Handlebar Mounting on my R1150R

Hi Everybody,

Well, the new battery has been installed in my 2004 R1150R. I've had some fun riding it. But I was wondering about the handlebar mounting - it seems a little high for my tastes. While I'm don't want a full lean-forward w/ clip-ons riding position ala a cafe racer or a race-rep supersport, I would prefer it to be a bit less upright - especially since the foot pegs are kind of high mounted. I noticed when I looked a bit more closely, that the handlbar on my bike, may be mounted up on risers. Is this the stock mounting, or is the stock mounting on the lower point that the photo I've included shows (with the bars mounted at the point, there would be some appreciated lean to the seating position)?

You likely have a set of barbacks installed...this link:

http://www.bmwmotorcycleaccessories...-1-inch-Up-and-1-1-4-inch-Back-MT-513-062.htm

I'm pretty sure that that spot you're pointing to is where the bars would fit if you were to remove that long piece in the middle. Surprising that the long piece doesn't have a shape to fit that hole...might add a bit of stability. You can measure how much the change would make to the sitting position...probably about 1.5 to 2 inches forward.

My /7 has something similar but you can see how the black extension piece is shaped to fit the spot where the bar went. Sorry, not a great picture.

Had a set of identical barbacks on my '04 R. Easy to dismount and reposition, and may well be more comfy. Try it, but remember to have the front wheel straight ahead and use a big towel or something to protect your fuel tank before loosening those cap screws. DAMHIK!

I have the identical bar mount on my 1150R. It didn't look stock when I bought it used but I like the more upright and back position as I've never been fond of a forward riding position but that's just me. And the pegs really cramp my legs but I'm getting used to it. I just love the ride of my my Beemer compared to my Harley. Don't plan on going back. R1200GSA next. Hope it has more leg room?

daven81gs said:

...And the pegs really cramp my legs but I'm getting used to it. I just love the ride of my my Beemer compared to my Harley. Don't plan on going back. R1200GSA next. Hope it has more leg room?

Click to expand...

I got tired of the cramped legs and installed the foot peg brackets, foot pegs, brake and shift control levers, rear brake master cylinder, brake hose, side stand, center stand, shock absorber and torque arm from an R1150GS. Hard to tell unless you compare the distance from the swing arm pivot to the pegs on my bike and yours. The pegs are about 3 inches lower and the rear of the bike sits about 3 inches higher, so it cancels out as far as ground clearance. It steers faster with the reduced rake but is still quite stable. GS ergos on an R. I also have Wunderlich Touring Wellness handlebars and Verholen barbacks. It was a lot of work, but I like it.

Thanks for the info guys! If I have the gumption this Labor Day weekend, I might remove the barbacks, to see if the riding position is improved.

It really is an easy job to switch it out. In cooler wetter weather I used a tall Cee Bailey screen with the barbacks. Summer weather (3 weeks in the Puget Sound!) I'd go back to the BMW Sport Screen and standard bar mount.

Smooth riding!