Boxerworks.com

Hi guys, I am new hewre & need a little help.

I have a 1978 R65 which I have stripped down & am giving it a resto.

The frame looks ok, one or 2 minor things need attending too but my main concern is whether its straight. Is there any way of checking it - dimensions etc. The bike rides ok but after 35 years it must have seen some action.

The other thing is. Do i paint the frame or powdercoat it ?

Thanks guys

Duane Ausherman has a really neat website. He knows how to "work" Google so all you have to do is Google "BMW motorcycle xxxxxxxx" filling in with the topic of the day. Most likely his website will be near or at the top.

In this case, I searched for "bmw motorcycle frame alignment check" and got this result:

http://w6rec.com/duane/bmw/frame/index.htm

It gets more and more relevant as you get further down, but read the whole page.
Unfortunately that test is only good with the bike assembled....

To check a stripped frame for straightness will probably require a frame jig, or table, made for this purpose. You will have to wait for more knowledgeable to chime in on this point.

Paint or powder coat - your choice I guess. The differences have been discussed here before, I think, but I forget who won.
It probably mostly depends on where you live and what kind of painters you have available. Some do both, and might be able to advise you, as well.

A '78 R65? Is that a first-year European model or the build date? (Mine was a first year N.A.'79 built in 11/78)

Hi Rob

Yes its an early European model. Manufactured in September 1978 & registered in October

Paul

I have a 1984 R65 and for what it's worth IMHO go for powdercoating,I'm going to start another project when I find the right bike and I'll definately powdercoat the frame.