Euro/low bars

[Rob Valdez 79 R65]

Here is a lay-out of the peices from my '79.  It is the rubber line coming off the master cylinder that needs replaced.  This is the short one.  For RS bars, you might need shorter still, or just bend that first metal tube a little.
If your bike is a '81+, the layout may be different.

[Joan]

Here is a lay-out of the peices from my '79.  It is the rubber line coming off the master cylinder that needs replaced.  This is the short one.  For RS bars, you might need shorter still, or just bend that first metal tube a little.
If your bike is a '81+, the layout may be different.

Whoa... I wonder if it's the model year difference or replacement part on mine, but Blueberry the '83 has a rectangular bar mount mc, with a single rubber brake line down to the metal tube of the single caliper. No splitter attached, BU TT a splitter, extra caliper and disk came in a box from the previous owner. He did claim it had an R80 fork on it. Hmmm. Very interesting.

Thanks for the pic, Rob! This is illuminating!

[Rev._Eddie]

'79, '80' and a few '81's had the round style master cylinder before they switched to the rectangular style in '81.

The round style master cylinders had a short brake hose that went to the splitter behind the headlight assembly--and another brake line that went from the splitter to the caliper. Easy enough to change that upper short brake hose out if swapping handlebars.

The rectangular master cylinder set-up had a single brake line that went from the master cylinder
to the caliper.

Eddie

[jhebass01]

So, does someone who made the switch from high to low w/ the rectangular, single-line MC know whether a shorter hose is required?

Got the Flanders bars today at work...seem to be very nice quality, and shipping took 2 days from time of order.

I know what I'm doing this weekend. Now I'll be able to use my choke w/o scratching my formerly flawless S fairing.

[donbmw]

With in a month after I bought my 1982 R65 new I installed a Rapid Transit fairing and installed lower bars that were about a 2 inch rise. I did not change any cables, hoses or any wires so I could always go back to stock if I wanted to. In 1985 i got a 1975 R90 and installed a RS fairing and after like the position with the RS bars I bought RS bars and installed them on the R65 and stayed with the stock length cables and hoses. I also stayed with the stock length cables and hoses on the R90. I have not had any problems with the controls by doing this. Someday both bikes may go back to stock bikes but for now they will stay this way. I fill the RS riding position for me is the best ride position than sitting upright.

Don

[jhebass01]

Got the euro bars on last weekend. Quite a learning experience, as switching bars is a pain in the old ass, and all the cabling is just not-quite long enough to pull the switch/control lever clusters off the high bars w/o stretching the bejesus out of the cables. If anyone has yet to do this, remove the clutch cable from transmission lever first...helps w/ slack.

In the process I definitley stetched the throttle cables. Seem to have enough adjustment left in the carb and under-tank adjusters to make up for it. I knew something was wrong when I started my bike for the first time after the bar install and it idled at 5000 rpm.

Niggles aside, the new bars have completely and profoundly changed my bike's personality. It turns and leans so much quicker. It is much more fun to ride. On the negative side, it's definitely less comfortable and harder on the wrists. I think I may get used to it, however.

Thinking of rearsets now. Any suggestions? Experience?

Thanks!

[Rob Valdez 79 R65]

I'm sorry you had so much trouble, jhebass, but you were trying to do it the lazy way.  One definitely has to disconnect all of the control wires and cables before attempting that.  I hope you saw the switches came off with just one screw?

As for rearsets, it is something I have thought off and on about for 27 years, but I have never gone through with it.  But then, I enjoy getting out and crossing state lines every once in a while, and I don't want to be tied into one foot position.

There are a couple of places that sell them, but in either case you will still need to do some fabricating.  They are not bolt-on kits.  And they are expensive, over $200.

Myself, I am still hoping for the day when I will find a regular occupant for my passenger pegs.    Not that the R65 is really big enough for two, but I'd be more than happy to suffer.

[msbuck]

I just keep my passenger foot pegs down and use them when I'm cruisin' down the road.  I started doing that when I found the buzz was less on the rear footpegs that the front.  I kinda like the position, sort of like rearsets.  So I can move my feet around.  Not as cool as rearsets, though.   [smiley=beatnik.gif]

Rob, two-up is not that much fun on our little bikes.  My hubby's bike lost the gearchange spring up in Virginia a few years back and we two-upped it back to NC.  At least we were able to trade off the driving duties.  The passenger seat was NOT comfortable.  You just need to find someone with their own bike, then you can use your passenger pegs yourself!   [smiley=wink.gif]

[jhebass01]

While I don't deny that I was slightly lazy (actually, more like ignorant), I didn't see that the control clusters literally came off while positioned on the bar. It seemed more like they loosen their grip on the bar so that they can slide off. The left switch comes off, but the clutch lever assembly doesn't...or am I wrong? Probably wrong. I should have removed the throttle cables, and the electrical connection to the brake lever easily came off.

I use the passenger pegs, too. It'd just be nice to not have to worry that I'll suddenly need to shift or brake while my feet are not in position. Plus, I occasionally do have a passenger, thankfully. I don't find it that bad, actually. She doesn't complain...much.

[Rob Valdez 79 R65]

You just need to find someone with their own bike, then you can use your passenger pegs yourself!   [smiley=wink.gif]

The pickins are slim around here.  All the girls want a Har-ley!...  

I am beginning to warm up to a certain non-riding female online, here in town, and we have so much in common otherwise, that I am willing to make the sacrifice.  

[Jon_P]

i wish my wife would ride with me , i'm luck cuz she doesnt push that she doesnt like them on me. thought if i could find a touring model with the trunk and bags where she would not have the feeling where she could fall off maybe i could get her on for a ride.

i am ucky to have six kids that love to ride.

now those bars, are those what they call drag bars with a pull back? compared to a straight drag bar or broom stick bar. anyone use the super moto bar? i use them on my other bikes and have put on on the r65 rebuild. yes i had to get new shorter brake tubing also.

[Mumford]

I've found that I can very comfortably settle my toes on the front pegs, and the end of my heels on the passenger ones. . .for an almost floorboard feel. Not something I like to do in traffic, but it's nice to have an extra position for the long rides.

[Rob Valdez 79 R65]

I've found that I can very comfortably settle my toes on the front pegs, and the end of my heels on the passenger ones. . .for an almost floorboard feel. Not something I like to do in traffic, but it's nice to have an extra position for the long rides.

Yes, that is my "third" position, as well!

[nhmaf]

Me three !!!
Of course, having size 12.5 feet, I can often use both sets of pegs without even trying too !

[msbuck]

I can put my whole foot through the space between the front and rear pegs!  No floorboard effect for me!  
  (That's what a woman's size 4 will do for you.   :-/  )