Handlebar Risers

This is probably the last modification to my G650GS.

My 2009 G650GS has been (and still is) a trusty, reliable, do-it-all bike. While I have never had much issues with the ergonomics, the stock handlebars sometimes put me in an awkward, tight position when standing on the footpegs for any length of time. And since I've been having some back issues as of late, I decided I could use a little upgrade.

Handlebar risers seemed to be the solution to this problem.

After researching different options, as well as some feedback from my friendly BMW dealer (and I say friendly, because their service department has always been there for me, whether I needed something done or just called to get some torque specs), I decided on Barkbuster. The reason for going with this particular brand was the ability to retain all stock cables, brake lines, and the like in place, without having to purchase expensive replacement, bleed the brakes, and so on.

Barkbusters seems to be the only manufacturer for handlebar risers for the G650GS that does not require the use of an extra long brake line on the ABS models, such as mine.  TT, SW Mototech, and others sell risers for my machine, but i did not find anything in their catalogs that would allow me to keep the rest stock.

So, since I usually call my BMW shop only to get tips and torque specs, I decided to order these through them.

The part came in a couple of days, packaged in a simple plastic bag.

Inside the bag were two risers, four longer bolts, a zip tie with a spacer (really just a piece of plastic tubing) and some simple instructions.

I started with a clean slate.

Removed the four torx screws that hold the plastic cover which houses ABS and emergency flashers switches, and discovered four bolts.

After removing these, I lifted the handlebar up, and slid the spacers in.

I did not have to move any of the cables, connectors, brake line, or the throttle cable. Installation was as simple as tightening the four bolts that came with the part (they are longer, to accommodate the extra height) to spec. Barkbusters mentions the torque spec at 20 Nm, whereas the BMW repair manual lists these bolts as 23Nm. I went with the BMW specs.

At this point, it was time to install the zip tie and the spacer, which, per Barkbusters, is meant to keep the wiring away from the risers to prevent interference with the handlebars. It was as simple as putting the zip tie around the wiring harness, sliding the zip tie through the spacer, then wrapping the remaining length around the riser, and tightening.

 All I had left was to reinstall the cover with the switches, and testing that the bars move freely from side to side.

Simple.

The risers move the handlebar up by 20mm, or 4/5", which is surprisingly more than what it sounds like. Sitting down, my arms are significantly higher, and standing up, I have more room for my elbows. Thus, the part does exactly what I was looking for.

Now my little thumper should be complete (except for some fairing crash guards).

Mods done:

Ztechnik touring windshield
Touratech fork protectors
Givi 3 case setup
Custom seat
BMW engine guard
BMW tank bag
BMW handguards
hardwired GPS mounted in RAM mount
Drilled hole in skidplate to access drain plug without removing engine guards
GPR single stainless exhaust
Rear brake master cylinder cover, reservoir cover
Light bar, with two 35w H3 bulb lights (running)
AGM battery
Black painted instrument cluster housing and rear grab bars
Opened air intake snorkel
Extra brake pod lights


and now the less serious part: 

 :)