Handlebar Mod

[Mike Gough]

Has anyone any experience of changing the bars on their 1200GS? I'd like to fit flatter, shorter bars. Appreciate any advice and names possible suppliers.
Can't find any satisfactory info on the net.

 

[earthmover]

I have Renthals on my 1200, Tobers posted a step by step "how-too" some while ago which you should be able to find if you search for "renthals"
As you are only in Preston, I have an old set of KTM fat-bars which I had on for a while that you are welcome to try. Would take me about half an hour to fit.
Mark

 

[Mike Gough]

Hi Mark, thanks for the generous offer on the KTM's, I'll leave that for the moment if I may. Perhaps you could give me some more info on the Renthall 1200's compared to the standard bars:
What is length of the bars (from grip end to grip end)?
Are they flatter than the stardard bars?
Why did you make the change?

Mike

 

[dlevett]

Mike,

The most common reason for changing is to solve the 'numb hand' syndrome which seems to be caused by the standard bars being 'swept back' too far and therefore the angle of the grips not following the natural placement of your wrist/hand. You can probably find more info if you do a search for Renthal and 'numb hand'.

Cheers,

Dave.

 

[earthmover]

Mike,
The renthals I put on are standard Honda bend, which is not a gnats whisker from the KTM ones. I changed because I didn't like the standard bend, as it made my wrists ache. The width can be anything you like, I actually kept them to the same width as standard by only cutting off half an inch to accomodate the bar ends. The KTM bars were given to me to try out before making any irreversable changes, they can be put on without altering anything on your bike, and can be taken off again just as easily. For a permanent job, Tobers method is far better. An added bonus is that Renthals weigh considerably less than the standard bars.
HTH
Mark