New handlebar layout

[Ibex]

Just taken a run out on a 1200GSA demonstrator and was very disappointed in the new handlebar layout. It felt like some old Harley cruiser from the 1950's - not that I ever rode one - but that's what it felt like. It also felt like my hands were down by my knees! There must be something to it however because a look at every one so equipped I have seen in the last 24 hrs all have the bars in this position - which is how it comes from the factory - and who am I to dispute Mr BMW? This is a bit of a problem to me as otherwise, the bike is wonderful.

It looks as though you might be able to just rotate the bars forward which in my opinion would restore the riding position to very much like my 06 GSA? Anybody done this - or is it just one of those things I should persevere with and in a couple of hundred miles find myself not wanting them any other way?

 

[Dellis]

Four bolts! FWIW my 09 GSA bars seem to be in the same position as my 06 GS

Dave

 

[elefantmanshawn]

you can swing the bars up and move the risers forward to give a better sit up type ride

 

[webbel]

raise them as much as you want .but you may have to fiddle with the fitment of the left assembly.....i did

 

[Ibex]

GSA Bar adjustment

raise them as much as you want .but you may have to fiddle with the fitment of the left assembly.....i did

Can I assume from this valuable feedback that I am not entirely alone in my reaction to the new bar position?

Maybe I just have very long arms - but it definately feels "laid back" on the new bike. Having heard the above I may well go back and take the plunge. BMW thanks you. If only the salesman had known such facts - It's only an 11 grand bike after all. Now the trick would be to get the dealer to do a little adjustment on my behalf so I could try it out then......

 

[webbel]

hated my 09 when i drove it home from the dealers...was seriously going to get the 1150 back,but once i moved the bars forward it felt normal for me ...makes the bike look right aswell....only problem is if you move them to far forward ,you will have to remove the bolt under the grip and re-drill it to get the cluster in the right position ....10 minute job

 

[pathfinder]

Get some risers from TT,I did, now position feels perfect.

 

[robb]

It looks as though you might be able to just rotate the bars forward which in my opinion would restore the riding position to very much like my 06 GSA? Anybody done this - or is it just one of those things I should persevere with and in a couple of hundred miles find myself not wanting them any other way?

I went from an 05 to an 08 and found that rotating the mounts as you say gave the same riding position on the 08 as on the 05. The other way round it felt like I was too close to the bars and couldn't get the mirrors adjusted right

Rob

 

[JKM]

Any of you guys get an ache between the shoulder blades? Had a 05 GS for 3yrs, no probs. Bought a new GS in Sept 08, started getting an ache between my shoulders after about an hour - was thinking about buying some risers to see if that solves the problem. Have just traded the GS for GSA, expect the problem to be the same, however, reckon will try adjusting them first.

 

[(RIP) Nakambale]

Any of you guys get an ache between the shoulder blades? Had a 05 GS for 3yrs, no probs. Bought a new GS in Sept 08, started getting an ache between my shoulders after about an hour - was thinking about buying some risers to see if that solves the problem. Have just traded the GS for GSA, expect the problem to be the same, however, reckon will try adjusting them first.

yep. I got it just left of my right shoulderblade after I'd adjusted the bars to a more "comfortable" position (tilted them forward so they sat a wee bit higher). I stuck some of the TT risers on and the problem's gone away. Coincidence maybe, but I find the position more comfortable now with the risers.

 

[ExpatinIstanbul]

Any of you guys get an ache between the shoulder blades? Had a 05 GS for 3yrs, no probs. Bought a new GS in Sept 08, started getting an ache between my shoulders after about an hour - was thinking about buying some risers to see if that solves the problem. Have just traded the GS for GSA, expect the problem to be the same, however, reckon will try adjusting them first.

I used to on my '05 GS, but I fitted Rox Risers, which give a 2.5" lift and allow infinite adjustment back and forward. I'm 6'4" and find the ache has gone, plus riding when standing is now much more comfortable, as I no longer have to stoop.

 

[ncpierce]

Any of you guys get an ache between the shoulder blades? Had a 05 GS for 3yrs, no probs. Bought a new GS in Sept 08, started getting an ache between my shoulders after about an hour - was thinking about buying some risers to see if that solves the problem. Have just traded the GS for GSA, expect the problem to be the same, however, reckon will try adjusting them first.

I thought it was just me as well.

Went from a 56 1200GS to an 08 1200GS and thats when the problem started. Ache is to the right of the left shoulder blade. Have now got a GSA on order so might investigate a solution to the problem this time.

 

[Damselfly]

How weird is all this. I got an 08 GS last October and get the ache to the right of my left sholder blade too and I am only 5'6" so one's own height must have nothing to do with it. Think I'll be messing about with my bars too now.

 

[APE]

How weird is all this. I got an 08 GS last October and get the ache to the right of my left sholder blade too and I am only 5'6" so one's own height must have nothing to do with it. Think I'll be messing about with my bars too now.

Snap same height/ exactly the same problem but on an 06 with NN high and back raisers. It's becoming a real problem on longer trips. Thought it was casued by my work station / phone arrangement but perhaps it's the bike

 

[Phil Clarke]

I think BM started putting the bikes out with the bars angled back a bit in about 07 - I reckon its to reduce the buffet from the screen.
I actually prefer it....