Handlebars

[APE]

Has anybody out there had a problem with the handlebar position on their 1150GS ? I find the seat height ok but the handlebars a bit of a stretch. I have tried adjusting the handlebars without much success. Ideally I would like to bring the bars 1 - 2 inches nearer the seat. Apparently BMW don't do a replacement handlebar that will do this. Has anyone experienced a similar problem and found a solution ?

Many thanks
Mike

 

[Steve]

Mike,
several aftermarket companies sell "bar-backs" for the R11xx. They come in two flavours, either raising the bars, or bringing them up and back. I think this is the answer to your problem.

Try Touratech, Wunderlich etc.



-----
Steve Currell
Cambridge, UK
'01 1150GS

 

[agis]

Mike,

I had exactly the same problem, I'm 6'1 but found the seating position to be remote and low in respect to the front end.
I changed my seat to the adv (high) and it absolutely perfect. The driving position is now lsimilar to a supermoto. You have much better feeling in terms of control, the seat is more comfortable and the buffeting less. Downside is that the full conversion is about 350-400 squid...

 

[Invicta Moto]

My OEM bars are angled further back towards the rider and I guess makes the stretch a few onches different, it makes them lower as well... as it would!

I never realised having bought mine secondhand.... it means I can't use a bar mounted bag from Gericke that fits on the crossbar as it rest on the tank when facing the rider.

I only sussed this after sittiing next to GrahamW's GS on our Easter 03 trip..... I find it okay and have to admit to being too lazy to put them back where they should be, although I do love that £7 Gericke bag!

You may get the flavour of where they are from this pic -

 

[gasman]

I had this problem; mostly solved by getting the Touratech (I think) bar risers. Cost about £30-40, and raise the bars about 2 cm and make them a bit nearer too. Because the bars are higher, it's less of a stretch for my arms.
The cables coming from the handle bars were a bit tight afterwards, so I cut through some cable ties to loosen them up a bit.
The bike does feel very different handling-wise, though, cos of your different body position. Less sporty, if such a thing is possible.

 

[Steve]

.... it means I can't use a bar mounted bag from Gericke that fits on the crossbar as it rest on the tank when facing the rider.
.
.
I although I do love that £7 Gericke bag!

I find the bag actually sits better and flaps about less mounted in front of the crossbar.

 

[Spanish Bob]

Mike

bar risers are good, but they are a poor compromise if your problem is the bar orientation horizontally. They are designed basically for people with long torsos. Probably, from what you say, you are wanting a different solution. I can only recomend Ricardo Kuhn and his pro tapers, just do a search her or on advrider.com or his site, which I think is motomacondo.com.

the man has a lot of satisfied customers and is a really nice guy. I dont have the bars just becasue I have just changed bikes and he recomends getting to know the bike for a while and then getting in touch. I know people who have is bars though.

He creates a solution to fit you. Resist the temption to just add two 3cm lumps of metal under the bars you have now - wont work. Its nice for off road work, but you wont solve the problem, you just move your discomfort somewhere else.

bob

 

[Invicta Moto]

I find the bag actually sits better and flaps about less mounted in front of the crossbar.

I know that, but the angle to bars are at it drops down th'ole between crossbar and bars... plus it faces forward and the zip is exposed to the elements..... wet fags..... or would be if I was a gasper addict....

 

[APE]

I tried the Touratech risers last year. They helped but didn't solve the problem.

The solution for any short armed riders out there comes from Wunderlich. They do a riser that increases bar height by about 1/2 inch but also pulls them back 1 1/2 inches.

The riding position is much more comfortable now. The only problem was the cost (Wundelich prices not cheap).

I guess the other option would be to trade-in for a 1200GS. I read somewhere that the handlebars are postioned closer to the rider.