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Author Topic: Handlebar size  (Read 3206 times)

Offline Bo

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Handlebar size
« on: April 17, 2020, 11:17:54 AM »
What is the width of the low handlebars on the 1979 R65? The black bars on mine are barely 22" wide, although all controls fit fine.
It seems as if the brake hose from the master cylinder is too bent and cramped (I have a new on order due to leak), and the end of the throttle handle sticks out about 1".
Since I would like to fit some nice bar end mirrors, that too could be an issue.
Thanks Bo

Offline nhmaf

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Re: Handlebar size
« Reply #1 on: April 23, 2020, 10:43:36 PM »
You can also keep your eyes open for a handlebar to fit a K75, I think.   They came in a couple different widths, but should fit the R65, if I recall correctly.

Wjen I went from the "USA" bars on my 1982 R65LS (which really didn't fit the bike well as they were like cruiser/chopper bars on what is essentially a cafe racer type style), I had to get shorter top brake line - there was no avoiding it.
Airhead #12178 ? BMWMOA #123173 ?BMWRA #33525 ?GSBMWR #563 ?1982 BMW R65LS ?1978 BMW R100/7 1998 Kawasaki Concours

Offline wilcom

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Re: Handlebar size
« Reply #2 on: April 24, 2020, 12:33:10 AM »
Quote
and the end of the throttle handle sticks out about 1"

I went out and looked at my 2 R65LS's and they too had the throttle hanging over the end of the bar. All the controls were up as far as they would go so there wasn't any wiggle room where I could have gotten more bar to stick out.

Would make mounting bar end mirrors and engineering problem.
Joe Wilkerson
Telephone man with a splash of Data
Menifee, CA

Present:
1984 BMW R65LS "Herr Head"
past:
1982 BMW R65LS
1979 R65
1980 R65
1982 R80RT
1974 R90/6
1972 R75
1964 R50/2
19xx R27
ZX-11

Offline nhmaf

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Re: Handlebar size
« Reply #3 on: May 02, 2020, 08:32:20 PM »
I got bar end mirrors on mine, but-
1. I had to modify them to get them to fit - the left side wasn't too difficult but the clutch/controls have to be slid inward almost as far as they can go.
2. The right side is a kludge and still isn't right and frequently requires adjusting/tweaking with the right side controls and throttle tube shoved inward as far as it can go..  Either a slightly wider/longer bar is needed - I am not sure, but the K75 low bar *might* be slightly longer - or.... you have to cut the throttle tube down so there isn't so much sticking over the end.  I have not done this myself as my hands are larger and I don't want the grips to be any shorter than they already are.

There are other bars out there which are a good length, but the diameter is slightly different-I think  7/8" instead of 22mm ?   In any case, the controls and throttle tube don't work on those so well and you can crack/damage them  when trying to secure them on.  It is a "finicky" sort of a problem to solve...
Airhead #12178 ? BMWMOA #123173 ?BMWRA #33525 ?GSBMWR #563 ?1982 BMW R65LS ?1978 BMW R100/7 1998 Kawasaki Concours

Offline wilcom

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Re: Handlebar size
« Reply #4 on: May 03, 2020, 10:33:32 AM »
Quote
It is a "finicky" sort of a problem to solve...

I think I have solved the problem setting at my desk (yea, I hate those guys too)

Grab an old set of bars and cut off a length that you would need to make the existing bars flush with the throttle. Weld extension on the existing bars, grind and buff for perfect size. Easy peasy

Now we need an eager young lad with a desire for bar ends for "proof of concept"
Joe Wilkerson
Telephone man with a splash of Data
Menifee, CA

Present:
1984 BMW R65LS "Herr Head"
past:
1982 BMW R65LS
1979 R65
1980 R65
1982 R80RT
1974 R90/6
1972 R75
1964 R50/2
19xx R27
ZX-11

Offline Luca

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Re: Handlebar size
« Reply #5 on: May 25, 2020, 02:30:00 PM »
I have bar end mirrors on my low bar LS.  I had to scooch the handlebars slightly to the right to keep the throttle tube from hanging over the bar and interfering with the mirror while allowing enough room for the master cylinder.  I don't know if they are off center now or if they weren't properly centered before, but they are approximately centered; I just went with an exyeball and test feel, no measurements.  They are certainly no more bothersome than the lopsided footpegs
'82 R65LS
'01 K1200RS

Offline r67boxer

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Re: Handlebar size
« Reply #6 on: February 02, 2021, 04:50:53 PM »
Not sure if everything in this thread has been resolved but, in case it hasn't, here are my two bits. I struggled to find the correct bars for my '87 R65 basket case and finally settled on a 22mm bar (7/8" don't work and will damage the controls if you force them on) that is 28" across with approx. 4 1/4" rise.

Kevin

Offline Burt

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Re: Handlebar size
« Reply #7 on: April 04, 2021, 10:15:44 PM »
With the K75 there are three main bar types.  Those for the 75S & RT are fairly common but the C model bars are like hens teeth.  All require different cable lengths and the 75S bar is the same as the K100RS with RTs being the same for both. 

As has probably mentioned before the K diameter is 22mm and NOT 7/8". 
Black 1984 R65 - the Wombat