FYI: Helibars for the R1200S

[maineroads]

They hadn't posted any info as of today, but the owner told me appx. $250 US. I didn't fit them, but I did install a set of their bars on a SV650S today. Good instructions come with the kit.

[Grant]

I just ordered a set today from 'bykebitz'. They are expecting their first sets to arrive next week. There is a promotion on just now so I got them for £176.00.

I didn't really want to mess with the bars but since I broke my collarbone longish trips can be a bit of a pain...literally.

[Stevie]

I ordered mine yesterday and they arrived today. Hoping to fit them at the weekend, so will report back then.

[Scuzzlebutt]

Grant,

Wouldn't mind seeing yours when fitted if that's possible.

Iain

[Stevie]

I fitted mine this evening. Took about an hour but I haven't had time to try them on the road yet. Look good enough to look like stock items.

[Stevie]

Ok, so first trip on the R1200S with the helibars fitted. 25 mile commute to work on the A977 mixing fast straights, curvy bits, villages and the eternal roadworks south of Kincardine bridge, with a short stretch of dual-carraigeway.
As I said, the bars look the part, I wouldn't think anyone who wasn't looking for them would even notice a change. They are much, much more comfortable in the 30mph and 40mph zones than the standard bars. From there up to about 80mph I didn't notice much difference - the air pressure takes the weight off the wrists with standard bars at those speeds anyway.
If I were to ride at 80mph plus, , I would say that there is noticeably more wind pressure, to the point that you have to lean lower - to where you would be with the standard bars.
Low speed manouvreability is improved, but I didn't notice any difference in the curves at all. Due to the slightly extra width of the helibars, I was expecting to possibly oversteer slightly but it didn't happen.
So far, I'm pleased with the results, but it might take a longer ride to properly evaluate.

[Grant]

Stevie
Sounds good. I'll post once I get mine fitted next week. Going to the North West in 2 weeks so that should be a good test. Have you still got the standard screen.....I have a double bubble on mine.

Iain,
You are more than welcome to have squint once I've got them fitted. I'll PM you with my mobile number.

Cheers
Grant

[Stevie]

Yeah, still got the standard screen. Thinking about a double-bubble but I'll have to see how to get it past the financial controller. Which one have you got?

[Grant]

I've got the Wunderlich one (£130 fron Nippy Normans) but I believe that Pyramid do one now for the r1200s. It's probably the biggest gripe I've got about the bike is the price of after market bits
F*ck me, I was £300+ for my bellypan and £180 to get it painted.....none of the body shops I knew could get BMW bike paint so I had to go to the main dealer to get it done.

[Scuzzlebutt]

I got a Puig double bubble from a place in Germany for about £55 plus postage.

[Grant]

Well, I finally got the bars on Thursday afternoon after a really helpful guy got them despatched after their manager forgot.....Gareth thank you!!

Fitted them on Thursday night..took a little longer than an hour as I had a bit of fannying about to get the levers etc just where I wanted them, but a real easy job though. Also replaced all the mild steel bolts with s/s where needed.

Left Aberdeen at 8am Friday for Stranraer en route to the NW200....did 400 miles in total that day and I can't believe how comfortable the bike was. Longest stint without a stop was 165 miles from Stirling to Stranraer as we were pushed for time. Over the weekend did about 830 miles in total without a single ache and that included pootling about in traffic, motorway at 90-100 for long periods and a few bursts at 130-140. I found them better than the standard bars on the twisties too.

Iain,
If you want a look at them give me a call....PM'd you my number.