removing sidestand

[devo]

My sidestand on my '80 R65 needs some attention, but it didn't take me long to realize the whole exhaust would have to come off first. Does anybody have any tricks when it comes to removing the exhaust pipe collar without one of those special BMW wrenches?

[barryg]

None that I know of, borrow or buy the wrench. Barry

[rocketman]

Not sure about the 80 R65, but other airheads from that era (like my '78 R100/7) all you need to do is remove the nut from the front engine mounting bolt, push the rod thru just far enough so that the plate that the sidestand mounts to that's just behind the frame lug can drop down. Best to put a support under the motor, thou the proceedures I've read don't say you need to, but I perfer palying it safe. That's for the stock sidestand, don't know if after market side stands are different.
I can ask a friend who has an R65 if that's right and let you know.


RM

[rocketman]

I looked at my Clymer manual last nite as saw that the R65 sidestand is prob. easier to remove than other air heads. To remove it involves removing the return spring then a single allen bolt at the pivot point. Don't need to remove the front mounting nut as on other airheads as I first indicated might be the case, and the manual does not indicate that the exhaust needs to be removed, so I guess it's a matter of whether you can get the clearance to remove the bolt with the exhaust in place.

RM

[devo]

Thanks, you're right about the allen bolt, but there isn't enough clearance.

[rocketman]

well that's a bummer. If you're going to have to remove the exhaust get or borrow the tool if possible. Also, depending on how long it's been since the collar was removed last and if it had been coated with anti-seize it could be difficult to remove. Don't over force it or you could strip the threads on the head which is an expensive (but doable) repair. If you have any doubts get help or cut the collar off as they are much cheaper.

Good luck.

RM

[James.A]

There is a way, but it comes under the heading of last resort. you can buy a tool from Re-psycle. They have a guy who is casting exhaust tools. Not too expensive either. If you want to do it the hard way, e-mail me for instructions.