The New And Improved Unofficial R65 Forum V2
Technical Discussion => BMW Technical Q&A, Primarily R65 => Topic started by: clonmore1 on August 25, 2014, 05:00:32 AM
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According to the sources I have access to the std bars have a rise of 55mm with an overall span of 650mm.
When I first got the bike and sat on it, I found the std bars a little uncomfortable. I haven't ridden the bike at all, so cannot comment on ride comfort.
Has anybody got personal experience of changing the dynamics of their bike by fitting non std bars?
I would like to fit an S fairing at some point and have the handlebar mounted brake m/s.
I am planning to replace the cables as part of the rebuild.
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Those dimensions are about right although I measure 640mm max. across with the grips on so the actual bars will be a little narrower. I found that if the bars were rotated so that the rise in the forks continued in line with the stanchions the grips would be inclined downwards. I went an unorthodox route and bent the standard euro bars (not easy) to raise the ends back up to being level The overall effect was to raise the bars 1" and pull them back 1". That made a surprising difference and was enough for me to get comfortable.
If you are changing cables anyway there are more options. K series bars fitted to the standard or C models are said to be a nice compromise between the low and high versions.
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A change to an aftermarket bar can be done, but selecting the correct diameter is critical. BMW bars are 22mm dia. I believe. Correct fitment is required due to the size of the clutch and throttle controls. As Barry says, the BMW K series bars would be a good choice.
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I like the bars and bar position on the R65, so I left them alone. I did not like bar position on my new K1300S and changed it after about 1000 miles. What a difference the change made - no more numbness and fatigue in the hands/arms.
IMO, if it doesn't work for you, change it.
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It is really difficult to judge without comparison. In the beginning I thought the r65 euro bars are pretty good and my posture is upright. The more the time passes the more I notice that actually the position is very much like being wrapped around the gas tank. I had a chance to compare with 1962 K-750 which is a rip-off of BMW M71. Lets just say the riding position has changed from steering a carriage to hugging a teddy bear.
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Thanks All,
Appreciate the comments. I'll do some more research, for now I am going to put the original std bars back on whilst I build up the rear.
I can then get the seat back on and look at the bars then. Some great ideas & suggestions for me to consider.
Thanks
Chris
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The USA market bars are way too wide, too tall, and with too much pullback in my opinion, but a person much shorter than me or with shorter arms might find it OK, especially if the bike were fitted with a large fairing. On my LS though, they were totally out of place and actually had my hands nearly knocking into my knees on tight corners. Fitting the low rise, narrow Euro spec bars was the answer for me.
As Bayy says, the K75C model bars are considered a very good compomise between the two extremes, and will mitigate to some extent how much of the cables / hoses need to be swapped out.
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I found this link which raises a whole load of questions!
http://w6rec.com/duane/bmw/lowbars.htm
I'm still researching...
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Is there any other BMW bars that will fit with stock R65 cables and dash pad?
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Flanders -one of the oldest firms in the motorcycle industry- offers more BMW 22mm handlebars than any place I've seen, including BMW dealers.
http://www.sideroadcycles.com/ImportedMotorcycles/ImportHandlebars/ImportHandlebarsBMW.html
Flanders also manufactures stock replacement and custom cables. They also sell parts for brewing your own.
http://www.flanderscables.com/index.html
I'm saving my aluminum cans in hopes of scoring a new bar for my R100S. Don't care for the black bars currently fitted.
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It appears the '84 R65 has a bend all it's own, I've had a terrible time finding bars that will work with the stock cables and dash pad. I called several dealers an got the same story. None were available in the USA, so I finally ordered a new pair from Germany.
They were pricey but I'm tired of trying riding with bent bars, oh well, I love this bike and it deserves a new set.
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I changed from the standard bars to the sport bars, but now I'm either going to change back or I'm going to put extensions on to the sport bars (ie, brackets which effectively bring the handlebar clamps back toward the tank a few inches). The simple reason I need to do this is because I'm finding that my arms are too short for the sport bars (I'm 5' 6").
It will be a simple matter going back to the standard bars, because I've still got the old brake hose and throttle/clutch cables kicking around. I'm not so sure about the extension option.