Changing handlebar position

[cruiser]

I'm reasonably satisfied with my 'new' 04 R1150R apart from one thing - the handlebars are too far forward for my comfort (I've been used to cruisers for too long!) Before I touch anything, would 'rotating' the bars towards me in the mounting clamps make a noticeable difference or should I perhaps consider a staggered riser

[MIXR]

Definitely try a small rotation rearwards first. Too far and the switchgear will hit the tank on full lock, so make sure you check that. Next step is get barbacks and loosen the wiring loom to bring the bars up and back about an inch. I've done both, but am now back to stock bars as my re-shaped seat seems to keep me better placed (further forward).

[Hendrikus]

handle bar torque: 21 Nm front first than te one at the tank

play with it

[cruiser]

Rotating the bars has made no discernible difference... my arms still ache after even a short ride Guess it has to be new bars - from somewhere - or bar backs.

[msut01]

I have returned to an r1150r after a 3 year break. I alweys found I had shoulder ache after 100 miles or so. On my new 04 bike I have fitted 25mm high bar extenders. It has made the bike easier to ride and control, it allows a change of angle without hitting the tank. It may not be a solution to everybody as I am 6'2" with long arms. Its a cheaper than changing the bars and needs no cable or hose mods. I bought mine of a german firm via e-bay for £18.00.

[lcarlson]

I put the Verholen barbacks on my 2001 50R, and they're just right. Much like the RT riding position. Recommended.

[DJ Downunder]

Rotating the bars has made no discernible difference... my arms still ache after even a short ride Guess it has to be new bars - from somewhere - or bar backs.

I was not real happy with mine at first..but after a year or two they are now very comfee for me..I think you just get used to them..but it takes a while.

DJ

[Sunbeemer]

+1 DJ. I think it takes a while to understand what the bike's engineers want you to know about how this bike should be ridden by the way they designed the ergonomics. It took me about a year away from my Nighthawk to get comfortable on the RR, but now I get it, and I wouldn't change anything. There is a post on another forum by Richard Frantz's (a.k.a. "Master Yoda") riding position that now makes sense to me. If you want to read it, here's the link:
http://bmwrt.com/ubbthreads/showflat.ph ... =0&fpart=1

It's a Zen thing about the art of motorcycle riding!

[dubble8s]

I thought I heard once that there may be an issue with certain risers and the BMW Touring windshield. I recently put a touring windshield on my '04 R1150R - does anybody know if there is a certain size riser that I can/cannot get, or am I in the clear? I thought I may have heard that something may hit something else once the handlebars are turned, or something along those lines... Any knowledge on this is greatly appreciated.

[lcarlson]

No problem with the Verholens and the touring shield. BTW, my bike is a 2002, not 2001 (as you may have figured).

[gregor]

I've got an MRA two piece screen and standard bars.
Arms are in proportion to my 6'2". No aches and everything 'falls to hand' as they used to say.

[cruiser]

Arms are in proportion to my 6'2". No aches and everything 'falls to hand' as they used to say.

I'm 5'10". Anyone else of similar height who found they needed risers/bar-backs

cruiser

[NHighCotton]

Page 240 in the Wunderlich catalog has a pair of touring bars for the R, Part-No.: 1624590

If anyone has a pair I'd like to know how you like them and a comparison between the stock bars.

http://www.motohansa.com.au/docs/wl/1100RT.pdf

[cruiser]

icarlson, I've sent you a pm re your Verholens...

cruiser

[bwfox]

I just listed a set of RCU barbacks that raise the bars about an inch and bring them back about 2". I had them on my wife's bike with the BMW Touring Shield.
FWIW
Bert

[TicTac50]

Page 240 in the Wunderlich catalog has a pair of touring bars for the R, Part-No.: 1624590

If anyone has a pair I'd like to know how you like them and a comparison between the stock bars.

I have 1624590 on my bike together with bar backs 1.5"X1.5" and AeroFlow Screen.
Very,very comfy. And the first impression: "If feels like my bike lost at least 150 pounds".

[cruiser]

Page 240 in the Wunderlich catalog has a pair of touring bars for the R, Part-No.: 1624590

If anyone has a pair I'd like to know how you like them and a comparison between the stock bars.

I have 1624590 on my bike together with bar backs 1.5"X1.5" and AeroFlow Screen.
Very,very comfy. And the first impression: "If feels like my bike lost at least 150 pounds".

TicTac50... can you post a pic of your set-up please?

[awagnon]

TicTac50,

I've read other posts who tried to combine the Wunderlich touring bar with bar backs and found the control cables and hoses were too short. How have you managed to use both? I have bar backs, but it isn't enough. I'd like to ride more upright. One rider thought the Wunderlich touring bars were higher and further back than bar backs. ? true ?

[towerworker]

I bought bar-backs 4 yrs ago for my 03 r due to back, shoulder and neck pain after riding. At the time they were only about $40 from
http://www.moto-techniques.com
Best money ever spent and they installed easily and look good. A far price from the Verholen bar backs.

Had no issues with the cables either.

Wayne

[towerworker]

Just checked their web site ---- still $40