Dumb question

[jmerlino]

Okay, this is dumb, but I can't seem to find the answer anywhere. What is the diameter of BMW R-bike handlebars? I can't measure mine because I don't have possession of it yet, and I'm not sure if the ones on my F-bike would be the same size. Are they one-inchers or what?

[howvood]

Mine measures 22mm,

[jmerlino]

So that's roughly 7/8". Okay.

[BubbaZanetti]

be careful if you're thinking of switching to 7/8" bars, they won't work, or at least didn't with my airhead, .875 is slightly bigger than the .868 or so that 22mm is and the controls will not fit over these bars...........

[jmerlino]

be careful if you're thinking of switching to 7/8" bars, they won't work, or at least didn't with my airhead, .875 is slightly bigger than the .868 or so that 22mm is and the controls will not fit over these bars...........

Thanks. Is there someplace I can buy 22mm bars? I've looked all over the web.

[BubbaZanetti]

there are some places that sell them (search "bmw bars") but they're expensive, i just hunted around ebay till a set off an old /5 came up, they fit my 84' R100 like a glove and only cost me 30 bucks

[jmerlino]

Thanks. I don't know if stock bars will give me the fit I'm looking for, but I did a search on "22mm handlebars" and I found this place (http://www.sideroadcycles.com/ImportedMotorcycles/ImportHandlebars/ImportHandlebarsBMW.html) that sells 7/8" bars with 22mm contol areas. They run around $70, which is pricey, but if I get the fit I'm looking for, it'll be worth it.

[mcollect]

I have found that Bob's BMW has a good supply of both factory and non OEM handle bars and they are easy to deal with. They even found slightly longer S bars so I could use barend mirrors.

[jmerlino]

I have found that Bob's BMW has a good supply of both factory and non OEM handle bars and they are easy to deal with. They even found slightly longer S bars so I could use barend mirrors.

Thanks! I'll probably be putting in a BIG Bob's order when I get my R100. (Gonna need some bags, and possibly a new set of rear shocks.) So if I can get my bars there, too, I'll be reasonably pleased.

[Bob_M]

I have the stock bars for the R100 that are just hanging in the rafters. These are the higher ones for the upright seating position. you can have them for shipping costs
Bob :)

[jmerlino]

I have the stock bars for the R100 that are just hanging in the rafters. These are the higher ones for the upright seating position. you can have them for shipping costs
Bob :)

Thanks for the offer! :clap

I believe that's what the bike has on it now. I'm looking for something with a bit more pullback. But I'll measure it up when I take possession of the bike, and if your offer still stands at that time, I might take you up on it.

[pmdave]

When I was getting my R75 back in running condition, I didn't care for the relatively low bars or the crude (aftermarket) bar backs, and besides the chrome was rusted. I happened to have a K75 bar (with black finish) that has roughly a 2 in. rise, and reasonable pull back at the ends, so that's what's on there, and I like it. Not really a "sit up" position, but higher and farther back than the original.

It's worthwhile to think clearly about what bar bend you want, not just the true diameter. You want the bike to fit you. One way to help decide is to cut a couple lengths of dowel (say out of an old broom handle) then sit on the bike and hold the dowels in a comfortable position. Try different pull backs, different angles, and different widths, and take measurements. Handlebars that are ergonomically correct for you will make a big difference in the comfort of the ride.

pmdave :type

[jmerlino]

It's worthwhile to think clearly about what bar bend you want, not just the true diameter. You want the bike to fit you. One way to help decide is to cut a couple lengths of dowel (say out of an old broom handle) then sit on the bike and hold the dowels in a comfortable position. Try different pull backs, different angles, and different widths, and take measurements. Handlebars that are ergonomically correct for you will make a big difference in the comfort of the ride.

Thanks, Dave. I was planning to do something along those lines. I have a pretty good idea of how I want the bars to fit. I'm sure I can find something that'll work out.

[rocketman]

Thanks for the offer! :clap

I believe that's what the bike has on it now. I'm looking for something with a bit more pullback. But I'll measure it up when I take possession of the bike, and if your offer still stands at that time, I might take you up on it.

I have the stock bars on my R100/7 and was looking for something a bit taller myself after getting a corbin saddle that has me sitting back farther than the stock seat, I noticed that the early 80's RT bars (they came in black) seem to have just a bit more rise than stock /7 (maybe an inch or inch and 1/2), the ones on your 82 may already be those if you're getting the RT in which case those are the tallest BMW bars I've seen for the 80's airheads.

RM

[Bob_M]

Thanks for the offer! :clap

I believe that's what the bike has on it now. I'm looking for something with a bit more pullback. But I'll measure it up when I take possession of the bike, and if your offer still stands at that time, I might take you up on it.

I am not actively trying to get rid of the bars, so the offer will stand. Have fun with your winter project.
B :thumb