Total newb - but have 3 airheads to get in shape - help please?

[at1rest]

Greetings,
I'm an old timer born 1951. The last bike I owned for a few yrs. was a '76 Triumph Bonneville which to start was Choke > Key > Kick,
so I'm totally in the dark literally and figuratively (it's also a dark garage) with these 3 airheads I'm tasked with getting ready for sale.
I rode a friends R1000 once about 20 yrs. ago but he started it for me so all I had to do was the obvious stuff.

The 2 that I can get hands on right now are: 1979 R65LS and a 1984 R80RT.
The third is at an other location so I have no info. on it as of today.

So, I've been looking for .PDF User / Rider manuals on the first 2 but have been only finding those sacm type sites that expect registration.

I'm hoping one of you might be able to show me where to get .PDF basic rider / user manuals for the 2 models I've listed above?

As an example of my cluelessness ... I can even find where to put a key into the R80LT.

I don't need to ride these, although I might after really getting used to them.
I just need to know the absolute basics.

Check the oil and how to start them up.
They're both in neutral and on center stands on a level garage floor.

Both probably have dead batteries but I have 2 chargers.
The R65 shows no visual activity when turning the key, but as I said, I can't find where the key might be on the R80.
I have a decent multi-meter.

Hopefully someone here can help me get started?

Thank you!

[barryh]

I have a pdf copy of the 79 R65 riders handbook which is quite detailed and covers routine maintenance. Problem is the forum won't let me add it as an attachment here.

If you send me a private message with your e-mail address I'll send you a copy.

[Rob Frankham]

First point...

The ignition lock on the R80RT should be slap bang in the middle of the dashboard on the fairing. The fact that you haven't found it implies that it has been moved. The other place to look is the left hand side of the headlamp. That's where the switch is on unfaired bikes of that era. If it's not there either, then I'm afraid your guess is as good as mine. I guess you aren't able to ask the previous keeper for assistance...

As for the user manual, your best bet wouold probably be to keep an eye on ebay. There are currently several listed on Ebay UK which, quite bizarely dont show up on ebay US even though they are sourced from the US - go figure! In the meantime you could do worse than getting a Haynes or Clymer manual which will tell you most of what you need to know for all three machines.

The oil is checked using a dipstick attached to the filler plug. This is on the left hand side of the engine block... the plug should be resting on the top of it's thread. The gearbox, the drive shaft and the rear bevel drive each has it's own oil supply... checking those oils is part of a service.

If the bikes have been standing for any length of time, I would seriously recommend changing the engine oil and filters before you even attempt to start them

The normal starting procedure for all airhead boxers is:

• Full choke
• Ignition on
• Press the starter - no throttle or very little throttle until the engine catches.
• Almost immediately reduce choke to half and ride off.
• remove the choke completely as soon as the bike will run smoothly with it off.

The time the bike needs with choke on will vary with the ambient temperature... the engine will probably stall or idle very slowly until the engine is thoroughly warmed through.

Your best resource at this time is probably this forum. There is wealth of experience and knowledge... if there is anything you need to know, just ask.

Good luck

Rob

[at1rest]

Thanks Rob.

I'll copy your post to my DIY manual on my PC.
I suspect the Fairing was added by the previous owner.
I'll look where you suggested for the ignition / key.

You said:
"Full choke
Ignition on
Press the starter - no throttle or very little throttle until the engine catches."

Unfortunately I'm not positive where any of those buttons / levers are other than possibly "ignition on"
but have watched a few videos that help with guessing.

Maybe once I get the R65 Riders Handbook from barryh it will make sense.

Thanks Again.

[at1rest]

I have a pdf copy of the 79 R65 riders handbook which is quite detailed and covers routine maintenance. Problem is the forum won't let me add it as an attachment here.

If you send me a private message with your e-mail address I'll send you a copy.

Thank you!

PM sent.

[at1rest]

Thanks Rob.

I'll copy your post to my DIY manual on my PC.
I suspect the Fairing was added by the previous owner.
I'll look where you suggested for the ignition / key.

You said:
"Full choke
Ignition on
Press the starter - no throttle or very little throttle until the engine catches."

Unfortunately I'm not positive where any of those buttons / levers are other than possibly "ignition on"
but have watched a few videos that help with guessing.

Maybe once I get the R65 Riders Handbook from barryh it will make sense.

Thanks Again.

[at1rest]

redundant post

[SteveD]

The R80RT...from our own dwerbil. The 79 R65 won't be a LS.http://www.bmbikes.co.uk/specpages/R65LS.htm.

https://pbase.com/dwerbil/r80rt

[Rob Frankham]

Thanks Rob.

I'll copy your post to my DIY manual on my PC.
I suspect the Fairing was added by the previous owner.
I'll look where you suggested for the ignition / key.

You said:
"Full choke
Ignition on
Press the starter - no throttle or very little throttle until the engine catches."

Unfortunately I'm not positive where any of those buttons / levers are other than possibly "ignition on"
but have watched a few videos that help with guessing.

Maybe once I get the R65 Riders Handbook from barryh it will make sense.

Thanks Again.

Choke - One of two places dependant on th age of the machine. On earlier bikes it is a lever fixed to the left side of the air filter cover, which is above the gearbox, behind the engine. On later machines it is on the handlebars... a rotating lever on top of the left hand switchgear. In both cases, one lever operates both chokes. They both normally have two detent positions, hence my reference to full and half choke.

Starter - The starter button is on the right hand switchgear. There is also a 'kill switch' on the same cluster. This is a three position rotary switch, normally red, which isolates all of the ignition and starting circuits. This needs to be in it's middle position for anything to happen. Finally, on all but the earliest models, there is an interlock between the clutch/gearbox and the starter circuits. If the gearbox is in neutral or the clutch is pulled, the starter will work. If not, then you can push the button till you're blue in the face... nothing will happen.

Throttle - I guess you know where that is...

Here are a few others...

Horn - a button on the left instrument cluster.

Headlight dim and flash - a rocker switch on the left instrument cluster.

Lights on and off - May be a seperate position on the ignition switch, may be a rotary switch on the left switchgear or, in some cases, may not exist at all... in some territories, notably the US, the lights are required by law to come on with the ignition.

Fuel cocks - one on each side of the tank. They are connected so fuel from both taps goes to both carburettors. They have four positions (in fact they will turn full circle) horizontal, pointing forwards or backwards is off. Straight down is on - main tank. Straight up is on - reserve tank.

This assumes that none of the machines are from the earliest /5 series or the first year of the /6 series (around years 1969 to 1974). These models have very different switches. If you are dealing with one of these let us know.

***Health warning*** All of the above assumes that the bike is a stock machine with no modifications to electrics or switchgear.

Rob

[at1rest]

The R80RT...from our own dwerbil. The 79 R65 won't be a LS.http://www.bmbikes.co.uk/specpages/R65LS.htm.

https://pbase.com/dwerbil/r80rt

Thanks SteveD.
The '79 R65 is listed as R65LS on the Insurance ID Financial Responsibility Card for Pennsylvania but I'm sure they could have made a mistake.