Boxer Bolshie's '84 Restoration and Rant

[Dave 2]

Hey Carl, by any chance did you get the reinforced swing arm on ebay for $86.00? If so you outbid me at the end of the auction [smiley=beerchug.gif] I Hope it works out well for you, I'll check out your blog site. Cheers. D2

[Bob_Roller]

Carl, did you get any instructions with the copper head gaskets ?

If you didn't, you need to anneal them before installing them .

Not a difficult process, you just need to heat them up with a propane torch, until they turn kind of a rainbow color, you'll know it when it happens.

You need to do this whenever you remove the heads, hopefully you won't be doing it frequently !!!!!

[Boxer_Bolshie]

DOH! Sorry Dave!  In fact that's what I'm here today about.  So I almost got a set of swingarm bearings but when I spoke to an online parts guy, he said I needed the sealed ones for my '84 however the few websites that say anything about which ones I need, usually suggest that the older open ones are stock with my bike.  And then reading Snowbum's site, he says that (with regular maintenance) that the open are preferred but that the sealed are okay too... So does anyone have any input in this (and maybe part numbers?)
Thanks!

Also thanks Bob for the info on the gaskets.  I don't remember seeing anything about annealing them but will go back to see if I missed it.

[Boxer_Bolshie]

Okay so after quite a bit of research and reading, the best guess (this site) on a swingarm bearing set part number for my '84 is 32203R.  Even RealOEM doesn't list it!

The only problem is that I cannot find a set for sale anywhere (unless I buy them en bulk... direct from China)!

[Bob_Roller]

If you look at the RealOEM page here .

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do?model=0364&mospid=51897&btnr=33_0624&hg=33&fg=20


Item #6 is the bearing .

In the verbiage section, it gives the dimension and number of roller bearings in the bearing (40x17x14) , that's all you really need, most auto parts stores should be able to get these for you, they are not an uncommon size .

[Dave 2]

I believe that I have the information for your swing arm bearings 8-) BMW Part# 33 17 1 241 546. The bearing package comes with the plastic spacer thing. I entered that number into RealOEM with your estimated date of manufacture (Jan. 1984) and it matched. These are the same bearing that go into mine. When I could not find the correct number, Ian, the parts man at Streetcycles, found correct bearings for me. (they ain't giving them away )  BTW When I was cleaning the original set of bearings I used compressed air to dry them...I found that by sticking the bearing on my finger and hitting it with compressed air I could get those bearings spinning wicked fast, until the whole bearing spun/burst apart and those tapered bearings were launched into a low garage orbit [smiley=bmw_smiley.gif]D2

[montmil]

What am I looking for with exhaust valve recession?  Keep a weather eye on the exhaust valve lash. If the clearance closes up, that's an indication.

A FEW QUESTIONS[/b
Does anyone have a good source for a good full gasket & hose kit? Check out Motobins in the UK. Good selection and prices. http://www.motobins.co.uk/
I do want to get wider wheels including a 120mm rear. Do you mean wider tires? A 120 will fit but may rub the swingarm. Requires deflation, and possible rear shock detach, to remove the rear wheel. I had on on the '81. Hated it.
What are y'alls thoughts on running a 40mm carb set? Why?

Here is what I have so far which as either came with the bike or parts I've ordered and received so far for Bolshie (not sure I like naming vehicles):
Oil filters  The "bendy" hinged filters are less prone to collapse and are easier to install.
New centre stand Be sure to get one with the "square" foot pad.
Exhaust nut set (with wrench) If these came with the bike, thinking PO has buggered the threads on the head/s. uh oh.
Right caliper (will order rotor as soon as a good deal come through and I have the extra cash) Plan to replace the brake master cylinder with the proper size for twin discs.
 

Things I need and will be looking for a deal on:
SS nut and bolt kit as mentioned Check Motobins
Fork and shock rebuild kits and progressive springs Your Boge rear shocks are not rebuildable. progressive front fork springs haven't gotten good reviews around here.
Carb rebuild kit Buy only original Bing diaphragms.
Good comfy (but not foam) grips (heated preferably) Hot grips and extra lights=charging system upgrades.
Original tool kit Build your own and save mucho cash.
OEM rotor as mentioned (matching my left Brembo rotor) Plus caliper and hoses, junction block, etc.
Brake pads (front and rear) Shoes in the rear. LS model has a different size that doesn't fit. Confirm correct part number.
Better mirrors (anyone have any recommendations?) On an R65, they'll need to be tall and wide to clear elbows and arm pits.
Brown side stand Surefoot is another good replacement choice.

Some things I will be doing later are:
Corbin double touring seat R65s are a hoot touring solo. With two peeps and all the accessories you're planning, the little guy is going to be crowded and performance strained, IMO.
Aux lighting see heated grips...
R80 heads Why?
I heard there's a better and lighter starter out there Lighter, perhaps. Better than the Bosch, well, it'll take a lotta cash. Check with Rick Jones at http://www.motoelekt.com/index.html
H4 Xenon or Halogen headlamp Check and see what you have in there right now. Could be a 60/55 H4 halogen...
LED taillight replacement Taillight OK. Maybe not so good for the brake lamp.
LED running lights (LiteBuddys and Run-N-Lites) Going for that that Harley look, eh

This list is not complete but feel free to comment on what I have so far.

Monte

[Dave 2]

Nice comments Monte. I know that I as I got further and further in disassembling my LS I realised that I had to start setting some priorities in terms of what I needed to bring it back to sound mechanical/electrical condition and decent looks VS things that were not necessary for that goal. I realised that the bike is what it is and that is now fine with me. I was hot to do this and that, you know, more power, custom fabrication, trick exhaust (Well I did get those short megaphones ). $$$$$$$. So for my [smiley=2cents.gif] don't worry about a second disk brake, or engine modifications. It sounds like your list of essentials is growing just to bring it up to good working order. Lots of Fun! D2

[Boxer_Bolshie]

Thanks Bob, Dave, and Monte!

I do plan to upgrade the electrical as I live in an area with next to no street lights and a serious over population of deer and so need the lighting.  As for heated grips, I promised my wife (so I could get the bike) that I would ride... a lot including cold (but dry) days and so I'm going to need them!

I thought I saw somewhere that adding larger carbs showed power gains and I thought that if I was going to consider R80 heads, I might want more fuel delivery.  My reasoning for power upgrades has to do with your comment (Monte) about touring with two people and gear.  I am definitely not looking for speed as much as I am looking for power for loads.

No Harley's please!   The Lite Buddys I saw are a reflector insert with has LEDs instead of incandescent bulbs.  You get to keep your OEM signals.



Run-n-Lites are an additional light system which also fits into the OEM turn signal and allows for your signal lights also become marker lights.  I wasn't too impressed with the lighting on the bike and would like to be seen.

Thanks all for the great information.  This is a learning process for me and so this list WILL evolve.  I am not into bling, or speed, or unnecessary equipment however, I do have somewhat of a vision of what kind of utility which is necessary for my needs to be met.

Cheers!

OH and this is what I did today!   8-)

[Adrian]

Great picture BB and I thought my bike was in bad condition. I'm finally back tinkering with mine again after a few weeks of yet more illness. I hope you're having as much fun with your resto as I'm having with mine. Keep up with the piks mate its great to see the work of others. Adrian .....

[montmil]

Carl, Have you confirmed that R80 heads will even fit the R65? They do have different part numbers.

The 40mm Bings are no guarantee of more power. You'll still be pumping 650cc's of air so the 40's would doubtless need smaller jets. After extensive and careful jetting and slide experimentation, you might get your performance level right up there with that of a pair of properly tuned 32mike-mikes.  [smiley=2cents.gif]

[Boxer_Bolshie]

Thanks again!

I consider it an intellectual shake down for me when I post ideas so I can get appropriate critiques.  It helps me separate fact from fiction.

Anywhosit!

I'm not exactly sure about the R80 heads but it is one of the power mods I've read somewhere about.  I've heard that CC/San Jose use to sell a kit for this mod but I haven't found anything on their site.  I've also heard that you would have to cut the R80 heads down because of the clearances.  Regardless, I will make sure whatever I do is thoroughly researched and thought through.... tis why I'm here!  

[Boxer_Bolshie]

Just ordered a ss bolt kit from TheBoltGuy.com (thanks Mike V)!

[Bob_Roller]

CC Products/ San Jose BMW and now defunct Luftmeister, had kits for either 800 or 850 cc upgrade for the R65 .

From what has been put into print, the lower end of the engine lasted about 10,000 miles at best with this conversion .

Most owners regretted doing the upgrade, most of them said, if you wanted a faster motorcycle than an R65, buy one, don't mess with 'improving' a stock engine .

There have been a few 'Frankenbike' R65's with 800 or 1000 cc engines installed .

[Dave 2]

Regardless, I will make sure whatever I do is thoroughly researched and thought through.... tis why I'm here!  

  [smiley=beerchug.gif] We will enjoy your ride. D2