Wunderlich Touring handlebars for R1150R
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I just ordered mine from BMW Santa Cruz. Hope to have 'em in a couple of days.
I'd love it if you would describe the installation process... Can you remove the entire grip/control assembly from each side in one piece? How hard was the heated grip wiring? Any description would be most helpful.
Thanks,
--Phil
I'd love it if you would describe the installation process... Can you remove the entire grip/control assembly from each side in one piece? How hard was the heated grip wiring? Any description would be most helpful.
Thanks,
--Phil
I can tell you what mistakes to avoid.philm35 wrote: I'd love it if you would describe the installation process... Can you remove the entire grip/control assembly from each side in one piece? How hard was the heated grip wiring?
First, remove the tank and headlight so you can [a] undo the hand grip heater wiring and reroute the cables to outside the forks.
I didn't do either of these at first and it cost me needless time and aggravation.
Second, the key to removing the controls is that you have to first remove the mirrors and undo the screw that's hidden behind each mirror stem, as well as all the other visible screws. Only one hex screw actually holds each control in place but you have to completely disassemble both control modules to get to that screw.
Third, to remove the Left grip, peel back the edge of the rubber grip from next to the control and undo the two set screws that keep it attached to the bar.
Fourth, to actually remove the controls without undoing all the wires and cables, you'll have to completely loosen up the bolts on the handlebars so you can shift them back and forth.
Make sure you have plenty of cable ties on hand to replace the ones you must cut off in order to shift the wiring around.
It helps to do all of this with a cordless screwdriver. Go buy the Torx bits and hex bits...it's worth it.
I think that covers it. Give a shout if you need help. PM me if you want my phone # to give me a call.
#429 (in for life)
'06 Silver R1200RT
'04 Titan Silver R50R (3/05-9/10 was a good friend - RIP)
'06 Silver R1200RT
'04 Titan Silver R50R (3/05-9/10 was a good friend - RIP)
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beemerphile
It's just nuts and bolts. There's no serious risk in taking it on. The trickiest thing - and it is just tedious, not difficult - is finagling the heated grip wiring out and back in. The wire terminals have to be released from the plastic connectors so that they can be withdrawn and reinserted through the center of the handlebars. That's about as bad as it gets. - Lee
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SlideRuyle
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- Location: Oklahoma City
removing headlight to install bars?
beemerphile or bimrluvr
I ordered mine on sunday. Expect this to be the project for next weekend. bimrluvr suggested removing the headlight and the tank. I found a post on removing the tank but have not seen an article on removing the headlight. Was this included in the info from wunderlich. I may not have time to pick up a manual (read that as I am a cheap engineer and will agonize over choosing between the Haynes vs the chilton manual and since I have already had to make one very difficult decision to spend money on the bars I am trying to avoid spending another dime).
Any links or information would be appreciated. I have the bmw touring screen and removing it would be a pain if I don't have to. I do have a ball end hex key but have not had any trouble with the bolts coming loose and do not want to invite trouble
I ordered mine on sunday. Expect this to be the project for next weekend. bimrluvr suggested removing the headlight and the tank. I found a post on removing the tank but have not seen an article on removing the headlight. Was this included in the info from wunderlich. I may not have time to pick up a manual (read that as I am a cheap engineer and will agonize over choosing between the Haynes vs the chilton manual and since I have already had to make one very difficult decision to spend money on the bars I am trying to avoid spending another dime).
Any links or information would be appreciated. I have the bmw touring screen and removing it would be a pain if I don't have to. I do have a ball end hex key but have not had any trouble with the bolts coming loose and do not want to invite trouble
Hi,
Removing the headlight is as simple as popping off the two plastic side covers and and then unscrewing the bolts on either side of the lamp. That should allow you to get the control wires and cables out. I have the OEM sport screen which has the same brackets you have...I don't know whether you'll need to remove the windshield or not but it would probably make the job a little easier. You can unscrew the windshield from the brackets with a 4mm Hex wrench...just loosen the rubber grommets until you can pull them out.
Mort
Removing the headlight is as simple as popping off the two plastic side covers and and then unscrewing the bolts on either side of the lamp. That should allow you to get the control wires and cables out. I have the OEM sport screen which has the same brackets you have...I don't know whether you'll need to remove the windshield or not but it would probably make the job a little easier. You can unscrew the windshield from the brackets with a 4mm Hex wrench...just loosen the rubber grommets until you can pull them out.
Mort
#429 (in for life)
'06 Silver R1200RT
'04 Titan Silver R50R (3/05-9/10 was a good friend - RIP)
'06 Silver R1200RT
'04 Titan Silver R50R (3/05-9/10 was a good friend - RIP)
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SlideRuyle
- Basic User
- Posts: 44
- Joined: Fri Mar 18, 2005 9:49 pm
- Location: Oklahoma City
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SlideRuyle
- Basic User
- Posts: 44
- Joined: Fri Mar 18, 2005 9:49 pm
- Location: Oklahoma City
to beemerphile and bimrluvr
the bars came in today but with no instructions. the guy from bmw santa cruz says they don't ship that way. Did either of you two get any instructions with the bars?
Bimrluvr, I understood your post to say that you did this without instructions. I printed out your comments and have printed out the information from the tech site to remove the tank and the one to adjust the switch assembly.
I am going to tackle this first thing saturday morning and hope to have it completed before I head off to 5:30 pm mass. If I don't have it finished by then I figure to have to light a couple of candles to help git-r-dun.
I also have to finish re-gripping my driver for sunday morning golf. I already took the grip off and the old tape is being stubborn about coming off.
the bars came in today but with no instructions. the guy from bmw santa cruz says they don't ship that way. Did either of you two get any instructions with the bars?
Bimrluvr, I understood your post to say that you did this without instructions. I printed out your comments and have printed out the information from the tech site to remove the tank and the one to adjust the switch assembly.
I am going to tackle this first thing saturday morning and hope to have it completed before I head off to 5:30 pm mass. If I don't have it finished by then I figure to have to light a couple of candles to help git-r-dun.
I also have to finish re-gripping my driver for sunday morning golf. I already took the grip off and the old tape is being stubborn about coming off.
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SlideRuyle
- Basic User
- Posts: 44
- Joined: Fri Mar 18, 2005 9:49 pm
- Location: Oklahoma City
Beemerphile
I sent you this email message if you check here first
I should have called you earlier. I ended up pulling the cable apart that went to the left heated hand grip. Got a new one and have started going back together. It appears that with the headlight off I could move the cables to the outside of the bracket that holds the headlight without having to disconnect them. In a earlier post you mention you re-routed these. All or just the throttle and the hydraulics? Is that what you did? Did you need to do anything to hold the cables to the outside of the headlight bracket? Danstl talked about a rubber sleeve. I assume to keep the hose from rubbing.
Bimrluvr
you can chime in also if you have a suggestion.
SlideRuyle
I sent you this email message if you check here first
I should have called you earlier. I ended up pulling the cable apart that went to the left heated hand grip. Got a new one and have started going back together. It appears that with the headlight off I could move the cables to the outside of the bracket that holds the headlight without having to disconnect them. In a earlier post you mention you re-routed these. All or just the throttle and the hydraulics? Is that what you did? Did you need to do anything to hold the cables to the outside of the headlight bracket? Danstl talked about a rubber sleeve. I assume to keep the hose from rubbing.
Bimrluvr
you can chime in also if you have a suggestion.
SlideRuyle
The best way to see which cables to move is to swing the handlebars from lock to lock and see which cables look like they'll bind.
On the left side, I rerouted all three cables to outside the headlight and on the right side I rerouted the brake line and throttle cable to outside. I did not have to disconnect any of the hydraulic lines to do the move.
To make it neat, I bundle-wrapped each group of wires with a length of coiled cable wrap, available at any Radio Shack. They stay in place on their own.
Let me know if you want pics.
Mort
On the left side, I rerouted all three cables to outside the headlight and on the right side I rerouted the brake line and throttle cable to outside. I did not have to disconnect any of the hydraulic lines to do the move.
To make it neat, I bundle-wrapped each group of wires with a length of coiled cable wrap, available at any Radio Shack. They stay in place on their own.
Let me know if you want pics.
Mort
#429 (in for life)
'06 Silver R1200RT
'04 Titan Silver R50R (3/05-9/10 was a good friend - RIP)
'06 Silver R1200RT
'04 Titan Silver R50R (3/05-9/10 was a good friend - RIP)
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SlideRuyle
- Basic User
- Posts: 44
- Joined: Fri Mar 18, 2005 9:49 pm
- Location: Oklahoma City
Bimrluvr
I had not thought of the radio shack idea. Pictures would be great. Post them or send them to me at:
[email protected]
I had to go out of town on business and won't get back until wednesday evening
Thanks
SlideRuyle
I had not thought of the radio shack idea. Pictures would be great. Post them or send them to me at:
[email protected]
I had to go out of town on business and won't get back until wednesday evening
Thanks
SlideRuyle
Wunderlich bars
BMW Santa Cruz has a fleet of loaner Rs with these bars installed. Thus I was able to compare my bike with the Moto Technique bar backs side-by-side with the Wunderlich.
It might be worth a trip there to try out. They have the bars for sale at the shop.
It might be worth a trip there to try out. They have the bars for sale at the shop.
Hey Morrie--
I'd love to take a trip to Santa Cruz BMW, but its about 1800 miles for me! Since I'm moving from Moto-Techniques to Wunderlich, I'm curious about your impressions.
I haven't installed by new bars yet, but just holding them in the general area, it seems like the Moto-Techniques setup brings the bars a bit closer to the rider than the Wunderlich... True? The angle seems a bit better with the Wunderlich bars... True?
I'd love to hear your thoughts.
Thanks,
--Phil
I'd love to take a trip to Santa Cruz BMW, but its about 1800 miles for me! Since I'm moving from Moto-Techniques to Wunderlich, I'm curious about your impressions.
I haven't installed by new bars yet, but just holding them in the general area, it seems like the Moto-Techniques setup brings the bars a bit closer to the rider than the Wunderlich... True? The angle seems a bit better with the Wunderlich bars... True?
I'd love to hear your thoughts.
Thanks,
--Phil
Phil,
I rode with the MotoTechniques barbacks for several months before going to the Wunderlichs. For me, anyway, the Wunderlichs are vastly better.
In terms of making the grips closer to the rider, they're just about equal. The major difference is that the Wunderlich's are wider, making my turns razor sharp, almost effortless. It's a benefit I did not expect, but I love.
I rode with the MotoTechniques barbacks for several months before going to the Wunderlichs. For me, anyway, the Wunderlichs are vastly better.
In terms of making the grips closer to the rider, they're just about equal. The major difference is that the Wunderlich's are wider, making my turns razor sharp, almost effortless. It's a benefit I did not expect, but I love.
#429 (in for life)
'06 Silver R1200RT
'04 Titan Silver R50R (3/05-9/10 was a good friend - RIP)
'06 Silver R1200RT
'04 Titan Silver R50R (3/05-9/10 was a good friend - RIP)
My biggest problem with the stock handlebars, with or without the Moto-Techniques is wrist and forearm discomfort. I think it has something to do with the angle of the grips.
Because I have a Sargent saddle, that raises me 1" higher than the stock seat, essentially negating the effect of the Moto-techniques bar backs.
It's going to be a few weeks before I can get the Wunderlich bars installed... I'm really hoping that they will make riding more comfortable.
--Phil
Because I have a Sargent saddle, that raises me 1" higher than the stock seat, essentially negating the effect of the Moto-techniques bar backs.
It's going to be a few weeks before I can get the Wunderlich bars installed... I'm really hoping that they will make riding more comfortable.
--Phil
Phil.philm35 wrote:Hey Morrie--
I'd love to take a trip to Santa Cruz BMW, but its about 1800 miles for me! Since I'm moving from Moto-Techniques to Wunderlich, I'm curious about your impressions.
I haven't installed by new bars yet, but just holding them in the general area, it seems like the Moto-Techniques setup brings the bars a bit closer to the rider than the Wunderlich... True? The angle seems a bit better with the Wunderlich bars... True?
I'd love to hear your thoughts.
Thanks,
--Phil
I made the comparison last summer and decided that I preferred my Moto-Technique setup. My neck has been fused and I can't keep my head cranked forward for a lenghty period so I have to have an upright seating position and I may not be the best to judge for others. I think I'd like to take another ride on the
Wunderlichs. I really like the angle of the handgrips, but they are still too far forward for me. The Santa Cruz BMW folks told me they discourage installing them with barbacks.
FWIW, the RT type bars on the 850 and 1100Rs are much more comfortable for me. I'm even considering changing out the triple clamp and installing this setup. It will certainly cost a fortune, so I may look for a salvage 850 or 1100 to get the parts.