Fitting Bar Backs

Risers/Setbacks for the R1200RT

14/01/2007

With red and sore palms after a ride  I was certainly suffering from the position of the handlebars on the R1200RT. All they needed to be was to be a little higher, and a little further back. So, just as on my old 1100RT I've fitted Bar backs, here's how I did it.

First you need the parts, this particular kit is made for UK supplier Nippy Normans. Machined from 6061-T6 Aluminum and clear anodized, these lift the handlebars 1 inch up and 1 inch back. Also included are eight Stainless Steel Allen screws.

The kit:

The left bar back is laid out as it would be fitted under the left side handlebar, the right side Bar Back has been flipped over so you can see the machining on the underside.

Tools used:

3/8 Drive Ratchet.

Extension.bar

T45 Torx Bit.

6mm Allen Bit.

3/8 Drive Torque Wrench.

Oh, and don't forget an old towel or thick sheet to protect the bikes paint while your working!

These are some of the tools I used, all 3/8 drive, the left bit is 6mm Allen, the right bit is T45 Torx.

Fitting:

Place a thick towel over the paint work before you do anything (you can thank me after you've dropped the first tool). Then starting on the right hand side, remove the four T45 Torx screws that hold the handlebar down. (Surprisingly, mine weren't too tight!) With the screws out my helper lifted the handlebar out of the way. BUT, do keep it level, remember there is a hydraulic reservoir in there, you don't want to get air in the brakes by tipping it over.

Watch out for the O ring under the handlebar, it can get displaced when you lift the handlebar off.

After making sure the O ring is in position I fitted the right hand Bar Back. Here, I'm using the 6mm Allen bit to screw the Allen screws down, once they are all down snug, there're tightened to 19 Nm / 14 ft/lb with a torque wrench.

Next, re fit the handlebar to the Bar Back with the original Torx screws. I have no specified torque for this, so I can only suggest tightening to 19 Nm / 14 ft/lb again.

With the left one fitted we're all  finished, but my main concern was how tight the brake and clutch hoses would be with the handlebars turned 'lock to lock' as there isn't a lot of slack. Surprisingly, with the bars on left lock the brake hose isn't too tight, it just lays against the Bar Back. If anything, its the clutch hose on right lock that's a little tight, if I ever need to disconnect the clutch hose, I'll try and re route it around the cables, but for now it will have to do.

Test ride.

Well, I didn't have to ride far to notice the difference, the handgrips are in a much more comfortable position now, and I don't feel I'm pushing against them any more. No more sore hands, Success!

Suppliers:

Nippy Normans

Devon, UK

01626 830458

Moto-Techniques

Fort Worth, Texas, USA

817 222 9209

Or, you could try your local BMW dealer.

Disclaimer

This page is offered as a guide only

Any work you carry out on your motorcycle you do so entirely at your own risk

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