GS Handguards

beemer-biker · Post by **beemer-biker** » Thu Apr 06, 2006 2:16 am

Do the handguards from the GS direct fit onto the R without any mods? I would like to get a set, but don't want to perform any major trimming, etc.
Thanks.

Post by **bimrluvr** » Thu Apr 06, 2006 2:45 am

I'm pretty sure I've read here and elsewhere that any needed mods are very minor, some trimming or something like that. A search should confirm this.

Post by **ASQTec** » Thu Apr 06, 2006 7:04 am

Due to the different angles in the handlebar design of the GS and the R, the handlebar clamp on the hand guard will be slightly twisted after the installation is complete. This will be barely noticeable, even to the most anal R owner.

To answer your question: no mods required.

Post by **yjleesvrr** » Thu Apr 06, 2006 7:36 am

Depends on your bike... Not every Roadster is set up exactly the same way respect to cables.

A Dremmel tool is what you need. It took me 30 minutes total to get mine installed.

Post by **wncbmw** » Thu Apr 06, 2006 7:42 am

Some get them installed with no modifications, some with only minor trimming of the guards for cable clearance. But the bottom line is they work. Easy on and off, but you will need longer bolts for the bar ends.

I use them in winter, take them off in summer. I save the short bolts in a zip lock for the spring ritual of removal.

Post by **rock712** » Thu Apr 06, 2006 7:51 am

The Left handguard went on ok, the right one I used a ziptie/wire tie to hold that into place, 5000 miles later its still working....

priapismic · Post by **priapismic** » Thu Apr 06, 2006 8:29 am

You shouldn't need to trim anything, most likely. Cyclerob posted some tips, including some nice picts, in a previous thread on this subject. When I recently installed my handguards, I referred back to his post, and it saved me lots of aggravation. Basically, he suggests slightly loosening the banjo bolts on the master cylinders, esp. the right (brake) side, then slightly rotating the hydraulic hose downward so that the cables fit through the yoke (opening) in the handguards. You want to be careful to only slightly loosen those banjo bolts - just enough to move them, not enough to let air into either master cylinder - unless you want to get into bleeding the clutch and front brake lines.

You may have to fiddle a bit with moving/adjusting the handguards until you get it right, and as Rob advises, be sure your levers are not contacting the inside back of the handguards (you want both levers to fully release). Do a forum search on "GS Handguards" and find his post with the picts, it will help immensely.

FirstBMW · Post by **FirstBMW** » Thu Apr 06, 2006 11:31 am

I have the GS handgards on my 02 R

they have not been permantly modified in any way

just twist them a little and they go on just fine

mine did

Peace

Post by **xaque** » Thu Apr 06, 2006 1:53 pm

Yes, make sure you adjust your clutch and break cables as needed so they are not putting stress on the guards in any way.

I didn't, and they ended up pushing my hand guards up, pressing my break lever...

which caused a very interesting sensation during my ride....

but a quick road-side adjustment fixed everything.

-Xaque-

mechanic savant · Post by **mechanic savant** » Fri Apr 07, 2006 2:17 am

What everybody else said + my $.02 . when tweaking the handguards to accomidate the handle bar bend I spot warmed them w/a hairdryer & everything went like farting through silk!!!!

andydodd · Post by **andydodd** » Fri Apr 07, 2006 5:38 am

Judicous use of a Dremmel and a little twisting and they work fine.

Be careful not to load the banjo unions though or they suffer localised strain leading to leaking of fluid from the hydraulic resevoirs - a bugger when you are in the middle of no where with no hydraulic fluid and failing brakes.

Andy

Post by **scottybooj** » Fri Apr 07, 2006 11:19 am

mine, otoh, were a b!tch to fit! to get them in the right angle so that the brake/clutch levers don't hit them was really difficult, even with moving the reservoirs.

Croc · Post by **Croc** » Fri Apr 07, 2006 5:00 pm

There was no way I was going to get mine on without moving brake and clutch hoses, cables etc so I have just tied them up with cable ties. They have seen me through the winter with no probs. Just one thing to watch - they touch the fluid reseviors so I put some tape between the guard and the resevoir to protect the paintwork.

Croc

X-Cruiser · Post by **X-Cruiser** » Sun Apr 09, 2006 11:54 pm

I installed a set of GS handguards on a Rock last week. No problems. I needed a dremel (round file would work as well) to carve out some extra space for the cables (both sides were slightly different) and I also needed a heat gun (old paint stripper I had) to soften the plastic so it would bend to the approx 45 degree angle I needed so the guards would attach correctly and I could get the bolts in. Looks like a factory install now IMO.