Take me home, El Capitan!
Customer Comments... GT Barbacks

I must say I was at first suffering quietly regarding the price but have reformed my view. These things must cost a fortune to machine and the quality is top rate not to mention that they do the job far better than I expected. Very pleased and would recommend them to anyone.
Tom Towsley / Wake Forrest, NC / BMW 03 K12GT

I got the GT Bar backs yesterday and had them on in 10 minutes. Very easy. No problems at all with the throttle cables (very early bike). Had to cut a couple of cable ties on the left side to get sufficient slack in the wiring harness.These are very well built, high quality items and the improvement in the riding position for me 1000%. I now have the bike I wanted, fast, sporty AND comfortable!Thanks for all your help and feel free to refer to my comments for those who wonder if these are worth $140. They Are!
Steve Lock / Painesville,Ohio / BMW K1200GT

Pirate: install complete this morning. WARNING: this is not a 3 martini project !! Turns out my GT is a later model, but once I got into it everything fell into place. BTW, the instructions say you need to cut only one (1) wiring harness tie...your website says 4. I got enough slack on 3. FYI. Thanks for the prompt shipment. The backs feel great. Mark
Mark Lyon / Rochester, MI./ BMW K1200GT

Just a quick note for you. I received my order of GT barbacks in no time flat. Thanks! They are just the ticket. I have an early model GT, so my throttle cables were long enough, but I still had to unhook them from the grip to reroute them so the electrical line out of the grip (the wires for all the switches) went behind the throttle cables so the cables didn't get pushed too radically by the electrical cable being moved by the barback riser. It was alittle scary doing the "surgery" on my pride and joy, knowing a slip up could be costly. But, persistance prevailed and I got them both on. (the left one was a sinch) Thanks again for the quick service.
Scott Simpson / Lakeville, MN./ BMW K1200GT

Jerry and Amber...Thank you for selling me the GT bar backs. I installed them onto my early production bike in less than 15 minutes. Didn't even bother with the two page directions. They went on smoothly. The following morning my buddy and I jumped on our Beamers and took a 150 mile ride. What a difference they make. When we got home, I was ready for another 150 miles. They work great, they look great.
Demetri Mirissis / Huntington Station, NY./ BMW K1200GT

Got your bar backs installed on my GT and they make a world of difference. The bike was very difficult for me to control in the beginning, especially in wind. I still only have about 3k miles on the bike but with the bar backs the handling is much improved.
Joe LeFevre / Killeen, TX./ BMW K1200GT

I received my bar-backs last Thursday, and put them on in about 20 minutes.(I was lucky - I have an Early K1200gt) I rode all Weekend at a BMW MOA rally at Cruso last weekend, and all I can say is that they transformed my bike from a wrist and elbow killer to a bike that is perfect for me. I like them so much that I felt like sending you more money, Thankfully, I laid down for awhile and the feeling passed. Thanks so much for your great service.
Rick Rorie / Charlotte, NC./ BMW K1200GT

As you'll recall, after we installed the backs over at your place we had that throttle binding problem with the throttle not snapping shut. I took it easy on the way home, btw. Once I got home... My sticking throttle was an easy fix... the sheath for the return cable slid off the housing at the controls while I had it off. Once I got into good light (I am sure getting home and to my glasses did not hurt at all!!) it took all of 2 seconds to re-seat the sheath and cure the binding problems. I was able to ride a little this weekend. Things to note; if you have the RS mirrors on the bike (rectangular vs round) the bars will bump the wind screen. Only at the very end of the bar travel so I do not see this as an issue but just a situation to be aware of. They almost give the bike an RT riding position... very comfortable on the road. Once I get the feel of the bike back I do not anticipate the bar backs adversely affecting the handling either. Throw in the ease of removal and I have to vote on the favorable side. Thanks again for the food and the barbacks.
Chuck Cavanaugh / Charlotte, NC. / BMW K1200GT

I bolted the GT Bar Backs and it feels like I'm driving a different motorcycle, it handles much easier and steers lighter and better from the hips. Thanks
Menno van Beilen / Drenthe, Netherlands / 2003 K1200GT
Jerry --- I put on the GT risers, and the suburban barbacks on my 98 k12rs, and they are perfect. Much more comfortable, and more upright than the old 100mm Verholens. Kind of a spendy deal, but well worth the money. I would highly recommend it. In fact the Tuscon dealer is sending some of the new GTs out with the barbacks on. Needed a GT throttle cable plus 3o cm, and a new brake line, but with the peg lower kit, and an Aeroflow shield, its almost a GT at half the price, and only 4800 miles. Thanks for your help, and advise. More goddies from the Lair, later.
Panama Jack Tamboer / Mazatlan, Mexico / 1998 K1200RS
The bar backs for my GT are perfect! Thanks for the great product offering.
Tim Hughes / Dewitt, NY / 2003 K1200GT
Dear Pirate... Just had the K12GT Bar Backs installed today , wich arrived after 12 days from US to Belgium. Not too much work, but had to cut several tie wraps and loosening the throttle cable ( only 1 , on model 2004 , but long enough ). I am 1m96 tall, and I must tell you it is a great feeling now, and a big difference compared to original position. Before the K12GT, I had a R1150RT, and I was bit disappointed in the comfort aspect when changing to the K12GT. Now this is over, and I 'm enjoying the long rides again, like I did on my RT Thank you very much for making this product, and also for fast service and delivery.
Jemp Peiffer / Sint-Niklaas, Belgium / 2004 K1200GT
I installed the bar-backs. Nice seating position for longer rides. One issue though -- with the Z-technik taller windscreen installed the mirrors hit the shield unless the screen is put into the raised position.
Gregg Patberg / Orlando, Fl / 2003 K1200GT
Back around Christmas time I bought some Suburban bar backs and the longer cables (along with some other stuff) from you. I did not need the longer cables after all.The bar backs are working great, I have not been on any long rides but I think it just what the doc ordered, or maybe it's the bad back, who knows.
Dale Rostrom / Carnation, Wa / 2003 K120GT
Hey, I just received and installed my set back risers for my K12GT. What and awesome difference it makes. I am 6'2" and this is a huge change to comfort and handling. I have had my bike for two weeks and have put 900 miles on her. I cannot believe what a difference it makes with these new setbacks. I am leaving on a 1200 miles 3 day trip on Friday and am really looking forward to the trip now. Thanks for the great service and quick delivery. Ride Safe
Follow-Up: Just wanted to let you know that the Bar Back risers really made my 4 day 1200 mile ride great. I really enjoyed putting the GT through its paces in the Mountains last weekend. Thanks and Have a Great Day
Joe Champion / Birmingham, Alabama / 2003 K1200GT
Hello to all at The Pirates Lair,...Just a quick note to thankyou for the very prompt service and the great product (bar risers for my K12GT).
The risers were as you said, ideal for lifting the bars just that little bit more to increase my comfort.The turn around time for my order was truly amazing, around seven days from on-line order to my doorstep in Australia!!!. I have posted your site to every one I know, keep up the great work.
Jim Jasper / Victoria Australia / 2003 K1200GT
The GT barbacks arrived and were installed today. Another great product - perfect position - can't imagine why anyone would want the 'Type ll' Suburbans...Thanks again,
Bob Davison / Burnsville, MN / 2004 K1200GT
Thanks so much for the fast service and good prices. The K1200GT barbacks and footpeg lowering kits make the bike much more comfortable. Your website is a great resource for all RS and GT owners. I'm sure I will buy more from you in the the future.
Forrest "Randy" Smith / Oceanside, CA / 2003 K1200GT
I had the Suburban GT Barbacks installed on Friday when I was having the 600 mile tune-up performed at Alamo BMW in San Antonio. The improvement in riding position for my needs is exceptional. I am now much more comfortable on the bike and am looking forward to riding it with the new barbacks installed. I didn't even have to use the throttle cables that I purchased with the barbacks. Thanks again for sending me a great product.
Jeff Lewellin / Corpus Christi, TX / 2004 K1200GT
Bar Backs look/feel/are ****FANTASTIC***** when fitted. You might want to mention in the instructions not to let the levers fall upside down as this will introduce air into clutch and break fluid resviors. ****FANTASTIC PRODUCT*****
Colin Arthurs / United Kingdom / 2004 K1200GT
I received a set of back bars from you about a month ago and I want to just let you know they are terrific ! I recently did a 2000 klm ride and found them to be fantastic.
Ian van Rooyen / Bryanston, South Africa / 2004 K1200GT
Barbacks installed - work great ! Throttle cables just barley make it when routed to the left side of the top tripple clamp - no stretching or unwanted acceleration in those full lock 180deg turns. Got lucky. Thanks!
James Carducci / Sunnyvale, CA / 2004 K1200GT
I received the barback and installed them last weekend. The process took a whole 15 to 20 minutes and they made quite a difference in the comfort of my BMW. I am 45 years old and am not as limber and agile as I once was and was experiencing hand numbness as well as back and shoulder discomfort on rides over a hour long. After installing the barback, which by the way are quite stylish and well crafted compared to even the BMW parts, I took a 100 mile ride. I had a little hand numbness on the throttle hand buy no other discomfort. I now sit up straighter and seem more balanced. I was beginning to wonder if I was unwise not having purchased a cruiser but just had to have the K motor with greater power than the R's. So far so good. Thanks for marketing such a find product!
Dale F. / Oviedo, FL / 2003 K1200GT
Jerry and Amber.. Thanks a million!! Got my GT Bar Backs and fitted them already. As we say in South Africa "they make a MOER of a difference. Thanks for your help and great service. Will recomend you to all my biker buds. Regards
Theron C Steyn / South Africa
My husband asked me to tell you , that is very satisfied with his barbacks on his BMW 1200 GT ! It works perfectly! Congratulations ! Now we can ride many miles without his back’s pains . Now, he recovered the pleasure to ride. Jerry : You were very kind, nice to meet you. Our best wishes to you. Bye bye and OBRIGADA ( “ thank you “ in Portuguese language )
Ana Fernandes / Portugal
Thanks for the bar risers for my BMW K1200 GT, 2004 Model. They were fitted easily with only minor re-routing of the throttle cable. The riding position has been significantly improved, alot less neck strain. The new position is similar to that of my R1100RT. The standard screen is still effective too. Looking forward to giving it a good long run and a thrash through the corners now. Cheers
Alex Curry / UK / 2004 K1200GT
Installed my GT brackets in the WE. What a difference ;-)) Am happy now.
Eric Van den Bossche / Belgium / 2004 K1200GT
I am 6'3" and own a 2003 (Mfgd. 01/03) K1200 GT. As much as I have enjoyed the performance of the bike, in the past I struggled with numb hands, sore wrists and elbow tendons, even on short rides. I read up on barbacks and decided to order the Suburban Machine model you offer. They installed in about a half hour per your instructions, with the biggest issue the electrical lines, which after install are snug, (not tight) at lock. Throttle cables did not need rerouting, but are snug at right hand lock, with no throttle impairment. One benefit is that I can now see the gear selection and clock on the panel without craning, as the cables blocked them before. I have K1200 RS mirrors and note that they do not hit the stock windshield at full lock. I rode for five consecutive hours yesterday to test them out and experienced NO discomfort whatsoever. There was no noticeable impact on handling. Unbelieveable! I finished the ride fresh, exhilerated and pain free. It's like having a new bike! Previously, I purchased from you shifter and brake pedal extensions and the LED brake light kit and they all work great. Thanks again for another super product and the great service.
Kent / Naperville, IL / 2003 K1200GT
I picked up my K12GT on August 5, 2004. On Monday (11 months & 15,000 miles later) I decided I’d had it with the pain-in-the-everything-riding-position. Tuesday I was talked (encouraged) into ordering a set of bar backs. They arrived Thursday, and Kevin (the HD riding beau) installed them in about 20 minutes. And after a brief test ride I have only one thing to say. “Why didn’t I do this sooner?” I can’t wait to take it out for a day long ride, but for now I can report that my ride to work (45min) was much more comfortable. No one was a bigger skeptic than I. What relief was to be gained by bringing the bars 1.6 (40mm) inches closer? I think the answer is just enough for me to keep the bike. So if you too struggle with the sore wrists & aching back, check out Pirates Lare’s offering. You have to look carefully to realize they are not a stock item. They match perfectly.
Gail Hatch / Nashua, NH / BMW 03 K1200GT
AmMa Barbacks!! - these suckers are a life saver (or at least a hand saver... ;).  The installation on my bike was a no-brainer as I didn't need to reroute the throttle cables.  I simply took of the hand grip assembly, added the Barback, and re-installed the hand grip assembly.  The removal of a few of the cable wrap zip ties and strategic placement of a few others prevented any routing problems.  I will however have to keep an eye on the new zip ties to ensure they don't slip or break.  The new riding position allows me sit comfortably with almost no pressure on my hands (great for the long rides...).
Andrew and Jennifer Morrison / Inverary Ontario, Canada / 2004 K1200GT