Handlebars

[RandyN]

My 86 R65 appears to have had the handle bars replaced and it is not really comfortable on a longer rip. The dash pad has had slots cut in either end to fit in place and the bars seem narrow at about 26" across and approx 3" rise.
I find that I tend to get very sore palms as I find myself putting too much weight forward on my hands after a short time riding. I am looking for feedback on some suggestions for an appropriate fix to improve the ergonomics.
Cheers
Randy

[Barry]

Stock euro bars that the bike was designed for are only 24" wide with something like  1 1/2" rise. US bars were higher and wider perhaps wider than 26" so someone may have cut them down. I find the angle of the grip dictates comfort as much as anything else.  Have you tried rotating the bars in the clamps.

[thrang]

I run 3 inch half rise bars on my LS, (I have the stock bars and an undamaged cowl if I need to return to stock) they are 30 in wide and very comfortable. Sounds like yours has been modded for a similar set bars (or the same which have then been cut down) Motorworks have good quality patern half rise bars or you can try and find a standard set of euro bars. I swapped my because the std euro bars was really giving my buggered wrist (racing injury) some jip.

[RandyN]

Thanks for the feedback. I have just returned form a business trip and the rain will give me a chance to follow up.
Cheers
Randy

[montmil]

The reason the PO cut up the dash pad is due to installing bars with the incorrect center width.

If you'd like to research a large number of handlebar styles and sizes for BMWs, check out Flanders. A reminder that BMW bars are to be 22mm, not 7/8". The throttle tube drives this requirement.

ftp://http://www.SideRoadCycles.com/ImportedMotorcycles/ImportHandlebars/ImportHandlebarsBMW.html

[davidpdx]

I installed a set of bar backs on my R100s which help for long trips but is not the same as wider bars. It does save you from having to buy different cables though.  

[montmil]

The design of the R65's aluminum upper triple clamp could be problematic in attempting to fit bar backs. The cast-in-place lower 'clamps' for the handlebars might present a challenge. Not that it couldn't be done, but then again...?

[RandyN]

I trimmed the dash pad 9is was already hacked and looks better now) so it now fits fully between the existing bars. I rotated the bars forward a fir amount. It was definitely an improvement!! There does seem to be too much pull back in these bars at about 4.75" or there abouts. I am thinking a bar with about 2.75-3" would help reduce the loading on my outer palms. I did check the Flanders bars and found some that might fit the bill. In ay case it is a better ride now,so I wont complain.
Thanks