R1150R Handlebars

Topics related to the ownership, maintenance, equipping, operation, and riding of the R1150R.

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PhillyScott
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R1150R Handlebars

Post by PhillyScott »

I'm new to this board, so let me first say hello!

I've been contemplating the purchase of an R1150R and like the bike a lot, but the handlebars are quite a bit different to what I'm used to. Has anyone changed the bars to make them shorter and/or lower? Is there a way to install a high "clip-on" type bar?

Bikes I currently own are:
'93 Moto Guzzi 1000 S
'03 Triumph Speed Four
'05 Triumph Bonneville Thruxton

The R1150R will replace my Triumph Speed 4, as I need at least one bike that will be good "two-up" and allow for panniers.
Moto Guzzi 1000 S
BMW R1150R Rockster
Triumph Bonneville Thruxton
Moto Guzzi V7 'Cafe' Classic (UK)
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crousos
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Post by crousos »

Scott, you can replace the bars with the Rockster bars that are lower.



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Post by vinman »

crousos is right. The rockster bars are an option. I switched my OEM bars to the rockster bars. No mods to wiring or anything else were needed and I'm sure you won't have any trouble selling a used OEM bar. I sold mine in a day.
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Post by crousos »

There are quite a few Rockster guys that are swithing theirs to the Roadster bars , that is how I got mine for $25.



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DJ Downunder
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Post by DJ Downunder »

Hi there PhillyScott....you're right about the RR..it will be good "two-up" and allow for panniers.

When I got mine almost 4yrs ago the first thing that I wanted to do was put a lower and shorted bar on...maybe even a flat bar.

Now I'm not sure...maybe if you position yourself lower and more forward you will need to move the pegs back a bit also..or it might feel a bit odd.

The rockster bars are a little lower...but also a bit wider...so I gave them a miss.

I ruled a flat bar out because of tank clearance...and also our bars have holes and dents in them I think...for the heated grips.

It first I didn't like the big trail bike feel the stock bars had but I'm used to them now and very happy with them.

I did loosen the mounts and rotate them forward a little...giving me a little forward lean..and putting the leavers where I like them...down a bit.

DJ
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PhillyScott
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Post by PhillyScott »

Thanks crousos, vinman and DJ Downunder for your replies!

I just returned from the BMW Finger Lakes Rally, where I enjoyed myself immensely! I had a chance to look at quite a few R1150R's, but all had stock handlebar set-ups.

I think one of my issues with the bars are that they seem fairly wide and was wondering if I cut an inch or two off each end, would I still have enough tank clearance?

Thanks again!
Moto Guzzi 1000 S
BMW R1150R Rockster
Triumph Bonneville Thruxton
Moto Guzzi V7 'Cafe' Classic (UK)
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Post by riceburner »

Just buy a Rockster! :D
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Post by jrock »

There are some bars at BMW of Santa Cruz that they say are between the r1150r and the rockster.
http://www.bmwscruz.com/Merchant2/index.html
Go to R series and pick either Rockster or R1150r. They are called sportego handlebars, part#1624559.
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PhillyScott
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Post by PhillyScott »

jrock wrote:There are some bars at BMW of Santa Cruz that they say are between the r1150r and the rockster.
http://www.bmwscruz.com/Merchant2/index.html
Go to R series and pick either Rockster or R1150r. They are called sportego handlebars, part#1624559.
Thanks, I'll definitely check them out!
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BMW R1150R Rockster
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Moto Guzzi V7 'Cafe' Classic (UK)
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Post by philm35 »

Has anyone tried the Wunderlich Touring Wellness bars?

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Post by wncbmw »

I may have to check out those sportego bars also. Sounds like what I am looking for and can keep the heated handgrips!
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Lenker

Post by sweatmark »

I'm with DJ:

Previously wanted lower/narrower bars in order to create a "sportier" posture for the Roadster, maybe something akin to R90 riding position. But now I'm content with the OE bars, primarily because of a lack of aftermarket options when searching 2 years ago, and more recently because I value the Roadster as do-most-everything machine better suited for wide/high bars (great for low speed handling).

The OE "Lenker" don't fit my hand/arm angles very well (need the pull-back angle reduced), so something like the Ricky Bars would probably work perfectly. Having blown the budget on other projects already, new bars for the R1150R will have to wait.
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Re: Lenker

Post by PhillyScott »

sweatmark wrote:I'm with DJ:

Previously wanted lower/narrower bars in order to create a "sportier" posture for the Roadster, maybe something akin to R90 riding position. But now I'm content with the OE bars, primarily because of a lack of aftermarket options when searching 2 years ago, and more recently because I value the Roadster as do-most-everything machine better suited for wide/high bars (great for low speed handling).

The OE "Lenker" don't fit my hand/arm angles very well (need the pull-back angle reduced), so something like the Ricky Bars would probably work perfectly. Having blown the budget on other projects already, new bars for the R1150R will have to wait.
What are OE 'Lenker" and Ricky Bars?
Moto Guzzi 1000 S
BMW R1150R Rockster
Triumph Bonneville Thruxton
Moto Guzzi V7 'Cafe' Classic (UK)
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Post by DJ Downunder »

Here's Ricky's Bars... http://www.motomacondo.com

Click here for his nice moving pic http://patineto.smugmug.com/photos/3844053-O.gif

DJ

Image

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PhillyScott
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Post by PhillyScott »

Cool, thanks DJ!
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Triumph Bonneville Thruxton
Moto Guzzi V7 'Cafe' Classic (UK)
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sweatmark
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re: "Lenker"

Post by sweatmark »

German "Lenker" = steering wheel, handlebar (kinda sorta)
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PhillyScott
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Re: re: "Lenker"

Post by PhillyScott »

sweatmark wrote:German "Lenker" = steering wheel, handlebar (kinda sorta)
Oh, OK!

Thanks, my German is not very good! :cry:
Moto Guzzi 1000 S
BMW R1150R Rockster
Triumph Bonneville Thruxton
Moto Guzzi V7 'Cafe' Classic (UK)
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