Just got an r65

[stubmw]

Hi all,  joined the forum last week. Just been out and bought my first bmw....and it's an r65 . Previos owner had started a cafe conversion (not for me) so dont have some original bits. Going for a scrambler look.
Stu

[montmil]

Hello, Stu.
Welcome to the asylum. Post up some photos when you can. Us inmates love pictures!

[clonmore1]

Hey Stu,

Welcome to what is a very happy and helpful bunch of people who just love their 65's

Where in the UK are you?

There are a few of us in the North with some great characters amongst us...

[stubmw]

Thanks for the welcome  folks.
To Chris S, I live down in the far south west, long way from your neck of the woods (in UK distances)  l've been looking for a r65 for a little while and noticed most were up north.
Picture of what i have to work with. I have a few teething issues with carb and a rattle. I'll  post in the tech section with a bit more detail later on and hopefully get some pointers.
Feels good to be on board. Stu

[clonmore1]

Looking forward to seeing the finished article, cafe racer look isn't for everyone...

[lucky]

What's your plan on this bike?

The handlebar makes it the most comfortable café bike I have ever seen.

[stubmw]

What's your plan on this bike?

The handlebar makes it the most comfortable café bike I have ever seen.

Yep, ok you got me, i had already changed the handlebars.
My idea is an old school style scrambler.  Alloy mudguards, trail tyres, appropriate seat, etc. High rise exhaust could be nice. It's definitely going to be on on going project while i use it for the remainder of our summer 8-)

[Bucher]

Sounds great - can't wait to see it.

[montmil]

What year model? Looks like a 1979. Flat top Bings, early airbox, smooth final drive case. The square master cylinder, if memory serves, is from later models. What front brake caliper? ATE or Brembo? There are differences between early/later R65s so it's always a good idea to state model year in post or as a sig line. Improves answers to tech questions.

[Lucky_Lou]

Welcome... square master cylinder is a Brembo  which puts it at 1980 or 81 79 was the round ATE alla Gertie.... my Brothers bike had a Brembo master cylinder and a single ATE disc ?  it was a 81
Lou

[stubmw]

Well i had my doubts  about originality , but now it's  all clear....as mud!!
According to the v5 it's  an '82 and the chassis no. is good.
Like Lucky Lou's brothers bike it has a brembo master and a single ATE disc.
 The poor thing has had TEN owners in her life so anything could have happened .
Been out on the road this weekend and she's great...... ....other than quite a snatchy clutch and when stopped  the  carbs have flooded occasionally?, ( only done 9 miles in the last two years and ithink the tank has a rust issue?).  I have put an in line filter in so fingers crossed.

[Lucky_Lou]

There is an issue with the tank lining which is some kind of red plastic compound, it breaks down and screws up the jets. A inline filter should show if that is the problem, you may need to give the tank a serious steam cleaning to get rid of the crud. The snatchy clutch is probably down to the cable.. where in the UK are you ? as you have so many previous owners I would pull the final drive and gearbox lube the splines and the crown wheel just to be on the safe side .... prevention is better than the cure and much cheaper.
lou

[stubmw]

What year model? Looks like a 1979. Flat top Bings, early airbox, smooth final drive case. The square master cylinder, if memory serves, is from later models. What front brake caliper? ATE or Brembo? There are differences between early/later R65s so it's always a good idea to state model year in post or as a sig line. Improves answers to tech questions.

Montmil you're absolutely  correct, after a little research today i find the motor is a  r65 1979, good to know that you know your engines.  

[stubmw]

There is an issue with the tank lining which is some kind of red plastic compound, it breaks down and screws up the jets. A inline filter should show if that is the problem, you may need to give the tank a serious steam cleaning to get rid of the crud. The snatchy clutch is probably down to the cable.. where in the UK are you ? as you have so many previous owners I would pull the final drive and gearbox lube the splines and the crown wheel just to be on the safe side .... prevention is better than the cure and much cheaper.
lou

Thanks Lou i shall take your advice on the clutch and the final drive. The clutch action is actually really light and smooth,  it just seems a bit all or nothing when it engages! ? I'm  sure this should be in the tech talk section by now!?
I am some way from you, down in S Devon. Been out on her this evening in glorious sunshine  

[montmil]

...other than quite a snatchy clutch and when stopped the  carbs have flooded occasionally?...

Stu, Scroll down to the FAQs section. I just posted an excellent article by Tom Cutter (you'll learn more about him as you continue your Airhead education) on clutch cable install, adjustment, and care. Well worth the read and Tom tells you how to make you very own BMW Airhead Clutch Cable Adjustment Tool. And it's free! My favorite 4-letter F-word.

The carb overflowing problem may be directly related to old and heavy floats. If they are sinkers or incorrectly adjusted, you'll be wetting your boots on a regular basis. May also be hardened rubber on the tips of the float needles, grunge twix the needle and seat and hard float bowl gaskets.