Adjusting 08 Bar position

[Paul S]

Bit bored last night so had a play with the handle bar position on my 08 GSA

The bottom handlebar mounting blocks can be turned through 180 degrees to move the the bars further forward and a little higher - fairly simple job just make sure you protect the tank whilst doing it.

Starting position:



Turning blocks around:


New position:



The manual advises that this should only be done by an authorised dealer and so does not give torque values for the 4 bolts. Does anyone know the correct torque values (2 diferent sized bolts used front and back). Did mine by feel fully tightening the 2 larger bolts which go down into the head stock and then tightening the 2 smaller bolts which only screw into the mounting blocks.

I think that moving the bars will only be of interest to lanky gits like me with long arms

 

[Thunder]

Previous models data should still be relevant:

1st front, 2nd rear -> gap at rear only (as viewed in forward direction of travel)
21 Nm (15 ft-lbs)

The gap at the rear only bit is borne out if you look at your initial photograph.

 

[Paul S]

Previous models data should still be relevant:

1st front, 2nd rear -> gap at rear only (as viewed in forward direction of travel)
21 Nm (15 ft-lbs)

The gap at the rear only bit is borne out if you look at your initial photograph.

Hi Thunder

Different design and 2 sizes of bolts mean that unlikely to be 21 NM for both sets of bolts. Agree that gap should be at the rear in standard position but also fairly sure that gap should be at the front if you turn the blocks around.

 

[1Rider]

From latest BMW REPROM

I hope this is what you need:

Tighten large screws (2).
Tightening torques - Handlebar clamping block to fork bridge:
M10 x 90 - 10.9: 36 Nm

Make sure that there is no gap between the clamping blocks on the side where the large screws are located.

If necessary, slacken screws (3) and retighten screws (2) to the specified tightening torque.


Tighten small screws (3).
Tightening torques - Aluminium handlebar in handlebar clamping block:
M8 x 30: 16 Nm

A gap (arrows) remains between the clamping blocks on the side where the small screws are located.

 

[Paul S]

1Rider - thanks for the info

 

[ampthill]

Bit bored last night so had a play with the handle bar position on my 08 GSA

The bottom handlebar mounting blocks can be turned through 180 degrees to move the the bars further forward and a little higher - fairly simple job just make sure you protect the tank whilst doing it.

So what's it like to ride with the handlebars in the new position? Interested as thinking of doing the same myself.

Peter

 

[Miker80]

hi all
would this adjustment have any bearing on insurance in event of accident???

 

[ampthill]

hi all
would this adjustment have any bearing on insurance in event of accident???

No. The adjustable bars are a documented feature of the bike

 

[Paul S]

So what's it like to ride with the handlebars in the new position? Interested as thinking of doing the same myself.

Peter

Slightly better for me - but just try it as it only takes 5 minutes and if you don't like it it only takes 5 minutes to put back as it was

 

[Johnno]

Picked up my 08 gs on Friday. 1st thing I did was to change the bars to the forward position as I'm a tall guy and need the extra cockpit space. The gs uses a similar system to the last 2 KTM exc's I've had. Same result with them as well, a bit more room to move around and a more natural position for my arms.

Just waiting for my high seat to turn up now to (hopefully) tailor the position to spot on.

 

[Clive]

Can anyone tell me the Torx socket size for the Large bolts please.

Or did you all use a 10mm socket, which appears to fit

 

[Thunder]

Can anyone tell me the Torx socket size for the Large bolts please.

Or did you all use a 10mm socket, which appears to fit

I've used the just happens to fit 10mm socket method myself

 

[Clive]

I've used the just happens to fit 10mm socket method myself

Couldn't get the right torque with 10mm socket before it started to give.

Ended up in Halfords with the 10mm for comparison - an E12 female torx socket is the correct size - £2.99