $$$ in there) and all the lights and gauges work, Original Owner also still had the Manual, Clymer’s, Brochures, and Even The Original Bill of Sale. He did all his own maintance and had a log book listing every oil change etc. Hmmmm, Bet it needs clutch work.
Someone on this site likened this bike to a low flying airplane, I agree in spades. Probably why I, being a pilot was attracted to this bike despite it’s less than spectacular lump. At 50 HP it’s on par with most HD’s but easily 250 lbs lighter. Not to mention the center of gravity. The COG on my 69 XLCH was about seat height.
After adding used and abused crash bars from Duncan’s, PIAA HID’s off EvilBay and .30 cal ammo boxes as panniers. It really started looking like an WWII fighter, so it was only right to adorn the forks with a “REMOVE BEFORE FLIGHT” Streamer.
Chapter 3 of Clymer’s is all about maintance, so that’s a good place to start and to end when the jobs get beyond my abilities or knowledge. After changing all fluids filters, cleaning and greasing, upon riding I overshot the entrance of my neighborhood when I never did before. Brake Fade, well the fluid looks like red wine so lets bleed that sucker. Probably and hour job, (Famous Last Words). So after 4 days and two broken vac pumps I was in the yellow pages looking for a very local motorcycle shop. Local was of importance due to having to get it there with only a rear drum brake. Not difficult if you concentrate. Lose concentration and it gets interesting when I. Newton decides to take over. I have a friend with a HD Chopper without a front brake. At lights I have to hold his bike with my front wheel to his rear to keep him from rolling. Not Smart, right up there with his riding apparel, dew rag and shorts. It’s OK though, his pipes are real LOUD. Good thing my tach works or else I would never know if my sewing machine was even running.
Off to the bike shop, Motorcycle Medic in Tinley Park, IL. Ron seems to know what he’s talking about and there are a few Ducati, and a Norton hanging out with all the Asian Invasion Bikes so I feel pretty good about leaving my bike there though I did have to leave my Clymer’s since Ron only had the K bike book. His library was extensive including assorted quads and watercraft but no R book. He does have some auto experience so the clutch shouldn’t be that much of a mystery to him. He’s also the type of guy who can fabricates his own specialty tools and parts if need be. A real wrench, not some glorified parts changer with all kinds of stripes on his sleeve but no real mech aptitude.
So since he had to tear apart the front end to get at the brake lines I told Ron to rebuild the forks and check the wheel bearing and steering bearings. It was apart already Right? So at that point why not grease the swing arm, rear bearings and while you is at it grease the clutch spline. I probably could do it myself but I really don’t want to especially after blowing something as easy as bleeding brakes. Besides I left him with the book, what could go wrong?
Ron calls today and asks me to stop by for an update. Brakes are done, forks are done, Swing arm off along with carbs. Carbs look like old spar varnish cans, Think I need a rebuild kit, no make that two. Ron was surprised it ran at all let alone ran pretty good. I wasn’t, I’m used to Teutonic Engineering. Nothing else even comes close. Ask any WWII Tank Jockey about the Tiger. Swing arm and splines look real good under the old grease, hey at least there’s grease, Right? Bearings will be in next week. Speedo and clutch cable would also be a good idea me thinks. So much for Chapter 3. Oh well nothing major discovered, bike mostly needed a thorough cleaning and adjustment. Thank God for the little problems.
Pics to be posted when I get it back.
Almost forgot my name is Niel and I’m located along Old Route 66 in Joliet IL about ½ mile from the Chicagoland Speedway and Route 66 Dragstrip. Drop by, Washrooms clean and the Coffee Pot is always on.
Three Boxers currently in stable.
1982 BMW R65LS 648cc 2 cyl boxer
1974 Porsche 911 Carrera 2.7 ltr 6 cyl boxer
2010 Subaru Impreza Outback 2.5 ltr 4 cyl boxer (wife’s car)
