Replacing handlebars

DoctorZippy

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Hi all,

Quick question as I start to prepare myself for the mammoth task of restoring my '05 1150GSA.

Is it possible to replace the handlebars without draining the brake fluid and therefore having to bleed the brakes?

It's an ABS model, so clearly I want to avoid having to ride it to the dealer once I've changed the bars to get the brakes bled :eek:

Paul
 
I dont wish to appear rude but simply by asking that question in all seriousness, would suggest you honestly dont have sufficient knowledge to "restore" your 1150.
 
I dont wish to appear rude but simply by asking that question in all seriousness, would suggest you honestly dont have sufficient knowledge to "restore" your 1150.

No offence taken, but the workshop manual clearly states that:

a) to remove the handlebars (which I need to do to replace them), it is necessary to empty both the clutch and brake master cylinders and then obviously bleed the systems once fitted to the new bars and refilled

b) that bleeding the ABS and servo assisted brakes is a job for the BMW dealer as it needs a special pressurised bleeding system

Hence my question :aidan
 
The workshop manual is talking out of its arse in this instance.

If you can`t work out how to remove the handlebars without draining and removing fluid reservoirs you shouldn`t be attempting the job.
 
The workshop manual is talking out of its arse in this instance.

If you can`t work out how to remove the handlebars without draining and removing fluid reservoirs you shouldn`t be attempting the job.

Bit difficult when the bike is still at my mate's warehouse in Oxford. That's why I'm preparing by checking things in the manual and on the Internet until I get it back.

Perhaps you should find out all the facts before attempting to offer you useless opinion?
 
Bit difficult when the bike is still at my mate's warehouse in Oxford. That's why I'm preparing by checking things in the manual and on the Internet until I get it back.

Perhaps you should find out all the facts before attempting to offer you useless opinion?

Wind yer neck in.

If you`d looked at the bike...or even a picture of it..you could work it out in a jiffy....if you are capable of doing the job yourself.

The comments I`ve made are statements of fact based on real life experience which not only answer your questions but also affirm that if you can`t work it out then you shouldn`t attempt this perfunctory task or further more involved ones.

I once again refer you to Bowser`s post.

Goodnight and goodbye.
 
Bit difficult when the bike is still at my mate's warehouse in Oxford. That's why I'm preparing by checking things in the manual and on the Internet until I get it back.

Perhaps you should find out all the facts before attempting to offer you useless opinion?

Hang on a bit mate, its hardly a useless opinion, restoring any bike is not a simple job nor one for the faint harted.
Most people start on simple jobs and work up to the bigger ones, I was simply trying to point out that if you dont yet already know without asking how to change the handlebars and the fact that you dont need to drain all the fluid out then its probably not the job you should be starting on but best of luck to you, everyone has to start somewhere.

But preparing is collecting the bits you need, and most people starting would already know enough to know what bits without asking in advance.
Prepareing is asking where you can get the parts cheapest, NOT what parts you need, if you have to ask then sorry but you dont have the knowledge to start.
A Haynes manual assumes a level of knowldge and skill before you start and again sorry mate but by the tone of your posts and the content you do not have that assumed level of knowledge and skill.
Preparing is clearing out the garage to make space to get started.
Preparing is not starting to read a haynes manual, as to be honest mate it will not tell you how to do the job unless you already have a level of skill and ability and knowledge first.
 
A couple of Q's to help:

How much resto is needed on an 05 bike? (mega accident or fire etc).

Have you had it or any other BMW for long? (If yes it is easily work outable to remove the controls and grips with the tools in the toolkit).

Working on your bike usually starts with little jobs and then bigger jobs. The little jobs are easy once you are getting onto the bigger jobs but there is great fck up potential for brakes/controls/wheels etc if you are not used to it.

Also the factory workshop manuals are aimed at workshop techs and are very sketchy to anyone else. They have great specs on the minutiae of engine rebuilds but might not state the bleedin obvious and will direct to a dealer as a default. Obviously BMW/Honda etc want us to know as little as poss about working on our own bikes to keep us "in touch" with Mother Dealer.
 


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