Daman's r65 Build Thread

[DamanC]

Hey guys,

I live in Los Angeles and just got a 1983 r65 with 27,000 miles on the odometer.  It looks pretty good but it has some rust.  I am really excited to fix it up and make it all nice and shiny!

I am setting up this thread in order to record my build/restoration progress.  So far, I have just swapped the old emblems for new ones and took off that ugly luggage rack.

Problems so far - have to hold throttle even with choke on to warm up bike otherwise it will die.
-Gets stuck in Neutral sometimes and I have to release clutch and squeeze again then it moves.
-Planning on repainting engine covers and crash bars.

Any suggestions on cleaning supplies or anything else? - so far I ordered some simichrome and I have some simple rust remover (that hasn't worked so well) from Pep Boys

Cheers to a fun project!

[Rob Valdez 79 R65]

That "ugly rear rack" is worth $100 or more.  NLA and very strong.

Your idling problem is probably dirty carburetors.  Having to rebuild them is very common, not too expensive, and pretty easy to do.

Congratulations, and FINALLY, someone that knows how to size pictures to fit!!!  

 [smiley=beerchug.gif] back at ya!

(I don't know much about cleaning supplies.  My bike has been dirty most of it's life.)

[montmil]

Welcome to the herd, Daman.

Your R65 looks pretty tight. And Rob is correct about that "ugly rack"; list it within the Trading Post section and you'll likely sell it fast, if you are so inclined. It is a rare bit of BMW kit.

Get some Simple Green, your girlfriend's toothbrush, some Scotchbrite pads, perhaps some mineral spirits, a cold six-pack and get busy. Avoid steel wool!

I'd counsel that a little bit of original surface patina adds to the Airhead mystique. Clean her up a bit, keep the bike in fine fettle and enjoy.

Drop the float bowls and check the small reservoir that the enrichener tube fits in; the little brass tube you'll see. At the bottom of the reservoir is a tiny "jet" or fuel passage. If it's clogged, no fuel will be drawn through the enrichener circuit and you'll need to hold the throttle open during warmup. Use a single strand of copper from a short piece of 16 gauge multi strand, or so, wire. Probe gently to clear the passage.



Your neutral / clutch issue is the bike asking you for a transmission spline lube. Very important maintenance issue.

Nice jugs and mugs ya got there [smiley=beer.gif]  

Monte

[Bengt_Phorqs]

Congratulations on the acquisition.  Regarding carbs, good advice from Monte & Rob, but my suggestion is to also buy a bottle of "Sea Foam" available from most every auto supply house.  A generous dollop added to your fuel tank is quite helpful in removing the varnish that invariably builds up when gas has been in a bike for some time.

[montmil]

Congratulations on the acquisition.  Regarding carbs, good advice from Monte & Rob, but my suggestion is to also buy a bottle of "Sea Foam" available from most every auto supply house.  A generous dollop added to your fuel tank is quite helpful in removing the varnish that invariably builds up when gas has been in a bike for some time.

Especially if it's a hard startin' Triumph. [smiley=rolleyes.gif]

Monte

[DamanC]

Wow, you guys are great!  I'll get some sea foam asap and lube her up   I'll post some pics.