The "what have you done to your R65?" thread.

[Hunsta]

OK doesnt seem to be a specific thread for the orphan of the airhead brigade. The humble R65. Now I know from other R65 specific sites, there seems to be a little rear end retentiveness about doing any kind of modification to this little airhead wonder, to the point of running to a corner with knees next to the chest and rocking back and forth nervously.
So here`s where all you 65`ers that like to think out of the box can showcase what you`ve done, to not only improve but inhance the preformance of the little demons. As well as tarting her up abit.
For myself I havent done much in the way of improving its preformance (although I am all ears ). However Ive just fitted a nice Dyna coil and new NGK plug caps and leads, that have given it a much crisper start up. Thats for sure. As you can see by the pic, Ive given the body a good once over to make her a little bit more mine and even went as far as to get a personalised plate for it, even though I think they are a waste of money. I thought what the hell.
So lets see and hear what you`ve done to yours. Slide carbs? Air pods? You beauty suspension? Hot pink paint job? Heres your chance.
cheers
Craig
ps if its not on a n R65 but you think it will work on one, let us know as well.
pps. Please no "if you want a faster bike, get a bigger bike" comments. Ive heard em all.

Tacky I know. But it grew on me.

Oh it has a better tailight on it now. Bought a cool looking one off the internet and it didnt even last the assembly.

[DanielMc]

What have I done to my R65?



Nothing - it's just about perfect as it is!

I have asked similar questions regarding more power, and copy below a reply received from UK BMW guru Richard Difazio (already posted in another thread on this forum):

Yes, over the last twenty five or so years, I have made several short stroke special R65's, mostly 94m/m bore 850cc, and they are all in regular use with their current owners and I hardly ever see them, so perhaps they are trouble free ? currently I use a monolever chassis with an R65 bottom end, and 88m/m bore which makes a very useful short stroke 750cc.

I have always gone down the road of using an all R65 (or 45) bottom end with rods, with appropriate bigger bore and 1981 on R65 heads, it is probably the most economical and simple route.

In the beginning I always bought Venolia pistons, they are forged, lightweight, slipper type three ring pistons and very strong, and I have never had any trouble with them.

When I thought I was going to do so some sprinting/hillclimbing with a special BMW, I had some R65 cylinders sleeved and bored to suit a pair of 95m/m Guzzi pistons, fitted with a pair of R100RS heads this would probably have been an outrageous machine, however, common sense prevailed.

He has offered to sell me the Guzzi pistons and sleeved barrels...

[Zombie Master]

I'm a big fan of the R65. I had the use of an LS for 6 months and enjoyed every minute with that bike! I'd love to see more R65 posts!

[enigmaT120]

Daniel, you have chrome exhaust on your LS!

I don't know what I would do with more power, I can already redline in top gear. Maybe do it up hills two up? No....

Wait: I just answered my unasked question. I could put a higher geared final drive on, and go faster. That would be OK.

[Zombie Master]

[quote="DanielMc"]What have I done to my R65?


Nothing - it's just about perfect as it is!

You put on Gaiters. Now it's better than perfect!

[DanielMc]

Daniel, you have chrome exhaust on your LS!

The exhaust is a UK made Keihan stainless item. About the only weakness on the LS is the poor quality black painted exhaust system which rusted out really quickly in the damp and salty roads we have over here for months every year. Same reason the gaiters got fitted, as this little bike gets used year round.

OK doesnt seem to be a specific thread for the orphan of the airhead brigade. The humble R65.

Not wishing to hijack Hunsta's thread, but just to say, like everyone else who's posted on this one, I love the baby beemer. I needed an all-weather runabout having sold my previous one, an R100S. This R65LS came along and despite the usual misgivings common to just about anyone who's never ridden one I decided that it would do until I could get an R80. Then, like ZM, I found myself enjoying every minute - short wheelbase, good brakes and nimble handling make the R65 a brilliant bike around town or in the twistys. It revs too - most un-BM like. Over here in the UK they're hugely under-rated. I'm so happy with mine I've persuaded my good friend Mike to buy one to keep as a stable-mate for his R100RS Motorsport...

[SteveD]

Would that be Mike in Chippenham?

I had a R65LS when they first came out. Loved it, but mistakenly traded it on a new K100 when they arrived. 26 warranty claims in 6 months later I knew the extent of that regret.

Steve Hawkins has probably done as much as anyone to a R65 and still left it recognizable....Hunsta, do a search in the Pictures Forum using his name.

[DanielMc]

Would that be Mike in Chippenham?

Yes indeed! He plans to turn his R65 into a cafe racer, and knowing the quality of his work it's sure to be perfect. I've told him to join us on here - no word as yet, but he may well be lurking.

[Hunsta]

What have I done to my R65?



Nothing - it's just about perfect as it is!

I have asked similar questions regarding more power, and copy below a reply received from UK BMW guru Richard Difazio (already posted in another thread on this forum):

Yes, over the last twenty five or so years, I have made several short stroke special R65's, mostly 94m/m bore 850cc, and they are all in regular use with their current owners and I hardly ever see them, so perhaps they are trouble free ? currently I use a monolever chassis with an R65 bottom end, and 88m/m bore which makes a very useful short stroke 750cc.

I have always gone down the road of using an all R65 (or 45) bottom end with rods, with appropriate bigger bore and 1981 on R65 heads, it is probably the most economical and simple route.

In the beginning I always bought Venolia pistons, they are forged, lightweight, slipper type three ring pistons and very strong, and I have never had any trouble with them.

When I thought I was going to do so some sprinting/hillclimbing with a special BMW, I had some R65 cylinders sleeved and bored to suit a pair of 95m/m Guzzi pistons, fitted with a pair of R100RS heads this would probably have been an outrageous machine, however, common sense prevailed.

He has offered to sell me the Guzzi pistons and sleeved barrels...

Oh its ok for you upperclass LS owners to skite about good breaking, while us poor standard R65`ers have to do with 1 disc and a lump of concrete to throw out as we brake for corners. I have tried to get hold of an extra disc , caliper and dual brakeline block for mine, but always come up zero. Or they just want extorsionary prices.
Now Im very interested in the short stroked 750 idea. However I have heard that because the R65 is such a high reving motor, with bigger pistons, the bottom end doesnt stand up to the added vibrations. But taking Mr Difazio`s statments that most of his creation are still going stroke. Think I`ll look this man up. However I get a fat zero when I do a search on Steve Hawkins.

[SteveD]

However I get a fat zero when I do a search on Steve Hawkins.

Google is your friend.

R65 Hawkins...