R65 Maintenance

[apexeric]

I purchaced my first motorcycle this past fall. I bought a 1984 R65 with a Pichler Fairing.

I chose an R65 because my college roommate had one and I remember how easy this bike was for him to work on. I continue to be amazed by the simplicity of these machines!

I can manage all of the fluid services and am reasonabley sure that I can manage a valve adjustment.

I am curious to know if R65's have any ignition and electrical issues that I need to know about.

Thank you.

[jdiaz]

I am curious to know if R65's have any ignition and electrical issues that I need to know about.

The ignition should be fine. The electrical output is a little weak for heated clothing and grips around town, but there's plenty to run the bike. Make sure it has a newish battery in it, and report back after you've owned it a bit.

[apexeric]

Make sure it has a newish battery in it, and report back after you've owned it a bit.

Yes, I did put a new battery in as soon as I got the bike. Still the red battery light will come on at a low idle.

[jdiaz]

Yes, I did put a new battery in as soon as I got the bike. Still the red battery light will come on at a low idle.
That's normal. As long as it goes out by 1500rpm, things are ok.

If you really want to get anal, put a voltmeter across the battery terminals and make sure that the charging voltage levels off around 2500-3000rpm so the battery isn't getting overcharged.

[apexeric]

Jon, thank you for the advise. I was hoping that I could get some heated gloves or grips for my bike. Is there a way to improve the electrical output?

[jdiaz]

I was hoping that I could get some heated gloves or grips for my bike. Is there a way to improve the electrical output?
There are two solutions on the market to raise output from 280w 400w. One them is $595 and the other is $400. If you didn't pay much for the bike, it probably doesn't make sense to spend big coin on this yet. Just make sure the connections are clean, and check the voltage at the battery when you rev the bike up, like I mentioned before. The stock system should be fine unless you want driving lights.

I prefer heated grips myself. I use the stock heated grips (22w) and a Gerbing jacket (77w) at the same time on my R65 without a problem. I think one could even use the Dual-Star heated grip inserts (36w) without a problem, and those things are a bargain at $30. (http://www.dual-star.com).

[apexeric]

Oh wow! More information! Thank you for the link. The way the weather has been here in the Northeast we won't be needing heated grips and clothing. It figures that I took my bike apart to repair and paint the fairing.