Handlebar Snapping Start to the Day!!!!!!!!!!!!

[BuckeyeClark]

WTF??????????? So I climb onto my R1100RS this morning to go to work push the bike off the centerstand (like I do every morning) and the left handlebar snaps off!!!!!!!!!! It was all I could do to not fall over when this "surprise" happening occured!! It was too dark and, by the time I got through standing there staring at the handlebar dangling by the control wires, I was running late so I do not know exactly what happened. I am not happy.........:banghead

[grossjohann]

Yikes!!!

Good thin it wasn't in the middle of a tight turn!!!!

Check out Beemer Boneyard. They may have some cheap replacement parts for your RS.

http://www.beemerboneyard.com/habaco.html

-Alex

[Andy VH]

Take the VIN for your bike to the dealer. There was a recall by BMW way back in 95 or 96 for just that problem. Lucky for you it ddin't happen while riding it! If the recall update was never applied to your bike it should still be done, and at no cst to you.

My 94 R1100RS was on the recall list and the handlebars were replaced free of charge.

[BuckeyeClark]

Okay, after further review here is the situation. It turns out that the last few threads of the handlebar where the bolt comes in from the bottom stripped out. The bolt that holds the assembly together on each side only engages the handlebar threads about 1/4". Why in the world would they design it this way when there are threads almost to the top of the inside of the assembly? Is this just how they were made or has someone at some time possibly changed out the bolts? I went and got bolts that were 1/2" longer, installed them on both sides, and they threaded all the way in and sucked the handlebar down as tight as can be. Someone either had changed out the original bolts (cap screws) or the person that designed this part of the handlebar assembly was an idiot! What gives?

[riderR1150GSAdv]

I'd still check to see if the recall applies to your bike....YMMV

[kgadley01]

sounds like someone changed the bolts out for some unknown reason. thankfully no one got hurt. if you haven't allready done so, ( you probley have ) check the other one too.:thumb

[DrPaul]

Okay, after further review here is the situation. It turns out that the last few threads of the handlebar where the bolt comes in from the bottom stripped out. The bolt that holds the assembly together on each side only engages the handlebar threads about 1/4". Why in the world would they design it this way when there are threads almost to the top of the inside of the assembly? Is this just how they were made or has someone at some time possibly changed out the bolts? I went and got bolts that were 1/2" longer, installed them on both sides, and they threaded all the way in and sucked the handlebar down as tight as can be. Someone either had changed out the original bolts (cap screws) or the person that designed this part of the handlebar assembly was an idiot! What gives?Were risers installed between the top triple clamp and the handlebar? If so, and the stock bolts were used, that might be the problem.

[MCMXCIVRS]

Were risers installed between the top triple clamp and the handlebar? If so, and the stock bolts were used, that might be the problem.


Or perhaps at one time someone had risers on and removed them and did not reinstall the correct original length bolts.

At any rate, it is critical to not overtighten the bolts and damage the threads. If some of the threads are damaged or pulled out, I would still be concerned even with a new longer bolt in place.

[bdspler]

think of traffic that AM , Dark, YOU ARE ONE LUCKY S,O,A,Gun. Give me some Lotto Numbers!
bd