Hi Chaps, Im interested in changing the handle bars on my current to something slightly higher and wider and a bit more comfortable. What would you recommend? I have heard the C bar is a good option, but would I need to change cables etc. I love the original ones but I plan to tour europe next year and Im looking to get something a bit more comfortable for long hours in the saddle, I would love to hear from anyone who has done this and what the difference was once changed, any pics of before and after would be great and does anyone now where in the UK I can get it done, im pretty useless on the tools.............Thanks Kissvalp

I don't know what is needed for the C bars change. I find LT bars very comfortable but you need a cable change and may need to change the brake line from the front reservoir down to the connection to the pipe that goes through the downtube. All are stock items. Go for whatever you find more comfortable, if you are planning long trips its a very big essential to be comfortable.


What K are you taking?

Hi Olaf, Im taking an 85 k100RS, Wwith 15k miles on her

I know some have changed the bars from the RS to the LT bars but it does mean a change of clutch cable for definite, looking at the spares bike I have which is an RS the front brake pipe from the lever would need to be changed as well but I cant say about the throttle cable. As far as I know the control switch wiring doesn't change. It does mean that despite the change everything is still stock K bike parts.

Your best bet is to suss out a fellow member with an LT or RT and go have a look and see if it suits. In the past I always ended up changing bars because of liking long trips and the LT/RT is the first time I have not had to do it. Adjusting the angle of the levers has been enough for me. Be aware that if you try different bars the diameter of BMW ones is different and the switch gear will not fit most other bars.

Its not a mammoth task but changing the clutch cable does mean tank off which means some fairing panels come off too but nothing tricky. Its worth getting someone to either do it or even better to work with you doing it. Chances are you should be replacing the clutch cable before the trip, make sure to use the BMW one and not the cheaper alternatives.

15K miles is incredibly low and means you have a few things to watch out for, all arising from low/lack of use. Post a little bit of what you know of the history and you will get some recommendations here.

Fuel lines for one harden and with a few tank on/off sessions they may crack. Change them and use slightly longer ones to allow the tank to be raised at the rear to access the electrical box under it and also allow it to slide back to access the radiator cap, all without disconnecting the fuel pipes. The clips securing the pipes can be positioned to be accessed through the fairing so you don't need to remove fairing panels to remove the tank. That all makes subsequent servicing much easier.

You don't state the month but let us know if the petrol tank is held down with a single bolt under the seat.

Another items is tyres....lots of threads about these, if they are old even if unused or only little worn get rid of them. Ks are very sensitive to having good tyres and correct pressures.

Also, if your battery ever runs low so that it struggles to turn the engine over, don't keep trying or you will destroy t the starter relay. Put it on a charger preferably not a boost but 2amp. Kinder to the battery. If a battery is poor it leads to funny things like interferes with the running of the bike and electrics. If you find things go funny come on the forum and ask questions, someone will have the answer or the advice. Everyone is very helpful and never be afraid to ask what may seem a simple question. The forum is collective knowledge and every little problem adds to it.

The C bars will fit straight up to the rs without any cable or brake line mods.

C bars fitted to rs 




rs with standard bars






for a wider bar you can fit a 7/8 bar, like this western style bar fitted to my project bike, you will need to resize the bar ends for controls to fit, and I used rt cables and brake line.

Motorworks should have the C bars, that seems a very 'easy' fit.

K100RS to K100RT Handlebar swap

Click on the above link, I did this swap a while ago.
Well worth the effort!

The instructions in that link are good. I don't have heated grips but you will need them for the change. I have issues too and found the adjustment available with the RT/LT bars really good but I have the RT/LT fairing.

Its probably easier to change the fairing than the bars so if you find buffeting a problem you know what to do. Or, as might be nicer, do Europe off motorway. I gave a thought last year to travelling without the fairing lowers. We met torrential rain off the ferry that made me very glad it had remained a thought.