The New And Improved Unofficial R65 Forum V2
Technical Discussion => BMW Technical Q&A, Primarily R65 => Topic started by: chrisr65ls on November 22, 2008, 11:11:29 PM
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The handle bars on my LS are the low european type of bar and not the same as the ones fitted to the US bikes.
My problem is that after about half an hour my right hand especially the thumb gets very numb. I figure it must be from extra weight being on them as the bars are low.
I'm thinking about getting a set out from the US and trying them, however, this could be expensive as I'll probably have to replace the cables too.
Does anyone else have this problem? Will the slightly higher handlebars make much difference?
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Anyone nearby that rides a high-bar BMW? Maybe score a test ride? May not need to be a Beemer...
Yes, you'll probably spend a chunk of change to convert what with brake hose/s, clutch and possible choke/throttle cables. Check the wiring harness length on your handlebar switch assemblies, too. Oh... I'm getting woozie just thinking about it! :-/
Do you work on computer keyboards all day? Carpal Tunnel issues are not uncommon due to prolonged hype-extension of the wrist. I ain't no doctor and it's just my [smiley=2cents.gif]
Good luck with this deal. Monte
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Ive just fitted a set of RT bars from Motorworks the ride position is much better you need to order the brake pipe and a banjo bolt , throttle cables, and clutch cable to do the mod no need to alter the electrics the cable is looped back under the fuel tank and long enough the stuff is on there website works out at about 80 quid to do the mod but well worth it in my opinion
Lou
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I'd give you the higher USA bars that I took off my LS, but I gave them to a guy who used to be on this forum a couple years ago, and I think that he has sold the bike, or at least, doesn't hang around here anymore.. I think that his moniker was "Kingtut", or something like that...
Sorry.
One things that you might try, if your arms are long enough, is to first check/notice if your elbows are bent out to the side while in riding position. IF they are, then this is putting maximum amount of pressure on your hands at a couple areas in the palm where there are nerves going out to your fingers. If you can ride with your eblows more tucked in, closer to your body, you'll sit up a bit straighter and lessen the pressure. IT may not solve the problem, but it might alleviate it a little.
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That's strange, i have never seen a HIGH set of bars on an LS here in the states. I think they would look like dog poop on a LS, but if your digits are falling asleep maybe try some bar-backs. They would straighten you up just a bit and relieve some pressure.
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If anyone that has an LS could measure the distance from the ground to the top of the grip I will do the same and we can compare.
I think its only an inch or two difference.
Please explain, what is a Bar-back?
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Please explain, what is a Bar-back?
Machined handlebar clamps (riser/set backs) for repositioning the bars. Designed to raise and move back uncomfy stockers.
In my experience, it's also the fancy mirrored area behind a classy drinking establishment's bar where all the good stuff and fancy glasses reside. [smiley=beer.gif]
Toast Thanksgiving! Monte
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there are various sizes the "RT" bars are 200mm rise abour 5inch higher than standard but look good
http://www.motorworks.co.uk/bmw/products/product.php?f=i&code=BA_15_20_OA_20&shnew=New&model=R45%2F50%2F60%2F65%2F75%2F80%2F90%2F100+%282+valve%29&shnewcode=15&part=Handlebars+and+controls&sub_part=Handlebars&modelcode=20&partcode=OA&source_code=BA_15_20_OA_20&header_text=
Lou
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I have the low European bars and didn't feel comfortable with them. I rotated them in the clamps which brought them back towards me by 1 inch or so but now they pointed down so I wasn't really any better off.
I decided to try and bend them - just a little. I could make no impression on them cold.
I heated the bends gently with a blow lamp and manged to move them (Steel starts to weaken at quite low temperatures). Finished up with the bar ends about 1 inch further back and 1 inch higher than stock.
It doesn't sound much but I can feel the difference and I swear the bike is easier to balance when moving it around in the garage. A slight bluing of the chrome polished ok.
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I found some old photos that I had taken for Kling Tut - if you look for a set of USA high bars for your LS, this should give you some idea of the difference.
I didn't like them on my LS as they didn't look quite right to me, plus I am fairly tall, and the bars had so much pullback and were so relatively wide I felt like I basically had my hands almost in my pants pockets when grabbing the bar grips, and I was forced to sit straight up and couldn't lean forward into the wind. My arms are long enough (sleeve length on my dress shirts is 34/35) that reaching the lower bars is no problem and doesn't have me leaning forward all that much.
I even used my dual English/Metric unit tape measure at the time for the metrically challenged ;)
(https://bmwr65.org/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi159.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Ft138%2Fnhmaf%2FUSA_HiBarsonLS01.jpg&hash=7e7acad773621037089b5e6242df99f9b23e6ef3)
(https://bmwr65.org/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi159.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Ft138%2Fnhmaf%2FUSA_HiBarsonLS02.jpg&hash=3f768b7e2db8f59eebbeec21e67fbaa13fc561f2)
(https://bmwr65.org/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi159.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Ft138%2Fnhmaf%2FUSA_HiBarsonLS03.jpg&hash=406eb56a57d82499ac5f862f99d8261170a92fd5)
(https://bmwr65.org/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi159.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Ft138%2Fnhmaf%2FUSA_HiBarsonLS04.jpg&hash=03726d240c6bec6c86a91efc6aff9317f2bc16cd)
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Great pictures, nhmaf!
Yeah, Kling-Tut, up in Chicago. Mostly into GL-type Hondas.
I, too, really like the low bars. I feel like I am more "at one" with the bike.
Someone pointed to this site earlier? Motorworks
(UK) (http://www.motorworks.co.uk/bmw/products/product.php?f=i&code=BA_15_20_OA_20&shnew=New&model=R45%2F50%2F60%2F65%2F75%2F80%2F90%2F100+%282+valve%29&shnewcode=15&part=Handlebars+and+controls&sub_part=Handlebars&modelcode=20&partcode=OA&source_code=BA_15_20_OA_20&header_text=)
It says the /5 R65 bar is only a 50mm rise versus
/6 /7 R90S/CS with a 75mm rise!
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From the ground to the top of the handlebar with the US bars: 42 inches. Hope this helps.
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From the ground to the top of the handlebar with the US bars: 42 inches. Hope this helps.
Thanks Sue,
The measurement on mine with the Euro bars is 39inches.
3 inch difference. Thats a lot more than I thought.
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Just to be clear, I measured to the top of the GRIP as you requested: 42 " as stated. So what are you thinking you'll do? I had an LS with low bars 24 yrs. ago and now that I'm a lot older I like the more upright seating position with the US bars.
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Not older Sue, just a few more miles...
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there are various sizes the "RT" bars are 200mm rise abour 5inch higher than standard but look good
http://www.motorworks.co.uk/bmw/products/product.php?f=i&code=BA_15_20_OA_20&shnew=New&model=R45%2F50%2F60%2F65%2F75%2F80%2F90%2F100+%282+valve%29&shnewcode=15&part=Handlebars+and+controls&sub_part=Handlebars&modelcode=20&partcode=OA&source_code=BA_15_20_OA_20&header_text=
Lou
This reminds me... My latest '83 R65 purchase is, according to Lamont, fitted with the R90S handlebars. So far, I cannot see/feel a difference. The '81 has the OEM lower euro bars.
Monte
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Just to be clear, I measured to the top of the GRIP as you requested: 42 " as stated. So what are you thinking you'll do? I had an LS with low bars 24 yrs. ago and now that I'm a lot older I like the more upright seating position with the US bars.
thanks Sue.
I measured to the top of the grip too.
That 3inch difference would make for a much better riding position.
The cost is going to be the decider. The cables would be the most expensive bit. Don't suppose you know anyone with an old set of US bars laying around?