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Anyone install the 6.5" "Apehanger" handlebars?

  • <i class="fa--xf fal fa-check "><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" role="img" aria-hidden="true" ><use href="/data/local/icons/light.svg?v=1758297946#check"></use></svg></i> Discussion starter Discussion starter PistolPeteSTL
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PistolPeteSTL

PistolPeteSTL

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Oct 9, 2021
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R1200GSA, Speed Twin, Africa Twin, R18
Not sure how a 6" rise is considered apes, but I'll blame it on German language failed translation. But regardless, looking at these bars and they look to have more rise, less pullback and less width than the stock bars. From what I can tell from measurements they will suit me better and look to be about the same distance from the forks. However, my local BMW shop tells me I need new brake and clutch lines as well as left and right wiring harnesses. Based on swapping out bars on other bikes, it looks like the cables and lines should reach fine.

So I'm curious if anyone else has done the job and what their experience is. Having to swap all that out doubles the price of the parts for the job.
 
If I’d kept my R18 the mini apes are the ones I’d have bought but I’d have had to find a way of running the wires internally. No idea why bmw thought cable ties fixing them to the outside would be acceptable.

You will need to change the clutch and brake lines, Wunderlich includes them with their version but the cables should have plenty of slack. Attached is the parts matrix and it shows the same harness needed for all the bars which makes no sense.
 

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I’ve done the BMW beach bar install and I can assure you you will need the longer lines and wire harnesses.
 
Luis said:
The bike with red seat looks like the mini ape

https://www.facebook.com/groups/BMWR18/permalink/1263152024508066/
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I have installed 6.5” mini ape hanger on my 2022 R18 and it looks fantastic and handles well. Very doable project but be careful with the wiring and do not take the left switch assembly apart. Carefully unplug and slide switch off in one piece. Especially do not tamper with the cruise control. Also added 1” riser extension from Wild1. Next project will be the Corbin Solo seat.
 

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33Cruzr said:
I have installed 6.5” mini ape hanger on my 2022 R18 and it looks fantastic and handles well. Very doable project but be careful with the wiring and do not take the left switch assembly apart. Carefully unplug and slide switch off in one piece. Especially do not tamper with the cruise control. Also added 1” riser extension from Wild1. Next project will be the Corbin Solo seat.
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Where did you get your bars? I just received my extended brake/clutch lines and wiring and I think the mini apes will fit me perfectly.
 
TravisD said:
Where did you get your bars? I just received my extended brake/clutch lines and wiring and I think the mini apes will fit me perfectly.
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I ordered the 6.5” mini ape hanger from the BMW motorcycle dealership. It is called Handlebars Pro, part no. 77229457410. The upper Brake hose is part no. 77227923460. The upper Clutch Hose is part no. 32727923468. I would like to reiterate that my stock R18 2022 wire harnesses is more than adequate to accommodate the mini ape hanger plus the Wild1 one inch riser extension conversion. Also the handlebar has all the drill holes and bar reduction for L/R grips. You may find other aftermarket bars cheaper but may not provide an easy conversion.
 
Anyone in the R18 forum interested in trading my footpegs complete assembly for floor boards? In the continental US only please.
 
Questions about this 6.5 inch bars mod… do they fit the R18 pure? On the motorrad website it only says classic. Also does it pull back the position a bit or not really?
 
XUMERX said:
Questions about this 6.5 inch bars mod… do they fit the R18 pure? On the motorrad website it only says classic. Also does it pull back the position a bit or not really?
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XUMERX said:
Questions about this 6.5 inch bars mod… do they fit the R18 pure? On the motorrad website it only says classic. Also does it pull back the position a bit or not really?
Click to expand...
Xumerx, I have the 6.5" BMW ape hangers on my R18 base. They fit fine. When I bought the R18 from the dealer, I paid big bucks for parts and labor to have these mini apes installed.
I blindly assumed they would reach back further than the stock bars. They don't really.
 
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Did you have to change the mount? Also any more pics? I need some motivation for the jump!
 
Hello XUMERX,
The 6.5” mini apes shown in the pic were just a bit short for me. My arms weren’t long enough to reach without some forward lean.
So I bought a set of 2” extensions to solve the problem. The extensions were a knock off item from china but only $75 I think and the chrome is good. IMG_1722.jpeg
 
And here is another thing. I bought the weekender seat for my R18, which moves me forward 1.5 inches.
Now I can ride with my lower back against the drop-in backrest.

Note: you will need to buy two wire harnesses that are longer. BMW uses the same part number harness for both the king ape handlebars and the 6.5” apes. With the 6.5 apes you simple roll up and tuck the extra length under the tank.
 
I don’t know. I think I need an in person check out to tell. It’s just not something I’m willing to do without feeling the difference.
 
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