Yes, I put RT handlebars on my SM5 RS

[Graptor]

It rides like a Big Wheel now, just love it. The only problem is the shifter is in the way of the cover on the left handlebar, I'm going to have to brush off my arts and craft skills and cut me some plastic. With the floorboards, heal toe shifter and the smooth Spyder back rest is more comfortable for sure.

 

[doughrek]

Is that the stock seat?

 

[IGETAROUND]

RT handlebars on my RS

nice job, the black ones look exceptionally nice. What floorboards are those? The RT bars make corners much less of an effort. They also allow a nice upright posture. I would not go back to the standard bars!!!

 

[Chupaca]

Well done...

It does look very nice. .congrats. .!! :2thumbs: you now have both worlds...the sport ryde and a comfy ryde..:thumbup:

 

[Graptor]

I have a comfort seat and Rivco floorboards. The handlebars change the ride position significantly. It feels great now. The only thing that was a bit of a pain was cutting out the back cover on the left hand side. The clutch lever was in the way. The black bars look real nice

 

[Bob Denman]

 

[GK72Cane]

I swapped my handlebars also. For those who might be interested, this is what the underside cover looks like after the minor surgery to make it work with the clutch lever and cable. I found it pretty easy to do - 2 snips and a little dremel work to smooth it out - and for the most part, you would never know it's not a factory job. You lose 1 screw attachment point but it makes no difference.

I have thought about the Rivco floorboards and heel/toe shifter but haven't pulled the trigger on that mod yet. Instead, I opted for a comfort seat which did move me back and took the pressure off of my tailbone which resulted from the more upright position of the RT bars. In general I am very happy with the changes.

 

[Bob Denman]

The RT bars look pretty nice on an RS. :thumbup:
Orrrr... you go crazeee!

 

[Graptor]

The wife thinks I've lost my mind, little does she know I agree. Here's a shot at my arts and crafts work on that left hand cover

 

[Graptor]

The floorboards make a huge improvement, I would buy them again in a second. The setup I have now feels entirely relaxing. I'm completely upright with my legs positioned straight down. I'm also really used to the heal toe shifter now. Although getting it into second is a pain till you get it.

I swapped my handlebars also. For those who might be interested, this is what the underside cover looks like after the minor surgery to make it work with the clutch lever and cable. I found it pretty easy to do - 2 snips and a little dremel work to smooth it out - and for the most part, you would never know it's not a factory job. You lose 1 screw attachment point but it makes no difference.

I have thought about the Rivco floorboards and heel/toe shifter but haven't pulled the trigger on that mod yet. Instead, I opted for a comfort seat which did move me back and took the pressure off of my tailbone which resulted from the more upright position of the RT bars. In general I am very happy with the changes.

View attachment 134020

 

[oldgoat]

Hi Graptor, GK72Cane & any one else who has done it

Between you, could you please give me a list of items I would need to get to put RT bars on my '08GS SM5. I am assuming that this '08GS is the same in the handlebar area as the RS & RSS models of later years.

Years of bars that will fit
Covers & pieces required in addition to the bars
Any other items needed (adapter for steering stem?)

Thanks in advance

oldgoat

 

[Graptor]

Im not sure how much help this is, I do know they sell risers for your bike, they didn't fit mine. I know that on a 2015 RS, the bars are all the same. I heard that back to 2013 that is the case. I followed the post in the how to forum. All I needed were the bars and the back covers.

Hi Graptor, GK72Cane & any one else who has done it

Between you, could you please give me a list of items I would need to get to put RT bars on my '08GS SM5. I am assuming that this '08GS is the same in the handlebar area as the RS & RSS models of later years.

Years of bars that will fit
Covers & pieces required in addition to the bars
Any other items needed (adapter for steering stem?)

Thanks in advance

oldgoat

 

[Graptor]

I took it out for a nice ride with the new bars today. The steering is better for sure with the RT bars. Really happy with the look, fit and function. Here are some better pics

 

[oldgoat]

Im not sure how much help this is, I do know they sell risers for your bike, they didn't fit mine. I know that on a 2015 RS, the bars are all the same. I heard that back to 2013 that is the case. I followed the post in the how to forum. All I needed were the bars and the back covers.

Thanks.

 

[Ron2andia]

Nice job!

 

[hdlongrod]

Great mod for sure!

 

[johndeere]

handlebar

Can i use rt bars on 2010 rss, what is the part #
and where do i purchase it? Bill

It rides like a Big Wheel now, just love it. The only problem is the shifter is in the way of the cover on the left handlebar, I'm going to have to brush off my arts and craft skills and cut me some plastic. With the floorboards, heal toe shifter and the smooth Spyder back rest is more comfortable for sure.

View attachment 133984View attachment 133985View attachment 133986

 

[Graptor]

I'm not sure about compatibility of the bars, but they do make these to raise what you already have for that year.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/HELIBARS-HA...ash=item35fad0375b:g:w2EAAOSwKtVWup5y&vxp=mtr