Handlebars
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Man, I dont know what narrower would would give you, but I do know I changed the levers to be shorter so I could engage both brake and clutch with two fingers (wonderlich levers) and I reall like the feel. A shorter bar might not deliver the change you are looking for. I feel the shorter throw of the levers gave me that same feeling as I am interacting with the controls; more to the center of the stock bars so I guess I don't notice the extra bit of handle bar beyond the levers.
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2,878 Posts
The 2008-'10 models had standard diameter handle bars. The 2011-'13s have tapered bars that are Over-Size in the center.
Changing bar clamps, also?
Don't know which model you are considering changing.
Cable/Hose lengths, Bar-end weights, knuckle guards, throttle locks would be due consideration. Brake & clutch MC, hand lever mount diameter. Bar-end mirrors?
Post us some photos of your "new look."
Changing bar clamps, also?
Don't know which model you are considering changing.
Cable/Hose lengths, Bar-end weights, knuckle guards, throttle locks would be due consideration. Brake & clutch MC, hand lever mount diameter. Bar-end mirrors?
Post us some photos of your "new look."
Maybe I just need to get used to the bars on my 2010 R1200R. I also have a 78 R100S. Those are a little narrower but not any lower. I've gotten used to them and they're comfortable to me. I've only ridden the R1200R 600 miles. It's probably too soon to start changing anything. Thanks
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2,878 Posts
Yes, I can imagine how you feel. Handle bars on BMW friend's R90S, R100RS & R75/5 feel narrow and small to me. My R1100R bars were narrow, also. The bars on the Roadster are wide and give you greater steering leverage, but they are not so wide as to prevent you filtering through traffic. Rear pannier cases stick out just a bit. Only 600 miles? Ride hard for a while, and see if you develop a preference for the wider bars in the curves. Welcome to the site.
Well I finally did something with my handlebars. I removed the stock ones shortened them 7/8" on each side by cutting out a section at the ends and rewelded them back with 1 1/2 " section of 21/32" steel rod across the break inside the bars. This made it stronger and hopefully will give a little more dampening. I only removed that much because I didn't want to mess up the control lines too much. After putting it back together, I see I probably could have cut out more but this seems better than before. It just seemed so wide to me especially if I was splitting lanes at a traffic signal. If I ever decide to get barbacks, I might not have to add an extensoin for the brake line. So far so good.
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625 Posts
I found the stock bars too wide, too high, and not angled as I wished. Bought a set from http://www.tharengineering.com which is adjustable all ways, and it's just a treat to have the grip angle where I want it - the bars look a bit like something off a bike from the 20s. I wrote about it on the other R1200R board: BMW R1200R R1150R/T F800 K1200R R1100R/T Message Board • View topic - Adjustable Handlebars Redux
My friend Rad also didn't like the bars, but he went a different way and installed bars from an F800ST. They're narrower than stock but not so narrow as mine, and put the grips in a more horizontal position. He likes 'em; I like mine better.
My friend Rad also didn't like the bars, but he went a different way and installed bars from an F800ST. They're narrower than stock but not so narrow as mine, and put the grips in a more horizontal position. He likes 'em; I like mine better.
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625 Posts
Thar's site says "not accepting orders, moving to Los Angeles." To me, that sounds not as final as "out of business." If you're interested, drop him an email to see what Rob has to say.
Well, almost, I'm waiting on the risers so the shorter and lower F800ST bars can clear the tank with the R switch gear.
I guess I rode a couple of R1100S's for too long, I like the feel of a narrow bar. The stock R bar makes me feel like I'm back on my GS.
And...Yes, I lane split all the time and the stock bars are very wide for that activity.
I seem to remember my long wheelbase R60/5 and R90S had much lower narrow bars than a std R1200R today. I also remember "std" R60/75/80/90's (except 90S with fairing) had an optional high rise bar, that wasn't well received in Australia at the time.
I certainly my new R1200R doesn't feel too much like a cruiser, as I find the wind load at 70mph on the lowset bars to be comfortable for hours of riding. You kinda counterbalance against the wind, and there's virtually no load on your hands/wrists.
Does everyone agree? Cheers, Frank
I certainly my new R1200R doesn't feel too much like a cruiser, as I find the wind load at 70mph on the lowset bars to be comfortable for hours of riding. You kinda counterbalance against the wind, and there's virtually no load on your hands/wrists.
Does everyone agree? Cheers, Frank
I tried a set of 25mm risers, they were about 10mm too short to allow the switch gear to clear the tank. I could not find any 35mm risers so I just used the Rox risers that came with the bike used. They must be close to 50mm.
The ST bars bolt on and all bar controls fit just like the stock bar. The only difference is the bar is much narrower and has much less rise.
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