Some more dumb questions

[myspark]

I hope you'll bear with me for a few more dumb questions.

I've put plenty more miles on my 2024 R 1250 RS and I really need to do the Handlebar Conversion (or whatever it might be called). I'd like to be sitting up straighter and have some more bar for precision. Plus, the current OEM set-up is not comfortable for my wife. We made a pact after buying a *lot* of bikes in a short span that we needed to whittle down to 3, and that they all be good bikes for both of us.

Is there a bar conversion that any of you favor? I see the Wunderlich and its good match to OEM in either silver or black, plus it's described as being pre-drilled - which I'm assuming is helpful. Hornig also has a kit, close to $200 less expensive, and does not appear to be pre-drilled. Both shops have Brake Line and Clutch Line extenders available, which I plan to get. Any opinions on these two, or some other maker?

Additionally, I'd like some help on the grips. I read with interest - and mounting horror - the threads where folks have had to switch out their grips, and all the hassle with the OEM heated grip elements. WAY out of my league to try. This is a virtually new, ~ 3K mile bike. Can the heated grips be ported over in whole to the new tubular handlebar, or will I need to het new OEM heated grips?

And last up, since I'm here: I have the cylinder covers from Motomachineart. I plane to get front and rear axle crash hubs (or something approximating it on the Paralever). I see so many different protection products advertised for this bike and am suffering a bit of overload. Do I need to get that cover with the holes in it for the rear axle? Care to advocate for anything in particular?

As ever, I am grateful for your patience and advice. Thanks in advance.

-- Mark

 

[lee]

I put a R&G guard here instead of the big hole area.


I figure the big jugs sticking out are enough to protect the front axle.

 

[pauls1150]

Lee's example of the rear "sliders" (left side only shown above) is probably the better way to go - I don't know if it still applies, but I've read that the "big hole" helps to cool the oil (Hypoid G3) in the rear.

 

[r0ckrat]

Re: Handlebars and grips. There have been a few cases of people swapping RS bars to R and vice-versa, (And on newer models the availability of a few options direct from BMW on both.) Not sure if it would be more or less expensive to stick with BMW parts over Wunderlich, but you might be able to find R bars and clamps/risers on ebay. I'm not sure what the hassles would be in swapping grips over, but you could talk to your local dealer about the process if they are friendly. It shouldn't be THAT terrible to do, I'm guessing a little compressed air and/or soapy water under pressure to get under the grip and allow it to slide would help...

You could also check RealOEM.com for the handle bar and risers for any wethead R up to 2020 and see what other models use them (I think they might be the same as the S1000R and possibly XR) for searching ebay listings.

 

[vwsandman]

Get the Wunderlich bars. Everything you need is included in the kit. The silver color is a perfect match and it is as OEM as it needs to be in looks and function. On my recent 4,500 miles trip from Wisconsin to Sedona AZ, the ergonomic improvement was an absolute game changer for me. All day comfort, zero goofy angle on my wrist, felt "chopper esque" at first but soon forgotten. For the grips, no worries. everything just slides off and unplugs. Two connectors on each side. The heated grips has a small latch that must be unclipped first. The Wunderlich instructions for the bars and swapping over can be viewed on the page for the conversion so you can see what is involved. I'm a pretty experienced owner, but I would say with a good set of Torx keys and some basic hand tools you could do this in a few hours. The clutch side hose was a bit tight, but I have had no troubles NOT extending it and I would go that route first so you don't have to go down that rabbit hole of special clutch fluid ( it is NOT brake fluid!) and bleeding that system. If you feel it needs to be done, do so afterwards. PM me if you need more specifics and I would be glad to step you through it.

 

[myspark]

Thanks for all the replies and advice!

I am going to go with vwsandman and get the Wunderlich, as I had been leaning that way already; but I do appreciate all the thoughts here. I saw that they were at a mild discount once they restocked so I ordered up in Silver. Can't wait! I really appreciate the feedback about rider comfort, as that is the major reason for the conversion. I've already got the 2" drop Wunderlich Vario system pegs installed (also game changers in leg and foot comfort) and look forward to being "done" soon...if such a thing exists. I'm working with SW-Motech to get their rear rack to mount the D-USC case(s) we already have for the Husky for both the Africa Twin and this wonderful BMW. Ready for the big touring soon!