BMW R65

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There's one for sale just up the road. I can feel my wallet witching. Y reg, 80,000 miles, looks fairly clean.

Anything to watch out for? Any guide as to price?
 
what model ??? R65, R65 LS or even R65 RT ???
Shared frame with R45, which was then modified to 80g/s monolever frame...

Not the fastest of bikes, but Steptoe still has the one he bought new, with no intention of selling..:)
 
Proff said:
what model ??? R65, R65 LS or even R65 RT ???
Shared frame with R45, which was then modified to 80g/s monolever frame...

Not the fastest of bikes, but Steptoe still has the one he bought new, with no intention of selling..:)
Click to expand...

Not entirely sure what model - went to look at it today and it's not outside the house. Will try tomorrow.

I remember reading a road test on the R65 when I was a learner on a CB100N, and thinking it looked like a nice alternative to a Jap middleweight. It's definitiely not an RT - in fact, there is no fairing or screen at all. It is a twin shock model, with what seem like little levers to adjust the suspension. From the look of the dials, there is some sort of engine oil gauge on the right hand one - pressure, level, who knows? Collector box seems to have been replaced with an H-piece, in addition to a balance pipe further up the headers.
 
LS has a distinctive "Katana-esque" treatment around the headlight, if you're of an age to remember those particular Suzukis. Slightly sportier model, IIRC, though I'm not sure if that extended to any more power. Always kinda fancied one myself.
 
Robin said:
Collector box seems to have been replaced with an H-piece, in addition to a balance pipe further up the headers.
Click to expand...

The twin shock R65 never had a collector box. The exhaust is a twin balance pipe system.

If an r65 has done 80K miles check to make sure the exhaust valves have been changed at some point, otherwise budget for changing them.
 
ahutcheon said:
LS has a distinctive "Katana-esque" treatment around the headlight, if you're of an age to remember those particular Suzukis. Slightly sportier model, IIRC, though I'm not sure if that extended to any more power. Always kinda fancied one myself.
Click to expand...

That's the one I recall reading about. This isn't one of them.

Steptoe said:
The twin shock R65 never had a collector box. The exhaust is a twin balance pipe system.

If an r65 has done 80K miles check to make sure the exhaust valves have been changed at some point, otherwise budget for changing them.
Click to expand...

Thanks for info. (I swapped the collector box on my R80RT a few years ago and it made a much nicer noise afterwards.) Changing exhaust valves - is that a ride-in, ride-out job at your gaff, and what should I be budgeting for parts and labour, please?
 
Here's where my lack of knowledge comes shining through...

I spoke to the bloke selling it today and had a chat with him. It turns out it isn't an R65 after all. It's an R45. Here's what it looks like:

r45.jpg


He bought it as a project, intending to convert it into a GS, but hasn't got round to it. Looking at some of the amazing Guzzis in his garage, I can see why his attention has been drawn elsewhere. It isn't MOT'd, but starts and runs well. It seems in pretty good nick, some rust on the cycle parts, but nothing outrageous.

I'm seriously tempted. If I can knock him down by £100 or so, maybe I'll even be able to get it without the need for a divorce. I'll go and see him tomorrow and look through the paperwork - he says there is loads - and talk about a price.
 
IMHO the R45 is the WORST airhead of all....
Honda 125's will piss past you, Chav Scoots will laugh at you.
worst of all, fuel economy is abysmal..
Barely 40 mpg cos you have to wring there necks to get anywhere :(
 
Proff said:
IMHO the R45 is the WORST airhead of all....
Honda 125's will piss past you, Chav Scoots will laugh at you.
worst of all, fuel economy is abysmal..
Barely 40 mpg cos you have to wring there necks to get anywhere :(
Click to expand...

You're one of nature's little sunbeams, aren't you? :D

I'm really not worried about performance. This would be a bimbling bike, plus something to fiddle about with.
 
Robin said:
You're one of nature's little sunbeams, aren't you? :D

I'm really not worried about performance. This would be a bimbling bike, plus something to fiddle about with.
Click to expand...

R45s are almost too slow to even bimble, truly gutless :thumb2
 
Sorry Robin, but I think others on here will Concur...
I've converted 3x45's to 65's in the past, doubles the performance and 45+ mpg @ 70 mph.
I've never got a R45 up to 70 with my fat arse on it...
 
Proff said:
Sorry Robin, but I think others on here will Concur...
I've converted 3x45's to 65's in the past, doubles the performance and 45+ mpg @ 70 mph.
I've never got a R45 up to 70 with my fat arse on it...
Click to expand...

Well, someone's done 80,000 miles on this one. Clearly not someone in a hurry! :D

(Now, conversion to a 65 sounds interesting...)
 
Proff said:
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/1982-BMW-R45-Classic-Motorcycle-/190517247172

http://vehicles.vivastreet.co.uk/mo...assic-bike-for-sale---bmw-r45---1979/32243828


Price guide for you..
second one has full SS exhaust and luggage...

Honestly, theres more money in breaking R45's:eek nobody loves them :comfort
Click to expand...

Thanks, Proff. I just found both of those (since my last post). He's asking somewhere between the two. It has SS exhaust and original panniers too, plus brand new tyres which probably double the value!

Thanks for your comments. Unfortunately, I find myself a little bit smitten with it. In six months time when I'm complaining about the bloody thing, feel free to post "I told you so!"

(Plus, if I can stay friends with the guy, who lives about 200 yds down the road, he might let me play with his Guzzis - including one very trick looking racer.)
 
Robin said:
Here's where my lack of knowledge comes shining through...

I spoke to the bloke selling it today and had a chat with him. It turns out it isn't an R65 after all. It's an R45. Here's what it looks like:

r45.jpg


He bought it as a project, intending to convert it into a GS, but hasn't got round to it. Looking at some of the amazing Guzzis in his garage, I can see why his attention has been drawn elsewhere. It isn't MOT'd, but starts and runs well. It seems in pretty good nick, some rust on the cycle parts, but nothing outrageous.

I'm seriously tempted. If I can knock him down by £100 or so, maybe I'll even be able to get it without the need for a divorce. I'll go and see him tomorrow and look through the paperwork - he says there is loads - and talk about a price.
Click to expand...

Forget it -an R45 wouldn't pull you out of bed!! Notorious for dropping valves at 60k plus And you'll need to do the guides will your at it. I really wouldn't bother.
 
I had an R65LS for many years and loved it.I used to ride with a friend who road a well sorted R100S.I was always playing catch up which was interesting but added to my ride as it was hard work and improved my ability.I used to sleep well after a days ride.A spring in the gearbox broke causing concern,this shortcoming is well documented and not restricted to the R65.Its about £5 for a new spring from Bob porcia (or something like that)Then its problem solved.Exellent bike.I only sold it because I bought a R100GS and a new owner realy wanted the 65.Good look with any future purchase.:thumb
 
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