New Guy

[BPT]

Hello - I always forget the introduction parts on these forums so thought I'd try to start out properly this time.  Just got an R65 with a sidecar attached.  New to BMW bikes but rode a HD years ago and have driven Volkswagens (aircooled and newer) for many years.  It's been a while since I've had to get my hands dirty but it's time to get my brain back into grease mode.

I'll probably be asking a lot of questions, need to learn to do things myself.  I'll try and contribute as I learn.

                               Cheers - BPT

[montmil]

Hello, Fort Worth, from Denton TX.

Lots of chat recently regarding R65 sidecar combos. if you've been visiting, you know all us asylum inmates love photos. Post up your new ride.

BTW, The Blue Hangar Cafe onboard NW regional Airport is a great Saturday breakfast gathering. I believe I'll be that this weekend. With this nice October weather, the bike show should be Texas-sized.

[BPT]

Well, it's so new to me that I haven't even taken any pics yet.  I'll try to remember to post some if I get a few decent ones.

I haven't done a ton of looking on here yet so I haven't seen any of the sidecar posts.  I'm definitely looking for info.  Mine was complete, clean and finished when I bought it.  Since I'm new to the BMW's I'm hoping there isn't anything hidden that I missed.  Overall it looks to be in good shape, just need to start learning how everything works.  And there are a few things (some cosmetic, some minor maintenance/mechanical things) that I want to do and change.

My work schedule won't allow me to make any Saturday gatherings, thanks for the info though.  I agree that the weather we've had the last week is just about perfect for riding.

[Einar]

Welcome to the forum. A great place for info from very helpful members from all over the world. Looking forward to following the side car project.
Einar. Paris, France.

[Justin B.]

I look forward to putting an eyeball on your 'hack as I am probably going to need to do one as soon as I find an old Vetter Terraplane close enough to go drag home...

What part of Ft. Worth do you hang out in?  I'm on the south edge in Crowley...

[BPT]

As soon as I can get some decent pics I will put them up here.  I can't take credit for putting it together, I bought it complete.  It came from Perry Bushong.  It was one that he had done for someone a few years back.  It was sold once and then the last person decided they wanted him to build something else and needed to sell this one.  It is a 1983 R65 with a Velorex sidecar, I believe the car is a 2001.  Everything is basic and mostly stock except for Perry's custom triple trees and fittings.

[BPT]

I am in the middle of Ft. Worth, close to downtown, near Arlington Heights.  I have an odd work schedule so don't get to do much hanging out.  My friends hate me for becoming a hermit in my old age but this might give me an excuse to get out and about more often now.

[montmil]

Hmmm... What would be the odds that BPT's new R65 rig could be the ride of former forum member Scotty In Texas?

I was with Scotty, a resident of Marble Falls TX, when he cut a deal with Perry to trade in his R65 combo plus a chunka cash for a larger Airhead rig.

This look familiar, BPT? Couldn't be that many R65 combos in Tejas nor from Perry's in CowTown.

[theonlyjoan]

Oooooo, pretty!

[BPT]

No, it's not that one.  The sidecar is completely different.  I don't personally know who owned it but the two previous to me were from this area and a little further north.  Mine is painted burnt orange - and had the UT logo to match.  I've just recently found a way to cover those.

Eventually, I would like it to be all black, just like in that picture.  But too broke now to think about that, I'll have to put that off for a bit.

Speaking of Perry and the R65, he loves them, solo and with sidecars.  Those and the R80's are two of his favorites and he thinks the R65 makes a great sidecar bike.  I was worried about the lack of power but he said "That's all you need" (I figure it will be OK to learn on and then I can go bigger later if I need).  

I have barely had time to ride and haven't gotten any good pics yet but will post as soon as I do.  

[suecanada]

A number of the forum members, like me, are beginning to consider sidecars to help us as we find the balance and weight issues of our bikes begin to "weigh" on us as we age...and then again it would just be a hoot to travel that way and maybe with a canine pal!!
We will be watching with interest!
Hi Joan from the NW!

[marcmax]

I had no idea what to expect when I added a sidecar to my R65. I bought it on a whim for some temporary balance issues and have kept it ever since. Now that I am accustomed to the quirks of driving a sidecar rig I love it. AND I love to take it places. The NE FL BMW owners have a rally the first weekend in Jan every year. While not cold by northern standards it still gets chilly to camp when the nightly temps get into the teens and twenties. I can pack everything including the kitchen sink now. No more trying to decide whet will fit in the bags and what stays home. Last winter rally I even brought a 100' extension cord, a flat paving stone and a small space heater to aim into my tent. Mid 20's F and I was sleeping on top of my sleeping bag!

[BPT]

Regarding being able to carry lots of stuff, as Perry told me "You may be the slowest one in the group but nobody's going to leave you behind because you'll be carrying all the beer!".      

[BPT]

I do have some pics, forgot about these.  Sorry for the quality and sunlight washout, I had only taken these for my insurance people.  

[BPT]

Another view.