Handlebars too wide?

skyler.robbins · Post by **skyler.robbins** » Sun Nov 25, 2018 3:44 pm

Hey oh...
Are the bars on my 69 R60/2 too wide?
They are 21' from inside controllers and 36" from outside of blinker to blinker.
Looking at other pictures of people's bikes, theirs don't seem that wide.
I'm not against cutting an inch or so off each side, but want to get some opinions here.

Thanks!

[img][IMG]http://i118.photobucket.com/albums/o102 ... f7phfq.png[/img][/img]

[img][IMG]http://i118.photobucket.com/albums/o102 ... ngzxzy.png[/img][/img]

[img][IMG]http://i118.photobucket.com/albums/o102 ... nvibbm.png[/img][/img]

malmac · Post by **malmac** » Mon Nov 26, 2018 6:06 am

When I look at the pictures it seems there is a substantial distance between the handlebar controls and the bend in the bars. The distance looks unfamiliar to me.

Don't know about the numbers. I have the so called flat bars with the bar end indicators and mine measure 30 inches.

Be interesting to see what the consensus is.

Mal

R68 · Post by **R68** » Mon Nov 26, 2018 7:14 am

I think their way too wide, are not any sort of stock BMW bar, have too much rise and too much setback, and might be OK for someone with very short arms or for a sidecar...I think the standard sidecar BMW bar is 27", the standard solo bike bar shorter but verify those dimensions. If you are a sporty type rider, the R68 bar has very little rise or setback, but I think almost all USA front end bikes came with "USA" bars with crossover?...nice looking well maintained motorcycle...

skyler.robbins · Post by **skyler.robbins** » Mon Nov 26, 2018 8:21 am

Thanks for the input guys...
I also don't think that these are not stock bmw bars.
No biggie for me, but definitely think I'll cut an inch off each side, maybe more..

Rob

schrader7032 · Post by **schrader7032** » Mon Nov 26, 2018 8:41 am

Here's a page from an old Flanders brochure who had BMW bars for sale:

https://w6rec.com/wp-content/uploads/20 ... pg13-1.jpg

Here's a current webpage:

http://www.sideroadcycles.com/ImportedM ... raBMW.html

wa1nca · Post by **wa1nca** » Mon Nov 26, 2018 8:50 am

You will also need to replace all the control cables as they will be way too long with the shorter handlebars

Tommy

Lincoln · Post by **Lincoln** » Mon Nov 26, 2018 2:01 pm

Just to add: the clamps for the handle bars are not original either, but used for later bikes, from 1973 to 1992, according to RealOEM.com.

nebseyer · Post by **nebseyer** » Mon Nov 26, 2018 2:30 pm

Just to add: the clamps for the handle bars are not original either, but used for later bikes, from 1973 to 1992, according to RealOEM.com.

The bike in question is a '69 R60US I think, so that clamp/riser would be correct on an R60US model.

Jim D 5112 · Post by **Jim D 5112** » Mon Nov 26, 2018 7:33 pm

On my stock 1969 R60 US Model it has standard US handlebars with the cross bar. It also has the bar end blinkers like yours. You are showing a overall width of 36 inches. Mine is 32 inches overall to the outside width of the blinkers.

Beemer100 · Post by **Beemer100** » Tue Nov 27, 2018 4:16 am

my 2 cents ...

ride it and if you feel comfortable with them, keep them. Otherwise you will end up in some considerable investment ... new cables! Don't worry about original or not. Cutting them won't make them original either.

best regards
Klaus

Vintage BMW Motorcycle Owners

Handlebars too wide?

Handlebars too wide?

The distance from controls to bend

...bars...

Thanks for the input

Here's a page from an old

wide handle bars

Just to add: the clamps for

Clamp/riser

Bars

my 2 cents ... ride it and if