R65LS ergonomics...

[Garnet]

A very nice example like that one sold recently in Vancouver for 36 or 3700

I only rode an LS when they first came out. (1982?). I owned a /7 with S bars at the time and remember the bikes being very similar in fit and comfort, but the LS was ohhh sooo much more nimble and flickable.

It was at an MOA rally in Penselvania I think. BMW had a bunch of LSs there and was giving group rides, something new for BMW. The BMW rep explained the bikes and then told us to ride them as if we owned them. You should have seen his face after the second gear wheelies and the serious attempts to scrape the valve covers. I guess our group rode a little different than most of the other old guys.

[Deleted User 287]

You are correct - the LS fairing is mostly a styling exercise with a nod toward down force.

But I think the price reflects the condition of the bike, the pictures make it look pretty nice, and it does have luggage.
It seems to be priced for the collector...

There are more than a couple of LS' with windshields attached. I've seen them on the R65 forum, but I can't find any right now.

Parabellum makes one that is (IMO) fairly ugly, but probably effective, and comes in 3 different heights and doesn't require drilling:


http://www.parabellum.com/stores/showde ... 13&CATID=3

And this guy had a nice one made for him by Gustafson:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/aaronspiegel/5686733813/

[Ross]

One of the suggested possibilities for RS riders that struggle with the bars is to replace with LS bars. I know someone who is currently doing the swap over.




I had a LS when they first came out and it's the bike on which I rode my longest ever day, over 1400ks. I wouldn't recommend it for such stupidity, but if you're less than 185cm tall, the LS is worth a look.

I like the "new" yellow tank cover.

If I was to naked my LT, which is something I think about doing all the time, I would fit LS bars too. I have ridden 2 LS's that mates had years ago and I did really like the bars.

[Duane Ausherman]

From Rob, "Do you know if it has the U.S. bars or the low (Euro or S) bars?

They came both ways."

I don't think so. I only saw the LS with the low bars. That is not a bike for long distance for most people. I like the style and could (once) have ridden it a long ways, but would far prefer the larger S.

[SteveD]

Been doing some reading...
It seems that little LS fairing doesn't do much for wind protection. In the spring and fall here (Canada) it's not super cold but definitely chilly and I appreciate my S fairing.

Nothing a decent jacket wouldn't fix!

Also there seems to be an issue about the LS specific exhaust.

The matt black oem mufflers were prone to rusting out. A set of Staintunes would fix that, and they also reduced the 4K rpm buzz substantially.

And the bike in question is listed at $4200 which seems high.
Right now I am thinking I should pass on it.

That's his starting price isn't it? Throw in an offer. Wave some cash. Wait and see if it's still available in 4 weeks...

[DanielMc]

Here's my '82 bike:



I think that when BMW gave the redesign/facelift for the staid R65 to Target Design's Hans Muth he decided to create a small sports bike that compared to the standard R65 much as the R90S did to the R90/6. With lighter wheels, lower seat, dropped "sports" handlebars and twin brembo discs he created a bike that was, within the constraints of cost and retooling, modern in style, great to ride and a sales disaster. These LS bikes cost pretty much the same as the R80GS when new but are now available for a fraction of what their illustrious dual purpose stablemate can realise. Their relative rarity and funky '80s style has yet to make them cult classics, but I have a real sense that in a few years they will become recognised as the true jewel of the short stroke BMWs. Buy now while stocks last.

The exhausts rotted but standard stuff fits (mine has stainless). The fairing is a pain, but BMW reckon it cuts lift by 30%. The sidepanels should really be satin black but thousands of bikes came out painted. The sports bars were standard...

[dougie]

Two more things -
The heads were rebuilt at 33500km. That seems early to me.
The whole bike has been painted "to make it perfect".

[Deleted User 287]

Two more things -
The heads were rebuilt at 33500km. That seems early to me.
The whole bike has been painted "to make it perfect".

1) valve recession can happen any time - good to have it taken care of - hope it was done by someone that knew what they were doing.

2) If the paint job is up to snuff - check out the interior of the tank. For that kind of money, you should have a nice perfect OEM lining in there.

[SteveD]

Two more things -
The heads were rebuilt at 33500km. That seems early to me.
The whole bike has been painted "to make it perfect".

Hmmm... proof of it's service history would be nice right now!

[godot]

My LS viewed from the behind-



LS riding position (with low bars) is more comfortable for me, even at 6'1", than my old R100T. I had both high bars and the low euro bars on that R100 and never quite got it right. I think the combination of the low bars and the LS's other ergos, weight, balance, etc. work nicely together. PO had the LS seat redone by Sargent right before he sold it to me and the foam is firmer and about a half inch higher than stock. This helps a taller fella like me, but there is no getting around the fact that your upper half is in the wind.

And they did in fact come w/the high bar option in the US. You can still buy them here-

http://www.maxbmwmotorcycles.com/fiche/ ... d=03252011