BMW R65LS 1982 Luxus-Sport

 

During the 70s, BMW’s most important mission was to develop alternative machines to the big 4-cylinders released by the Japanese makers. Nonetheless, the German brand also competed in the middle-size market, releasing in 1978 the 650cc R65. By the 80s, one of BMW motorcycle’s mightiest designers, Hans Muth, designed a particular body for this bike, which would result in the creation of the R65LS.

BMW hired Muth, who had already put his stamp on the original Suzuki Katana, to create an edgy, affordable sport/touring bike for a market that was increasingly being won over by an innovative Japan. With its sharp angles and sporting disposition, Muth's creation sparked a definitive "love it" or "hate it" reaction — and it still does today.

The 649.6cc engine is a short-stroke version of the bigger-size BMW boxer-twin, developing 50hp. The LS version was gifted dual-disc brakes with Brembo calipers at the front. This sporty version of the R65 also received some cosmetic modifications with a triangular front fairing, black pipes, and passenger handgrips incorporated in the fastback-looking rear end of the bike.

Have a look at the BROCHURE BMW R65 LS

ZERO MOTORCYCLES DSR

After owning 63 ICE (Internal Combustion Engine) Bikes my first Electric Bike. The 2018 Zero DSR with Charge Tank.

INDIAN 741 SCOUT 500CC 2 CYL

My Uncle bought an Indian Motorcycle just after the 2nd World War.

He bought it from a Military Dump Store for 550 Dutch Guilders, with is about 250 Euro’s nowadays.

Matching numbers: Frame number 741 15151, Engine Number GDA 15151.

They were made from 1941 -1944

741  GDA101-up, 741101-up, Military 741(b) lightweight 30.50ci 

All Export 741's GDA101 & up were supplied with blackout lighting as standard.

I wonder if this bike is still “alive” If somebody has seen this bike just let me know please…..

As World War II loomed, the United States military set about drawing up specifications for a useful, universal motorcycle, and put its construction out for bid.

But though several manufacturers submitted bids, ultimately designed and manufactured motorcycles to sell, there’s little doubt that the US Military preferred Harley-Davidson’s WLA to any other brand or style of motorcycle in the WWII era.

Offering several machines based on production bikes, Indian tried to compete but initially without much success.

The sales success came when Indian offered the 741 based on the civilian Thirty-Fifty model.

The US Army favored the 45 cubic inches of the WLA Harley-Davidson, and this Indian was but 30.5 cubic inches, or 500cc.

However, the little twin proved to be very durable and reliable and ultimately some 35,000 were produced, mainly for the Allies. 

Incidentally, Harley riders in the military had difficulty with the Indian’s foot clutch operated with the heel; Harley’s required the toe.

Engine performance is about 15 HP at 4,800 rpm. Ignition is by battery and coil, (the B in the model designation points to battery /coil ignition) weight is 450 lb., top speed 65 mph.

Transmission is 3 speed hand shift, tires 3.50 x 18.

After the war many thousands of these sturdy machines became available for civilian use and they were subsequently dressed up in civilian guise.

BMW R69S 1968

BMW R69S 1968

After I owned a BMW R60/2 I was looking for a BMW /2 conversion, preferably a R/2 frame with a R75 engine.

I had already seen several, but if you are looking for such a bike, you cannot find one.

Several bikes in parts but they were all missing the sheet metal parts.

On my search I came across this beautiful R69S.

It had only 2 owners since 29-03-1968 when it first hit the road.

The motorcycle was made on 07-09-1966 and delivered to the Dutch importer Hart Nibbrig & Greeve N.V. in Sassenheim on the 15-09-1966

The first owner had it in his possession for 13 years and the 2nd owner, a very nice lady, for 31 years until 2012, after which the motorcycle ended up in storage.

For some time the motorcycle got restored by Harry Meijer on behalf of Theo Terwel who did all the paint work.

It got some beautiful aluminum rims, a “Schorsch Meier” Tank and a 12 Volt Alternator Conversion Kit.

The original 6v generator delivers 60 watts it was replaced by a 12v alternator witch delivers 200 watts.

This system does not affect the (Bosch magneto) ignition system that came standard on the /2

So you will be able to run the engine on one cylinder for tuning.

After the first run fuel was dripping out of the idle mix screw.

It turned out to be one of the brass floats was cracked.

Cracking of the floats results in the floats taking in fuel and becoming heavier and that caused the overflow.

I replaced them with plastic (7 gram) floats.

500 Km service:

I Replaced all the fluids.

For the Engine I use Castrol Classic XL30.

For the transmission, drive shaft and final drive I use Millers oils Classic Gear Oil 80w90 GL 4

Carburetor:

One cable adjusting screw was completely in and the other completely out and still the bike was not running smooth.

I found out that there were 2 different Throttle cables, one from a R51/2-R68 and one from a R50/5.

For sure, that doesn’t work.

I will replace them with the original parts.

Gearbox:

Downshifting from 4 to 3 and 3 to 2 was sometimes a problem.

At times it would pop out of gear.

My first thought was that it needed a proper run in because the gearbox was overhauled. 

If one carefully inspects the shift lever it seems to have been designed for the pin to go in from the top.  A review of my old books and photos show it both ways.  I suspect that BMW designed it to go in from the top, the logical way.  A close look at the lever shows that it has a “flat” where one would expect the nut and washer to go.  Later they found that a certain percentage wouldn’t stay in gear due to the lever hitting the exhaust pipe.  Rather than redesign the lever they just switched the pin and solved the problem. (DuaneAusherman)

Mobil Mix Gas Cap