Helibars on R12s?

[mfrane]

My buddy and I are considering Helibars for our 12s. They look to be a nice billet machined unit with more relaxed dimensions. Although raising 32mm and 19mm to the rear seems like it could create a finger pinch? Anybody have experience with these?

Try this thread

Heli-Bars for the R12S

[EenyBear]

Yep, that's a good thread. You can go to Boxertrix.com and search there too.

I posted a "how to install" checklist that differs slightly but significantly from the instructions that were included with mine.

See the pictures in the link below.

I love 'em. I have, upon advice, purchased a slightly higher double bubble screen. Would have done so anyway 'cause I'm fairly tall. But with the Helibars it seems even more necessary in theory. I say "in theory" 'cause I haven't installed the screen yet and I love riding my bike anyway.

Cheers,
Ian

[Droptarotter]

I am really happy with my Heli- bars. At 5'9" and 52 years old the original reach was a bit of a stretch and hard on my back.
Cheers

[Kieran R1100S]

Originally Posted by EenyBear

Yep, that's a good thread. You can go to Boxertrix.com and search there too.

I posted a "how to install" checklist that differs slightly but significantly from the instructions that were included with mine.

See the pictures in the link below.

I love 'em. I have, upon advice, purchased a slightly higher double bubble screen. Would have done so anyway 'cause I'm fairly tall. But with the Helibars it seems even more necessary in theory. I say "in theory" 'cause I haven't installed the screen yet and I love riding my bike anyway.

Cheers,
Ian

Just looked up your thread, very interesting. I have been toying with the idea of putting them on. Some days it's not a worry for me, other days i would like to be further upright. I think the helibars would be just right so last night I went online and bought a set. Hope they make a difference.

Cheers

[AndrewA]

Can anyone offer additional reviews of the Heli Bars?

Did they solve your particular problem?

[JoHNY]

I'd actually like to lower mine but cannot on account of them snagging on the plastic fairing/tank.

[cageyar]

Originally Posted by JoHNY

I'd actually like to lower mine but cannot on account of them snagging on the plastic fairing/tank.

Raise the rear-the rear Ohlins has adjustable height.

[AndrewA]

Just curious, but what does raising the rear have to do with lowering bars? I know what the effect of lowering bars is, and I know what raising the rear can do. But how are they related?

[cageyar]

Originally Posted by AndrewA

Just curious, but what does raising the rear have to do with lowering bars? I know what the effect of lowering bars is, and I know what raising the rear can do. But how are they related?

Nothing, just trying to make a light hearted suggestion in lieu of bars.

[AndrewA]

Well, thanks for the bump.



Heli bars. Do they work?

Simply a placebo?

[smallj]

I have them and love them. Get a Puig windscreen to keep the additional wind off of you though. They look good and are easy to install.

[slowrider]

Just looked at the Heli website for photos and specs. I think these are the way to go, Andrew. The downside to the Wunderlich handlebar mount on my dad's K bike is the look (IMO). They work for sure, but they dont look like they belong. These look great and I dont think it would take too much rise to help the R12S.

[shreddr]

i was gonna put the foot peg lowering kit and heli bars on my R12S, and after riding 1 day with the peg kit i pulled it off and left it stock. when you compare the ergos of the R12S with something like a ducati 1098 you are in a much more relaxed position to begin with, adding more "comfort" to this seems like overkill unless you are in the 6'+ range.

you might also think that BMW does a lot of ergo research, and they hopefully get it right the first time. that was the sense i had when i tried the change. i actually think the bars are in a great position, especially coming from a cyclist background. but to each his own

[AndrewA]

Originally Posted by shreddr

i was gonna put the foot peg lowering kit and heli bars on my R12S, and after riding 1 day with the peg kit i pulled it off and left it stock. when you compare the ergos of the R12S with something like a ducati 1098 you are in a much more relaxed position to begin with, adding more "comfort" to this seems like overkill unless you are in the 6'+ range.

you might also think that BMW does a lot of ergo research, and they hopefully get it right the first time. that was the sense i had when i tried the change. i actually think the bars are in a great position, especially coming from a cyclist background. but to each his own

Do you want to sell your kits?

[shreddr]

Originally Posted by AndrewA

Do you want to sell your kits?

i sold the footpeg kit, and returned the unopened Helibars.

although they definitely make an incremental change towards a more comfortable direction, if you are really looking for a more upright riding position, you are probably better off with a GS or MegaMoto, i have debated both options myself, and decided to stick with my hotrod S.

my $0.02

[AndrewA]

You are funny. You have spent more effort and money changing your bike that anyone here. Wasn't it perfect from the factory?


Although I'm not looking to re-engineer the R1200S, I'm pretty confident that I can make it slightly more comfortable for long trips, and at the same time make it more flickable for the type of roads that I ride on.


If my past R1100S ownership is any indication, I can get my S's ergos just where I want them.

[shreddr]

Originally Posted by AndrewA

You are funny. You have spent more effort and money changing your bike that anyone here. Wasn't it perfect from the factory?

there is always room for performance improvements, i am considering my next move as i type!

as far as the ergos go i think they are pretty good stock, but if your riding suits a more relaxed position then do what you need to do.

[kocook]

Originally Posted by AndrewA

You are funny. You have spent more effort and money changing your bike that anyone here. Wasn't it perfect from the factory?


Although I'm not looking to re-engineer the R1200S, I'm pretty confident that I can make it slightly more comfortable for long trips, and at the same time make it more flickable for the type of roads that I ride on.


If my past R1100S ownership is any indication, I can get my S's ergos just where I want them.

Sheddr's focus on past mods seemed to be more in the area of engine performance, from what I could tell. Thought his point here was that after attempting to mod the ergos, he decided the factory ergos were better than his mods--for him, that is.

Just a note, during my daily commutes on my R1200S, I notice that my relaxed position would put the ideal bar position for me at about 1" higher and back. However, on the track, the bars are a tad too high. I can live with the current compromise on the commute, but the helibars would bugger up the track experience. Also, concerned that it would shift too much (body) weight aft and cause additional front tire sliding. So have left mine alone.

As for moving the pegs, that would definitely ruin my track time. Don't think the pegs could be any lower and not drag. Heck the heads get in the way on occasion.

However, if I were to use this bike as a pure sport tourer / commuter; the helibars would be a great mod. They certainly look better than the other solutions I have seen. Would likely go with dropping the pegs a notch to ease the tension in the knees. Not likely to give up much lean angle for the street since I try to leave a solid safety reserve in that venue.

[AndrewA]

Originally Posted by kocook

Just a note, during my daily commutes on my R1200S, I notice that my relaxed position would put the ideal bar position for me at about 1" higher and back. However, on the track, the bars are a tad too high. I can live with the current compromise on the commute, but the helibars would bugger up the track experience. Also, concerned that it would shift too much (body) weight aft and cause additional front tire sliding. So have left mine alone.

Good points.

On my 02 R1100S, I installed stock BMW K/RS. I did this primarily to lesson strain and soreness that I'd feel for days in my throttle hand after a long ride. I installed these primarily as a comfort mod.

In the low position, the bars would approximate the stock low bar position, This is where I'd put the bars for a track day.

What I found was that the bike performed significantly better in really tight twisties if they were in the middle position. This was an unexpected benefit.

There is a reason that most rave about how easy it is to ride a GS in the tight stuff. It is the same reason that motards exist.

So while I'm not contemplating raising the bars primarily as a comfort mod., I am convinced that higher and wider bars will make the bike faster on tight roads. As such, it is a performance mod.