1100RS handlebar mods

[Johnstorey]

Hello folks.
I'm riding a 96 1100RS that's new to me. I'm no stranger to our boxers having owned 1100s's, 1200s, a Rockster and a F650gs twin(I know it's not a boxer).
I'm getting to grips with the RS but there's no more scope for bringing the bars closer to me and after having the Rockster and the little gs I really like the relaxed upright position these days, especially with the onset of a bit arthritis in my wrist.
So, has anyone come across a descent mod? I was wondering if different bars were a possibility?
It's not enough to make me change from the bike as it's just what I need right now.
Cheers

 

[DrFarkoff]

I bought pillar type bar risers and fitted the bars on top

If you take the yoke.off or buy a used one to modify its not hard to do

 

[Johnstorey]

Thanks.
So that sounds like you drill the top yoke in order to bolt typical type clamps directly to the yoke?
It sounds ideal to me.
Did you have any issues with cable length?

 

[West coast gser]

Would a top yoke off an r1100/1150 GS not fit?that way you could fit any bar you like

 

[Posh Pete]

Would a top yoke off an r1100/1150 GS not fit?that way you could fit any bar you like

Probably easier to do what Jay has suggested. After all, you're taking the top yoke off anyway, so unless you need the bike back on the road right away, there's little advantage.

 

[DrFarkoff]

Would a top yoke off an r1100/1150 GS not fit?that way you could fit any bar you like

I don;t think it does I think you would need the matching lower

I modified my own RS which I had for 4 or 5 years originally because of the rubber bushes being soft and it was like riding a jet ski!

The silver bars are version one

Gold renthals are version two

and I did another bike for a customer using the same method but using BMW bars this time as getting bar end weights and controls mounted on the other two was a CNUT!

In case youa re wondering that big screen is a K100RT LT tall screen that I modified and it was Brilliant!!!! No noise or buffeting for me

If I recall The OE bars bolt from below with an M10 bolt, I drilled through to the top Now this is where my memory is sketchy I may have gone up to 12.5 mm

I then bought 2 x Pedestal type risers and drilled them so that the drill tip "just" showed where the handle bars sat

I then tapped them out to M12 and screwed in threaded Rod as far as I could get it at least 40mm and I removed it and loctited them (Hi strength loctite and left about a 70mm protruding until I fitted them to the top yoke

Where I used a big heavy pattern flat washer to spread the load and a nylock nut

At that stage I cut the threaded rod leaving about 5 mm of thread showing and chamfered the end

Then it was refit to the bike and refit the ancillaries

Hope that Helps

 

[Johnstorey]

That certainly does help. I think it will be the making of the bike for me.
The BMW bars you ended up using, can you remember what model they might have been?
Thank you

 

[DrFarkoff]

That certainly does help. I think it will be the making of the bike for me.
The BMW bars you ended up using, can you remember what model they might have been?
Thank you

I can't I think they were GS bars

but I do still have the silver bars which are up in my loft already adapted to the RS bar ends heated grips and switchgear

£25 Plus post if any good to you ??

 

[The Other PaulG]

Mine were adapted prior to my ownership. Being able to adjust the handlebar style / position is great, and with the right bars for you, makes the RS super comfortable over distance. I don't think you'll regret making the modification.

These bars are Renthals, by the way - they have a nice bend but if I ever get around to it, I'll probably take 1" off each end.

 

[Johnstorey]

Sounds ideal.
I'll get in touch later on this evening.
Cheers