Questions concerning a R65

[EdM]

I've seen an R65 advertised for about $2500. It is a 1979 model with 70k miles. I have seen a photo (on a dealers site) but not actually seen the machine.

I consider myself somewhat "mechanically challenged" but understand these models may be somewhat less intimidating to work on than others (?)

My basic questions:

1) Would the 70,000 miles cause too much concern? While it seems like a lot to me it actually only averages out to about 2,500 a year (which is about what I'd likely put on it)

2) Does the price seem reasonable? It does have bags and a fairing

3) For someone who is really a novice in terms of mechanical work is the whole idea of a 25-30 year old machine folly?

Thank you.

Ned

[opposedcyljunkie]

if it has never been worked on before, brace yourself for lots of forthcoming wrenching. at 70K miles, some (many) things may already be tired and need R&R.

[Chobro]

1)I agree with OCJ, find out if it was maintained.
2)The price seems way high. I usually avoid dealers.
3)Sure you can work on it. Get a manual, some tools, hang out here and join the Airheads Beemer Club. www.airheads.org.

good luck

[elmoreman]

R65 not considered (generally) a collectible bike. The price is too high for a bike with that many miles since it will need parts replaced (unless the dealer has done so, and if he has, I would want to see the take-offs and reciepts for the work).

From this site, Airheads.org, or even the pricier IBMWR.org marketplace, you could find a better bike for the same money, or the same bike for less money.

As for the other part of your question, I became mechanical after buying my first airhead, not before, and have had few problems that werent solveable without some patience and great advice from people on this board and elsewhere.

[Mendodave]

R65's are good bikes, but those first two years are the ones to stay away from. If you want an R65, get the '81 or newer...the best is the '86-'87, whichever one had the monoshock rear

that price is too high.

Mendo

[jtwind]

The BMWRA said the 1979 and 1980 r65's were the worst motorcycles BMW every built. There were literally 100's of problems that were corrected in the following years. I'd guess that a number of problems have been sorted out in any bike still on the road. That being said I'd still avoid one unless it was literally being given away and then I'd want a guarantee. There are lots of good airheads out there for fair dollars. If it were me I'd keep looking.

[EdM]

Thank you for taking the time to reply.

I'll follow your advice and look elsewhere.

Ned

[kluts]

Agre with all of these posts. Plus, a 65 is just plain underpowered. You can do better with an R100, 59 horseys are just fine for a bike of that weight, plus the enthusiast world of parts/support is much better.

[opposedcyljunkie]

someone just posted a nice monolever R80ST today. i believe that's a much better deal, though more expensive


i'd go for it if i had the clams...

[Wirespokes]

Where are you located Ned? Prices vary with location.

The R65s are great bikes. Some consider them women's bikes because they're smaller and lower displacement. Don't let that fool you - they're a lot of fun. I also prefer the dual rear shock models since the frames are smaller and they were just generally built smaller. The mono shock models are essentially a larger BMW with 650 cylinders. I've seen the collectable R65LS which was built between 82 and 84, advertised for anywere from $2500 to $3500 or more. If you're interested in one of those, that would be a good model to watch for.

[jdiaz]

Originally Posted by kluts

Agre with all of these posts. Plus, a 65 is just plain underpowered. You can do better with an R100, 59 horseys are just fine for a bike of that weight, plus the enthusiast world of parts/support is much better.

The 650 has plenty of power. I weigh 270lbs and my 86 R65 easily pulls to 90mph in third gear.

I wouldn't buy another early R65 (because I just don't fit them that well), but the large fram 86-87 monoshock bikes are terrific.

[wildwilly]

Originally Posted by jdiaz

The 650 has plenty of power. I weigh 270lbs and my 86 R65 easily pulls to 90mph in third gear.

I wouldn't buy another early R65 (because I just don't fit them that well), but the large fram 86-87 monoshock bikes are terrific.

I'm the second owner of my 1980 R-65. It had 20K miles on it when I bought it from a dealer in McAllen, TX, back in 1982. It was my first Beemer. Since then, it has accummulated more than 100K miles of commuter and long distance traveling. Other than tires, the only items that have been replaced, or reconditioned have been a voltage regulator, a later speedometer, and a carbueretor rebuild. It has as much HP as my 650cc Triumph, which I still ride.

[opposedcyljunkie]

Originally Posted by wildwilly

It has as much HP as my 650cc Triumph, which I still ride.

but the triumph has definitely much more "grunt" than the R65.

[wildwilly]

Originally Posted by opposedcyljunkie

but the triumph has definitely much more "grunt" than the R65.

Yeah, you're right. And my Trophy's 60lbs. lighter, too. But, as long as that Beemer has oil and fuel, it's just about bulletproof.