1983 BMW R65 Pod Filter. Are they worth it?

[BravWorks]

Good morning all. I am new to the forum and new to BMW airheads. I was able to get my hands on a 1983 BMW R65 for a great price. The only thing is that the entire bike has to be peiced together. It is pretty much a rolling frame; where as the engine and transmission have to be installed to the frame. It seems pretty straight forward and like a really fun project.

Although the bike did not come 100% complete, the missing parts aren't really that hard to come by and not expensive. One of the handful of parts missing was the air box for the carbs. The engine came with bing carburetors and was wondering if it was worth purchasing pod filters in leu of the air box. I was also wondering if a jet kit would be necessary for the pod filter installation.

I tried looking online but was unsuccessful on finding any reliable information. I have tho found a lot of pictures of R65's with pod filers and I think it really cleans up the bike.

Thanks in advanced for the help.

[Major Softie]

The general consensus is that the BMW Airbox is a very good design for giving wide-range power. On a heavily modified motor (cams, carbs, etc.) you might achieve higher peak HP with pods, but even then it wouldn't be much, you might not at all, and it will be at the expense of power in the lower rpm ranges (no free lunch).

OTOH, if you just LIKE the look, it will not harm the engine, won't make a really noticeable difference of any kind, and it's your bike and you can make it look however you want.

It is very unlikely that it would require any change in jetting.


P.S. Oh, and they WILL add a little intake roar, and that always makes an engine SOUND more powerful.

[BravWorks]

Thanks very much for the info and quick response.

[Bamboo812]

Something else to consider; without the air tubes supporting the rear of the carbs, they will be much more likely to fall off on rough roads...

[Kurt in S.A.]

And even if they don't fall off, they might vibrate which could foam the gas in the bowl, creating fuel flow problems.

Kurt in S.A.

[Duane Ausherman]

Just how much dirt do you wish to tolerate in your engine? The pod won't begin to filter like the original air filter.

I have worked on more than one BMW and I wouldn't consider that option.

You may not care, as it is your machine and do as you wish.

[BravWorks]

My intentions are always for the proper operation and care of the engine. I do not plan on sacrificing the enginr just for looks. Thanks for the info guys! I'm going to purchase the air box