Folks- I am totally new to airheads, but a friend of a friend has a 1981 R65 with the following: <?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-comfficeffice" /><o></o> "650 CC with about 62,000 miles.<o></o> Rebuilt the motor when CO got it, so new bearings, rings , seals & timing chain. Turned out it was a worn timing chain making some noise.<o></o> Has about 6000 miles since rebuild.<o></o> Has new rear tire & 2000 miles on front tire.<o></o> Has king & queen seat on bike.<o></o> Price with saddle bags 2150.<o></o> Price without saddle bags 1950." What should I be looking for on this little guy in terms of issues/condition/tricks? Ultimately, I want to strip it down, sling a bigger motor into the smaller frame and have a airhead-twisty-eater. There is also a chance that it could be paired with a lightweight sidecar at somepoint... Thanks!
I have a friend who's owned two of those. Rode them as only transportation for many years. After the first one wore out, he bought the second one because it was cheaper than rebuilding the engine in R65 #1. For $2150, with a partially rebuilt engine, I think you're getting a reasonably good deal. I'm partial towards saddlebags these days, but if you're just going to turn it into a cafe racer, maybe you're better off saving the $200. Is the original seat available? The one that's on there doesn't look right for a "twisty eater". As for issues, the 19 inch snowflake front wheels on R100's of a certain vintage were subject to a safety recall, which is still in effect. It would be worth visting a BMW dealer to find out if this also applies to R65 front wheels. 1981 was the year of the recall wheels, if memory serves.
Run from this one. If someone "rebuilt" the motor because of the timing chain being bad, they weren't very knowledgeable about BMWs. That is NOT the person whose hands I would want in my engine. Also and MOST importantly, If what you want is a bigger engined bike. Buy one. It won't be inexpensive to swap in a motor, not worth the time and trouble. One of the pain in the butt hangups is the exhaust brackets in the rear. A real mofo without cutting up and rewelding the frame. The R65 bikes are fine all by themselves. This one looks clean, but given the mechanical history, I would run far away.
CN- Great input. I really like the saddlebags and would probably keep them for the future. That seat "ain't right", but I'm pretty sure with enough effort, a replacement could be had for a swap... Interesting about the wheels...what would the resolution of something like that be? Would they give me new wheels, or some sort of repair? I would really like to get some wire wheels laced up for it... a la... Anyway, I'm going to keep thinking... Thanks!
Wirewrkr's post makes this a moot point, but the recall involves a new front wheel for affected models. The back wheels wern't affected. Probably 90% of the bad wheels have been replaced by now.
Thanks for the information...there's more to it than Wirewrkr's opinion, although that opinion will lead to more questions and will ultimately effect this process...I have two higher-powered bikes around...the possible swap would be at a later date, if at all, but I am interested in the advisability of such a swap. From what I understand, the PO is an engineer, apparently with previous experience with BMWs...I have not spoken to him about the "explanation" given in the first post for his engine rebuild, but a quick phone call this evening will sort it out... We shall see. Thanks!
I would run it by Perry over at Perry's motorcycle & side cars Sylvania Ave in FT.Worth. There is nothing that man don't know about older Beemers. He has plenty of them in his shop & business. He rebuilds them for his living. Also a great source for older parts. Just my 2cents.
Pass on it. 81 was the worst year for the R65. Still has the points ignition and the carbs are one year only for emissions. But if you're swapping motors it doesn't really matter anyway eh? Your call
