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R18 B and TC BMW "Bagger" handlebars

  • <i class="fa--xf fal fa-check "><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" role="img" aria-hidden="true" ><use href="/data/local/icons/light.svg?v=1758297946#check"></use></svg></i> Discussion starter Discussion starter Riksaw
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When I adjusted the handlebar from my R18B and installed the TFT protective film, I noted that when changing the handlebar, you have to remove quite a lot fairing from the front. of course, I haven't changed the handlebars yet, so I can't tell exactly yet, but this is what I noticed in the fall.
 
The TFT screen protector procedure is a subset of the handlebar one, so pretty similar to what I followed. You also need to remove the two side speaker covers and the TFT itself, since the handlebar clamp sits right behind the TFT.

One thing to pay attention to is that in step 3 of the TFT cover or step 6 of the handlebar guide, you need to remove the instrument panel - this is written but not shown in the figures. It's only two clips.
 
Scott Semone said:
Was it or is it necessary to remove the front fairing as described in the handlebar procedure; or do you think it can be accomplished by following the TFT screen protector procedure, which also provides access to the handlebar clamp bolts?
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You need to remove the TFT to get to the bar clamp. At that point you can only have good access to the two bolts towards the back of the bike, and not the top ones, so you can only adjust the handlebars up or down. I read the Helibar instructions (photos #37-39) and did not go thru steps 17-19 in the BMW bagger handlebar instructions - you can remove 4 bolts and loosen the bottom 2, which allows you to push forward the black panel that holds all the electronics, and provide access to the front bolts of the handlebar clamp.
 
I finally received the bagger handlebars from BMW, along with the clutch and brake cables. After taking apart everything and placing the new bars on the bike, I realized that the bagger bars would not provide the reduced reach I was hoping for: the angle of the grips is really odd when you pull back these bars, the grip ends seem to point away from you. After all the work, I decided to take them back and consider other options, maybe Helibars. Luckily my local dealer took them back with no issues. I've attached a few photos of both bars next to each other. This was a learning experience, now I can take apart the front of the bike in 30 mins and put it back again in no time.

One more thing I realized is that you don't need to bleed the clutch and brake lines, the Helibar instructions show what to do.
 

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Hi gentster, thanks for the pictures and info! how tall are you? I am 205 cm tall. I ordered this handlebar as well and it should arrive in a few days. I hope it's better than the original, I don't like that original handlebar angle, it's too steep.
 
gentster said:
I finally received the bagger handlebars from BMW, along with the clutch and brake cables. After taking apart everything and placing the new bars on the bike, I realized that the bagger bars would not provide the reduced reach I was hoping for: the angle of the grips is really odd when you pull back these bars, the grip ends seem to point away from you. After all the work, I decided to take them back and consider other options, maybe Helibars. Luckily my local dealer took them back with no issues. I've attached a few photos of both bars next to each other. This was a learning experience, now I can take apart the front of the bike in 30 mins and put it back again in no time.

One more thing I realized is that you don't need to bleed the clutch and brake lines, the Helibar instructions show what to do.
Click to expand...
What was the total cost of the handlebar kit (Handlebars, necessary hardware, extended brake & clutch lines)?
 
Riksaw said:
Hi gentster, thanks for the pictures and info! how tall are you? I am 205 cm tall. I ordered this handlebar as well and it should arrive in a few days. I hope it's better than the original, I don't like that original handlebar angle, it's too steep.
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I'm 168 cm. At 205 they should fit you well. The bagger bars are not really designed to be pulled back.
 
Scott Semone said:
What was the total cost of the handlebar kit (Handlebars, necessary hardware, extended brake & clutch lines)?
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They cost over $800 with clutch and brake lines, 8 sealing washers ($0.48/each), one bottle of brake fluid and one of clutch fluid, and sales tax. That also included a 10% discount since I just purchased the bike from them.

Gent
 
gentster said:
I finally received the bagger handlebars from BMW, along with the clutch and brake cables. After taking apart everything and placing the new bars on the bike, I realized that the bagger bars would not provide the reduced reach I was hoping for: the angle of the grips is really odd when you pull back these bars, the grip ends seem to point away from you. After all the work, I decided to take them back and consider other options, maybe Helibars. Luckily my local dealer took them back with no issues. I've attached a few photos of both bars next to each other. This was a learning experience, now I can take apart the front of the bike in 30 mins and put it back again in no time.

One more thing I realized is that you don't need to bleed the clutch and brake lines, the Helibar instructions show what to do.
Click to expand...
Thank you very much for these pics, really enlightening
This bar is costing less than 300 euros now in Germany
 
Last edited:
For $99 ... It's probably worth taking a stab it, and provide similar pictures as posted earlier, showing the stock bar vs the newly proposed bar.

You can probably fit the bars without going through all of the additional work, involving the brake and clutch hydraulic lines, as well as reassembling the grips and control trees in order to get a sense if the bars will work from a comfort level...

If they feel good, than you can follow through with the above mentioned and report back on all of the details (grip fitment, fit within the fairing, ride control and experience, etc.)

Somebody has to be first...
 
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