GS/Supermoto style Handlebar?

[pepebmw]

Has anyone installed a GS or dirtbike style handlebar onto their Rockster or Roadster? If so, how was it? Last time I did was on a different bike. A Kawasaki ZRX1200R. I install a black ProTaper handlebar on it and it change the ergo overall in a great way. I was able to handle it with strong command on my zrx. Got great leverage on it. Love the feel of it and miss it. Had a Ducati's smaller Multistrada with the same type of handlebar, dirtbike style and it's great. Although I am selling my Rockster to get the Ducati's bigger Multistrada but, since selling it is really slow, I wondered if it can be done by replacing the handlebar with a GS or dirtbike style handlebar to get the ergo and commanding control I want, so I am asking you guys if you have done it. Let me know!

[boxermania]

I had an aluminum Renthal on my 900 Ducati Monster and it was a great improvement over the stock one as the one I purchased was a tad taller and wider. They make nice and inexpensive bars.....

[OU812]

Ves has done this. Where are you Ves?

[pepebmw]

Yeah, Ves, where are you?

Anyway, I took a closer look at my BMW rockster. I see a few things that need changing before upgrading to a dirt-bike style handlebar. So, correct me if I am wrong. I would need to replace the upper brakeline (leading from controls to the frame) and would need to drill a large hole in the future dirtbike-style handlebar for all the wiring to go in. So, I dunno if buying a Renthal or Protaper would be a good idea so I would have to check it out if it's BMW GS compatible (pre-drill holes and bar ends' bolt-ons) then it'll work on the Rockster. If not, then it's not the end, I could simple order a BMW GS handlebar from either BMW or Touratech or yadda yadda. Cost me a lot to have a pro install my sportego bars onto my bmw. I would rather have a manual to dictate me thus saving cash.

Have a great weekend.

[Ves]

My ears were ringing...

Yup, here's the one I have:



I took the foam pad off... it was kind of cheesy.

Not sure what you're saying about the wiring. If you have heated grips then you will have to figure out what to do with the wiring (like remove a chunk of the bar ends to give the throttle wire room to move when you twist the throttle), the other wires run on the outside of the bars. And your bar ends wont fit.

Also, the Renthals are a true 7/8" bar... just a bit tight for the clamps that hold the clutch and brake master to the bars. So you'll need to spread the clamp a little further than normal to get it on the bar, more so on the left because the left side of the bars is textured/knurled which makes the diameter just a bit bigger than the right side.. they can only take so much spread before they go "SNAP"... Trust me I KNOW... You don't want to be buying a new clutch and brake master cylinder because you broke the clamp off. If I had to do it over, I'd either sand down the bar ends or try reaming out the clamp area to get a better fit.

[pepebmw]

Nowt, that's a bit complicated and there's a risk of making of mistake.

I just went to touratech and did found the parts. Surely will work on my rockster with a slight "maybe".

http://www.touratech-usa.com/shop/bmw_r ... Pju2A4FC40

Dunno if it'll work on a Rockster due to cable/brake line length.

Expensive, though.

[Ves]

That stainless steel brake line is a pain... you'll definitely need a new one if the new bars are much higher or swept back more.

[bruno71]

Pepe,
I have a new never used longer GS brake line that came with the bar-backs I bought for my Rockster. I think it is included in the kit for standard R1150Rs that may have a shorter line (I'm not sure). Anyway, if you want to try it, send me a note and we can work something out.

Bruno

[Buckster]

Ves,
Is there a website for those bars? What was the cost? They look nice.
I was looking at something a little more straight and not as wide as Rockster bars. Wunderlich has a nice bar but it's kind of pricey.