When I purchased my '16 RS, the previous owner had already installed Heli risers. The "up & back" position has been my normal for the 16 months I've owned the bike. I decided, out of curiosity, to return them to stock position for a bit. One thing that appealed to my OCD tendencies, was the BMW logo lining up perfect with the stem centerline After my usual NC/VA loop I realized that I like the raised position better on the straight, boring bits. A little more relaxed. In the twisties, I appreciated the more direct feeling of the bars being lower and more centered over the steering head. But was surprised to find the steering slightly heavier. Mainly noticeable in quick left to right transitions. I'm guessing, since the risers have me sitting more upright, with arms bent more, I have more leverage.
It's certainly nice to have the option to change. Much like seats, pegs, etc. Just wondering if anyone else has some input on this?
I didn't notice much difference in handling after installing the same risers on my '17. But riding comfort was much improved. The height is great although another inch back would be just about perfect for my 5'8" frame.
- Sam
2017 R1200RS Lupin Blue
2017 R nineT Scrambler
Did either of you have any issues with the clutch cable being too taught when turning the bars all the way to the right?
I am considering adding Heli-bars to my RS. I had read some riders felt they had to detach and then relocate the clutch cable to get adequate clearance when turning the bars all the way to the right.
(01-02-2019, 07:12 AM)Olgry1 Wrote: Did either of you have any issues with the clutch cable being too taught when turning the bars all the way to the right?
No issues in either direction for me on my 2017. I was concerned that the cables were going to be tight but that didn’t turn out to be the case.
- Sam
2017 R1200RS Lupin Blue
2017 R nineT Scrambler
02-16-2022, 03:31 AM (This post was last modified: 02-16-2022, 03:36 AM by maxredline.)
I just installed a set of Helibars that I got off of eBay for a great price.
It looks like a game changer for me in the comfort department.
I want to share is how the clutch hose and wires coming down from the left handlebar rub against the upper triple clamp. In time I don't think that will have a good outcome so I installed a rubber wear pad.
The other thing I found odd was after I rotated the controls slightly to lower the levers the torque stamped on the clamps states 8Nm or 70 inch pounds. I found that to be too much and went to 60 inch pounds instead.
On my '16 I removed a wire loop guide from the underside of the top clamp to allow more freedom of movement. There is no wire guide on my '17 and I don't remember if I removed it or it was never there. I also added a rubber rub protector to the clutch/wire loom where it contacts the top clamp. I also noticed that the clutch/wire loom contacted the end threads of the bolt lower down that mounts the forward fairing support and used a small piece of plastic tubing to cover the exposed threads.
I originally installed the Helibar risers on my 2016, then moved them to my 2020. The cable situation was the same for both bikes.
On the picture by maxredline, directly below where he installed the pad, there is a silver colored ring. This is not a closed ring, using a pair of pliers, this ring can be opened up and this allows the cables more room when moving the handlebars full lock. I think this is the same wire guide Frank mentioned above that, without this guide in place, there is plenty of room for cable movement. And you can accomplish the same thing by opening up the ring.
Bottom line, you can install the Helibars without rerouting the cables, specially if you do something with the cable routing ring.
2020 R1250 RS
2022 K1600 GT
2024 S1000 XR
Niwot CO USA
A few weeks ago I bought a set of HeliBar risers for a great price, from a chap who had moved his RS on. (on the other forum).
I wasn't in any discomfort with the standard set up whatsoever, but thought I'd give them a try & sell them on again if they didn't work out for me.
Installed them today and took the bike out for a trial run.
Wow! So much more comfortable. It just feels like the bike is more 'part of me'.
Also in the pack was a Hornig clutch adapter and as soon as I installed the risers I knew I would need to fit the clutch adapter too. The line was a little too taut for my liking.
Dead chuffed and wished I'd have done it years ago.
05-02-2024, 07:31 PM (This post was last modified: 05-03-2024, 07:27 AM by Grumpy Goat.)
Hello to all,
I am new to the forum and already like it. I recently bought a 2020 R1250RS and installed the Helibar bar-back risers. I did not change position of the clutch hydraulic line even though I have the feeling it is a bit tight. Helibar have these instructions that you can download off their website and in it they recommend doing a bunch of things including re-routing the clutch to come from behind the handlebar. I did not do it and simply wondering if anyone out on this forum has a 2020 RS model (NOT R) to which they installed the Helibar along with re-routing he clutch line. Please see attached instructions set from Helibar. It says it is for R12ooR 2015+ and so not really clear if it also applies to R1250RS 15+. I personally don't think it covers both R and RS but still wondering if anyone thinks the opposite. Thanks much!
From the included pictures in the instructions it appears the bars they depict are the tubular bars ona R and not the "clip on" style that are standard on the 1250 RS. I installed risers on my 2020 RS and didn't have to reroute the clutch line. Of course YMMV.
Happiness comes not from what you have, but from enjoying all that you do have no matter how much or little that may be. Be stubborn with your dream but flexible with your path
Okay Motorhead1977, good to Know especially since you have same exact model! I plan on calling HElibar today and see if they have any instructions specific to the RS with clip on style handlebar. And if so, I'll post it!
As it turns out I had been looking at the wrong Installation Instructions set and only now found out of the correct ones. Again, this is for part #HR05102 for BMW R1200RS 2015+ and BMW R1250RS 2020+. Here is the link to the Installation Instructions..... https://files.elfsightcdn.com/db84b13b-5...5d2c05.pdf
I bought this HeliBar riser kit for my 2016 R1200RS, then I traded that in on a 2020 R1250RS, and I moved the HeliBar risers from the 2016 RS to the 2020RS. Both installation were identical, neither one required moving or adjusting any cables, hoses, or grip positions.
2020 R1250 RS
2022 K1600 GT
2024 S1000 XR
Niwot CO USA
After my usual NC/VA loop I realized that I like the raised position better on the straight, boring bits. A little more relaxed. In the twisties, I appreciated the more direct feeling of the bars being lower and more centered over the steering head. But was surprised to find the steering slightly heavier. Mainly noticeable in quick left to right transitions. I'm guessing, since the risers have me sitting more upright, with arms bent more, I have more leverage.
