I'd like to rotate the grip/lever assembly to raise the brake lever slightly. It's a bit too low for me at present. I also have the Kisan SignalMinder with the integrated switch for my Motolights, and I'd like to open that cover to check the LED. The switch works, but the LED indicator quit on me.
I checked a Clymer manual, but their description involves removing everything, which is more than I want to do. Can't I gain access to the clamping bolts to rotate the assembly without a lot of pain? I'm used to older Japanese bikes where everything is accessible and easy to adjust.
I've already rotated the bars, and yes, that helps with the overall angle. If I weren't try to fit GS hand guards, it wouldn't be a big deal. With one lever lower than the other, I can't get the same wind/rain protection on both sides.
Ruddy - I think the control blocks are 'keyed' into the bars. I'm not sure that you can just loosen things off and rotate the control like on the jap stuff, hence the suggestion to rotate the bars. That's what works for most people. If you have a position (height) difference in the LH and RH side controls, then it's something else. Mine are pretty even, and my GS guards went on just fine, without any trimming as others have had to do.
I've never had the problem others talk about with making control adjustments. I've used 'barbacks' and have since removed them, but even then the GS guards didn't make any difference to the positioning of the bars. I can rotate mine a long way forward or back without problems, guards or not.
The other thing I've done to improve weather protection of the GS guards is fit a small strip of 'curved 'pinchweld' across the top edge of the guards. You can just make it out in the attached pic. Keeps the cold air off the back of the gloves and channels rain away. Same stuff I use on the top edge of my screen to improve airflow and keep bugs off my visor.
I ride an R1150GS Adventure with sidecar. IBA #39193
remove the screw that is hidden by the mirror. then remove most of the small screws that hold the bottom switch cover and the small cover that is inboard on the controls.
you can now get to the clamp for the controls, loosen and rotate.
btw, if you can find set of on line instructions for a throttlemeister or a bob's wrist rest, the steps are pretty much the same.
I had wanted to do the exact same thing but the owners manual said not to rotate the grips at all. I am planning on doing what MIXR did, but I was going to use something else. I really couldn't figure why they didn't want the grips to be moved. Afterall, what if you changed out the handlbars totally??!!
I had wanted to do the exact same thing but the owners manual said not to rotate the grips at all.
It may be because of the clutch and brake reservoirs on the bars are attached to the levers..(not like the new R1200R)..my mechanic had to bring my bars back to normal position..do the brake and clutch fluids..and return them to how I had them..maybe that's why.
but rotating the controls a little was one of the best mods I ever did.
with repetive braking and shifting (like communting in very large congested city 12 months a year) having to reach up or down to get the controls can be tiring.
There are four screws in all and the bottom and switch covers come right off. Quite simple once you know how. 