handlebar advice please

[argentifa]

(copied from intro's section)
I've ridden bikes for sooOooooo long I can't really remember...but last week was different....last week I had my first shot at a GS.....excellent....top bit of kit...but then, I guess you guy's don't need convincing ..
SWMBO rode shotgun, and she was seriously impressed with the comfort...so much so that I've got the GS green light from her buy one ...I would seriously like to buy either a newish 1150 of 1200...depends on the pennies of course...but my problem is this....the width of the thing...the bars in particular....it's going to be a tad tricky trying to get it down the side of the house to the bikeshed at the rear with only a few mm of clearance either side....
just a thought though... before I put the house on the market....is there a renthal conversion for the GS...or could the OE bars be shortened? ..and if so, by how much before you start to really foc things up..??

cheers..

 

[Eastriding2002]

Are you "The" Argentifa from yon FOC-u site?

I won't mention you being here if you don't mention me being seen here!!

Looks like another possible convert then!

 

[argentifa]

....any similarity to the argentifa that posts on the foc-u site and nest is purley co-incidental.... honest...
..anyway...I'm only here cos I'm looking for Lum.....whats your excuse...

actually....I'm really REALLY here to see if somone can help me sort some bars out for a GS....small world innit?

 

[Eastriding2002]

Well I was looking on behalf of Lum too.

Although have been a closet Beemer fan since I was a lad, and the itch is getting worse and will have to be scratched soon. I rather fancy the 2007 Black 1200GS or if not the Granite grey one, or should I say, this friend of mine does!

 

[marcus]

I'm (un)reliably informed that you can chop off a bit from each end of the bars and not worry too much about it.

I'll leave it to you to try before doing the mod myself!

 

[argentifa]

I'm (un)reliably informed that you can chop off a bit from each end of the bars and not worry too much about it.

I'll leave it to you to try before doing the mod myself!

...sounds good to me......
I have ...
hacksaws
woodsaws
band saws
chainsaws
angle grinders
bolt cutters
chisels
loppers...
..so HOW much can be cut off each side before things start to fall apart and get a bit focced please? ...and am I losing anything other than leverage here...?

 

[Tobers]

Use the search function!

This thread covers Renthal conversion on an R1200GS:

http://www.ukgser.com/forums/showthread.php?t=36099

Beware cutting off the ends of the bars as the bar ends screw in with massive bolts which go into a threaded insert. If you cut off too much, either the bolt will be too long (chop the bolt?) or the bar end inserty bit will be too long and foul the threaded things.

Andy

 

[argentifa]

..thanks for that Andy...really useful...
..but wherebouts' is the search button..??

most of the GS's I've measured seem to be about 30" wide.... any idea on how much you can cut off..?

cheers..

 

[Tobers]

You need to search for the search button - obvious really

It's on the top bar along with new posts, photos,calendar etc.

Fitting Renthals will give you about 30mm reduction in width. Cutting off - dunno - not done it myself.

 

[The Burpster]

Cut down...

Argenty,

depends which you go for .....1150 or 1200... I can answer most questions about 12gs bars as I've tried 3 sets on mine. 2 Renthals and OEM.

You can get Renthal Fatbars or Twin walls for teh 21GS and basically cut off how much you like. You will need to put thread inserts in to take the bar ends though as its s**te without them on. (IMO).

the thread inserts for teh OEM bars are actually quite long so lopping 10mm off each side would be no prob. (hacksaw and file carefully) DONT overtihten the bar end bolts when you put them back in though. There is no need to and they are a very fine thread (read... impossible to buy unless OEM BMW part!).

1150 is std bar width so any Renthals will fit and my guess is teh same with teh bar end thread inserts.

Bob.

 

[argentifa]

...thanks for that Bob....
do you know if there are any wires that run inside the bars on the 1150 or the 12?..
i'm thinking along the lines of heated grips & stuff..?

 

[The Burpster]

Hummn...

Argie...

Certainly none on the inside of the 12 GS (I dont belive there is any on the inside of the 1150 but it would be wise to check with Mouse).

The oddest anomily on the 12GS is the left grip has 2 Coutersunk self tappers that go through the grip to hold it firm. If you put Renthals on its no prob as they are fractionally larger and the grip is then an interferance fit.

If you get a 12 and you want a pair of Renthals already done, I may be persuaded to part with mine. 28mm narrower and thread inserts and bolts.

bob.

 

[earthmover]

First thing to check is how far the clutch and brake lever perches can be located inboard, they won't go past the bent part of the bar. That will give you your narrowest option. As with anything that involves hacksaws, you can always cut a bit more off if you aren't happy, but it can be a tad difficult to put some back on!
Have you thought about moving the wall?
Mark

 

[dlevett]

Bob - Interested in Parting with your Renthals

Bob,

If Argie doesn't want them I might ([email protected]).

Cheers.