Found my way back to the forum!

[allred]

After quite a spell, I have renewed my interest in the R65 forum.  I have sold two of my BMW motorcycles, but have kept and still greatly enjoy my 1983 R65.  With 55,000 miles showing on the odometer, It's due some maintenance soon, but otherwise it just keeps humming along as my favorite around town and backroads bike.    Some how so unpretentious, so straight forward, it is the one I first choose unless there are long distances and long hours to ride.  

I've done a lot of refurbishment and repair work on "Chicatita" from when I purchased it several years ago, as shown in the "before" photo below.  When I get a chance I'll take an updated photo, and post in here along with a list of the tasks accomplished.

[Barry]

Welcome back Allred.

Even the "before" picture looks good.

[Bob_Roller]

As Barry said, welcome back !!!

Bike looks pretty good in the before photo, has the look of been taken care of .

[montmil]

Don't be such a stranger, Allred. Good to know you're still above the grass. [smiley=thumbsup.gif]

[allred]

Thanks for the welcome comments!  Here is a photo of my R65, Chicatita, as currently configured.  Compared to the "Before  purchase" photo in previous post,  I have added the side covers and decals, rebuilt the brake system, rebuilt forks, added new rear shocks, overhauled the carburators, provided hard wired 12v power for GPS and tank bag accessories, added a rear rack, and finally added the side bag mounts and bags.   I also cleaned and repainted the wheels and installed new tires front and rear.  Oh yeah, can't forget new battery, greasing the transmission input splines and replacing the incorrect front brake master cylinder.  

Finally, I have packed the tool tray with useful tools and spares for most common road hazards, and filled about half of one side bag with an efficient mix of cold and wet weather gear.  As shown, my Chicatita is ready for, and often used for day trips of one to two hundred miles, and now and then an over-nighter of three hundred miles or so.  I tend to ride back roads, slowly, 45-55 mph these days, and enjoy riding more this way now, than I have in many years.  

If there is interest, I could post some photos and descriptions of some of the repairs I made along the way

In the near future (winter 2012?) I have in mind some painting and polishing to improve the looks of this classic style BMW.

[Bob_Roller]

Great looking bike !!!

What did you use for wheel paint ?

[montmil]

That's a knockout, allred. [smiley=beer.gif]

Gonna be tough to "improve the looks of this classic style BMW."

[2dogs1cat]

What else can I say, keep those posts coming.

:^)

[allred]

Great looking bike !!!

What did you use for wheel paint ?

I used some spray paint from one of the auto parts stores, Autozone or similar, it was advertised on the can's label as being especially formulated for painting aluminum wheels.  I cannot remember the brand,  nor can I imagine what the special formula for wheels might entail....but I did perform a very thorough cleaning of the wheels when they were off the bike, and before the new tires were mounted.

By thorough I mean extra effort to clean ALL residues and traces of dirt, grease, and road grime, and then putting them outside to bake dry in the hot Utah summer sun for a couple of days.  

I gave them several thin coats of paint, and the same drying technique between coats.  It has been abou four years now, and the paint has held up well.  The wheels are not spotless, there is a blemish here and there,  but they still look pretty good after washing.  

[allred]

That's a knockout, allred. [smiley=beer.gif]

Gonna be tough to "improve the looks of this classic style BMW."

Thanks for the kind words!  What I have in mind is some repainting of some control, motor, and frame surfaces.  Hard to see in the photos, but some of the original black paint /anodizing on the motor and air cleaner box has chipped/flaked off, and the throttle clutch control assemblies have  faded and dulled.  

It is. nit picking for sure, but I will probably address these minor issues during the coming winter' down-time.