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What Are Our Customers Saying About
the American Machine Barbacks??? |
| Ahoy, Captain! After a trip in April to the Dragon and back
on the "new" 02 K12RS with some "flat" barbacks, it
was two weeks and a trip to the kinesiologist to fix the throttle wrist
- even with a plastic cruise- master thing. I figured that the bars needed
less backward rake to solve the problem. The next trip was 75 miles, and the wrist was numb. Same on the way home. I had to do something before the RA rally which was only two days away. Anything. The American Machine bar-backs offered "something different" - an upward flip, not the forward angle sweep that I thought was needed, but different, nonetheless. Still, wary of the claims, with sore wrists, and figuring it couldn't get any worse than the ones I had on there, I called for help from the Pirate. You parted with your last pair, and Amber made sure they got to me overnight. As promised, the order showed up the day before leaving for the RA rally in Asheville. I put them on in under 15 minutes, ditched the plastic cruise-master-thing and went for a ride. After the test ride, and checking the bolts again, I still was not convinced. Off to the rally I went, planning a short first day should the barbacks be a flop. I even brought along the old barbacks, should the ergos actually be worse... Two days down the BRP, and the wrist was no more sore than it was when I started. The second day of the rally, the wrist was great - Hmmm... just in time to ride to the Pirate's party! After the twisties up to your party at Chimney Rock (thanks, great bash!), and a one-day 500+ mile ride back up the BRP + Skyline Drive, there was no pain in the wrist during, or after the ride. I can also attest to the he fact that the throttle required far less effort to turn - the angle and the machined notch relieved some cable binding. The throttle is much smoother, to the point that normal pressure on the grip alone would raise the speed over the where the cruise control had been set - wow. Throttle modulation was easy and smooth - actually a safety thing in the twisties. I'm a believer! All
this without surrendering all of the treasure! A merciful pirate! A super
efficient (and alluring) first mate! A damn smart crew, there at American
Machine. Hoist the Jolly Roger!Your humble (and pain-free) shipmate, Frank |
| I got the AmMa barbacks - thanks so much. (two days after they
were supplied to my collegue in the US, the barbacks were already in the
Uk, but it took a while to get them from the UK to the Netherlands).Are
you sure you sent to ‘slightly scratched ones’ ?? I had to use
a magnifying glass to find them ! Installation was ever so easy and no need
to cut any of the cable-ties. Before my cup of coffee even had a chance
to chill, I was ready for a test-ride.Never knew that such a small investment
in both money and time could give so much comfort …..Regards and thanks
again, Detlef K. Umlauf / K1200RS / Rotterdam, Netherlands |
| "I
logged over 25,000 miles on my 2002 K1200 RS, before looking into some
bar backs. Obviously I was pretty dang satisfied, but I'd had a a few
experiences with sore wrists, carpal area, and wanted to see what was
up with bar backs. I'd also seen a few Verholen's both from guys who had
installed them and guys who had removed them. The American Machine bar
backs are in my opinion, perfect. The installation took 20 minutes. After
I installed them I felt like the look of the bars/grips was barely different
from stock, and then I rode fifty miles. Woo Hoo!! This is the way the
machine should have been delivered from the factory. Now it's 99.9% perfect
up from 98%. My oh my what a difference, and a tiny difference at that.
That tells me, BMW almost got it right and good for them, but the folks
who design and manufacture these bar backs really understand the finer
points of piloting a K1200 RS. I'm totally impressed with the quality
of the product, ease of installation and final, installed appearance. Installation Tip: Get your snips and clip off any cable/wire ties which are obviously related to left and right lines, cables, electrics bundled from each grip array. The is easily done from the top and up through the body opening directly behind the front wheel. Once free these bundles won't bind and you can easily manipulate things as you install the grip assembly onto the new bar backs. Even the tendency for the throttle cabling to bind due to the poor angle from the factory is improved and cured by the cabling slots on the throttle side bar back. My only problem with the 2002 K1200 RS was with one of these cables. Among other things, due to the kink as it exits from the adjusting screw, this binding rendered it very difficult to roll off the throttle if the end popped out of the adjusting screw. That happened once on a trip. I remedied it with a cable tie and it's been fine since. However the slot in the bar back eliminates the need for a cable tie and actually puts both cables in the right position for the easiest, softest throttle yet on this machine. The angles created with these bar backs are far superior to what's claimed about the K1200 GT grips. That is a very exaggerated claim at best. These bar backs though, without question, deliver the goods. WTG Pirates Lair!! Gordon Douglas Phares, Professional Guide / 2002 K1200 RS / www.bmwmotorcycletours.com |
| Got my AmMa
barbacks a little after 2 PM on Wednesday. At 3:07 PM I rode out the driveway
and made Beckley WV by 8 PM - a distance of 250 miles. Thursday I ran
400 miles to Myrtle Beach. What a difference this product makes to the
comfort on this machine. Previously, my wrists would be feeling it after
20-30 miles. While some may think $140 is a lot of money for two pieces
of metal, they made all the difference in the world to me. Paul Ploskina / 2002 K1200RS / North Huntingdon, Pa. |
| Ahoy Pirate!
Thanks for the help choosing the American Machine barbacks. I just returned
from a 900 mile long weekend through New Mexico and the bar backs made
a huge difference on my neck, wrists and shoulders. Now I'll just have
to buy MORE STUFF for the beast! Great help and quick shipping - thanks
again....Z Richard Zizza / 2001 K1200RS / Carlsbad, NM. |
| Pirate--Just for info, here is some feedback: Everything operates
very nicely. I really like the position of the bars (height and reach)
and the more parallel angle is very comfortable. All in all it was about
an hour and a half's worth of work. A repeat performance wouldn't take
quite as long. No problem with windshield clearance. There's plenty of
room there. Thanks. Cleve Blouch / 2002 K1200RS / Down Arizona Way |
| Just wanted
to let you know the American Machine barbacks and peg lower kit are awesome
on my German Machine. The riding position is now very comfortable for
extended rides. They were also quite easy to install ('01 K12RS). Tell
the folks over there nice work. John.R.Diroll / 2001 K1200RS / Sandy, Utah |
| The AmMa
barbacks arrived on Thursday [or was it Wednesday?], and were quick and
easy to install. They REALLY made a huge difference in comfort for me,
and all the lines and cables weren't over-extended. Whew! We went to southern
Missouri on Friday and rode twisties Friday and Saturday --- what a BLAST!!
I now LOVE this bike...!Thanks much Nancy Koeneman / 2003 K1200RS / Monticello, IL. |
| I just rode
150 miles with my American Machine barbacks and peg lowering kit installed.
Wonderful! Couldn't have done that with the OEM setup. They make the bike
rideable.Thanks for your help. Thanks too, for your great web site. Larry Glenn / 2001 K1200RS / Bend, OR |
| Just wanted
to thank you for the great service. The AM Machine Bar Backs arrived at
9:00am today. Installation on my '03 K1200RS took <30 minutes. The
only tight lines/wires were the main wire harness to the left bar controls.
Snipping 4 tie wraps and minor wiggling of the harness gave a perfect
fit. The quality and design of this product exceeded my expectations.
I am 5'6" and the change in riding position has taken all of the strain
off of my back and pressure off of my hands. The added leverage at parking
lot speeds is a bonus. David Weiss / 2003 K1200RS / Golden, CO |
| I'm not
sure if passing along the feedback from fellow barback installers is such
a good idea. It just causes needless anxiety. Lets face it those guys
were anal beyond belief. It took me longer to find my 6MM allen wrench
and Loctite than it took to install the American Machine barbacks. And
only one tie-wrap was snipped. BTW those barbacks are a first class item.
Mark Booth / 2002 K1200RS / Elizabeth, Pa. |
| As you
know, I recently returned some 50mm Verholen barbacks
for the 30mm American Machine Version. Excellent comfort if the
individual has carpal tunnel issues. The new angle difference of the bar
backs places the hand so the nerve bundles are missed entirely unlike
the original factory setup. The grip is now placed in the center of the
palm instead of crossing the outside heel of the hand eliminating the
pinching of the nerve bundles. The levers may have to be adjusted to a
shorter distance to accommodate the riders different hand position since
the riders hand is moved back. The Comfort shield when used on a 0'2 bike
will hit the mirrors unless it is used in the up position when turning
the bars to full lock or locking the bike. The stock shield misses in
all positions. A longer brake line may not be needed but it sure makes the installation and flow of the cables and control much easer and puts less stress on the brake line. I tied the wires at the part of the bar-back where the angled cut is done to relieve any pulling stress when turning the bars to full lock. If done properly it will hardly show, with the only down side to doing this is if the grip assemble has to be removed then you have to cut the ties. The 50 mm Verholen set while relieving most hand pressure still keeps you heel of your hand as a pressure point when using the clutch and throttle. It also put me, at 6' 2" height, in too much of a classic setup and beg position which leads to lower back pain when riding for long periods of time of 4 or more hours. The American Machine bar backs removes this as a problem with the angle change incorporated in their design of the bar backs. For me it is just enough forward lean without to much pressure on my hands. Side note: Just got back from a 3 hr ride and happy to report not a single carpal tunnel symptom to report. Rode through a park with numerous curves and stop and go did 35 miles on the freeway with not a single bad comment to make about the product. Life is good! Dwight Morton / 2002 K1200RS / Chardon, OH |
| I mounted
the American Machine barbacks yesterday, and went for a short ride. At
first they seemed only a bit better than the Verholen 30mm''s that I replaced.
Today I took a much longer ride, and determined that the American Machine
units are MUCH better! As a matter of fact, I had been thinking of replacing
my 1200RS with a new 1200GT -- just for more comfort in the bar reach.
Now I intend to keep the RS for the forseeable future -- there's that
much improvement. Conrad M. Kay /2002 K1200RS / Arlington, Tx. |
| I just installed
the American Machine bar backs. WHAT A DIFFERENCE! This has made the bike
very comfortable to spend hours riding. I am 6'2" tall and it makes the
ergos just perfect. Also, very nicely finished product. I would recommend
this change to anyone contemplating revising the bar mounting on the K1200RS. Michael Philippi / 2003 K1200RS / Oakland, Ca |
| Thanks
for the exellent service.My parcel arrived in South Africa 7 days after
despatch in the U S A. The bar backs give a very relaxed riding position
somewhere between a K1200RS and a R1150RT. This is an exellent buy but
ask your dealer to fit the longer cables for an easier fit. Regards Jimmy Brink / 2002 K1200RS / Johannesburg, South Africa |
| The improvement
in posture is very good... retaining some weight on the shoulders so as
not to stress the back and completely relieving the wrists; probably turning
a 2-hour bike into an all day bike. John McCormick / 1999 K1200RS / Yuma, AZ |
| All there
is to say is I was wrong, when I got the American Machine barbacks that
you suggested for my 2002 K1200 RS, I thought that these small machined
blocks could not make much difference. This is the part where "I
was wrong." After the installation "a scant 25 minutes"
I rode the bike and It is a different machine. Much more comfortable.
Thanks for the suggestion of these and I will be buying more items late.
Thanks. William Stoffels / 2003 K1200RS / Lemont, IL |
| The bar
backs are great. From just a few jaunts around town, I'm amazed at the
difference. I should have done this 3 years ago when I bought the damn
thing! It feels like a completely different bike. Steering effort feels
a bit heavier, but I attribute that to the lessening of body weight on
the bars. Jacob Mayer / 2001 K1200RS / Tempe, AZ |
| Thanks
for taking the time to answer questions I had about my K1200 Rs . The
bar backs are just what the docter ordered. What a difference they make
on the ride. Tim Anderson / 1998 K1200RS / Dublin, Oh. |
| I rode
out to Rocky's in Ojai, CA last weekend and it was my first chance to
road test everything. The trip is about 480 miles each way. First, the
bar-backs are heaven-sent. About 40 miles west of town I began wondering
why my wrists didn't hurt. Throughout the whole trip I had ZERO wrist
pain, and this is a first on my K12RS. Normally I had to pop Aleve and
smear BenGay on my wrists to dull the aching on any ride over 50 miles. Jacob Mayer (Bill Mayer Saddles) / 2001 K1200RS / Tempe, Az. |
| Just wanted
to let you know that my dealer was able to install the American Machine
KRS Bar Backs (30mm) on my '02 with no problems and no cable replacements.
Thanks again for the info. I love the new riding position. Drew Craig / '02 K12RS Ice/Red / Louisville, OH |
| Just wanted
to tell you that the bar backs got here on Wednesday - thanks for the
great service. I installed them yesterday and am very happy with them.
They are well made, well designed, easy to install (only required cutting
off some tie-wraps), and most of all, make a big difference in my riding
position. I obviously haven't had time to put copious miles on them yet,
but I'm sure they will do fine. These give me a 6 degree angle from horizontal,
and more leverage on the bars, making turning a bit easier due to better
leverage, but they force your elbows out a little more than the others
would. I think I made the right decision. Anyway, thanks again for the
great service!!! David Gilmore / 2002 K1200RS / Murphysboro, IL |
| Scoot
feels much better with the American Machine bar backs on it. Noticed the
mirrors seem to be much better configured after I realized they needed
( Duh ! ) readjusting ! Although I did get some tingling and numbness
for the first time in my right hand, but that may have been all the stop
and go traffic I was riding in.Keep up the great work folks Drew Bland /2003 K1200RS / Indianapolis, IN |
| I recently
received my order of American Machine Bar Backs and was very pleased with
both the quality of the products and the timely and courteous service
by Pirate's Lair. Installation of the bar backs went smooth and without
problems. The bar backs provided the expected comfort. Abedon Madril / 2004 K1200RS |
| I just
put the AmMac barbacks on...what a difference! I only rode it 1 minute
and I could already tell that my hands/wrists/shoulders are in a much
better postition. Joseph Quianzon / K1200RS / Union City, CA |
| I received
and installed the barbacks in no time at all. Had to clip one of the ties
under the left side to clear up enough throttle cable. Had BMW do this
when it was in for service while side cover was off. I have not had a
chance to spend a lot of time on the bike since install, but so far they
seem to be a big improvement. Wife loves the back rest. Still whacks me
on the helmet when I try to go ballistic. Oh well. Will get a few other
things from you in the future. Thanks for the assistance. Joseph Bull / K1200RS / Ontario, Canada |
| First
and foremost all the goodies I have purchased from you are performing
great after approx. 6,000 running miles that includes a few high mountains
in CO. . The American machine Bar-back have made all the difference for
me on the bike. I averaged approx. 900 miles per day on my recent trip
to CO, AZ, then N.M. and I am now very pleased with this bike. I really
thought I had screwed the pooch after I traded my GS in on this scoot,
but not now. I had NO soreness either at the end are the beginning of
each riding day. Also much less KNEE soreness than I had on the GS! What
little I had was easily walked out in just a few minutes. I am thinking
everyone must get some joint pain somewhere, sometimes, at least the old
farts like me. A BIG thank you to both you and American Machine for a
great bar-back device. Drew Bland / K1200RS / Evansville, IN |
| Hey Pirate,
Installed the 30 mm Am Machine barback on my 02 K1200RS. They are awesome!
Thanks! Leo Portela / BMW Sales Manager / Gault Auto Sport BMW / Endicott, NY / www.buybmw.com |
| I just
got my order of K1200 RS Peg Lowering Kit and 30mm AmMa Barbacks. They
look great. All the installations worked well after I clipped the tie-wraps
on the control lines for the handle bar barback installations.After riding
for a while, I found the installations worked well for me. They also were
very easy to install. Actually, I really love the changes and would recommend
them to anyone who is a bit taller than the average rider. Hagar-Erik Hasenbeck |
| The American
bar backs are positivly "Tits" nice improvement over the 50
mm ones sitting on my tool box now.And soon to be listed in the classifieds.
Thanks for your Help Jerry and may God bless you and Amber many times
over. Capt Bob / Lone Shark Charters |
| I got my
American bar backs last week and they are tremendous! No problem installing
them on my 2003 RS. It took all of 15 minutes, and I did not even have
to cut tie wraps. What a difference! Thanks for the quick turn around. Dan Clark / 2003 K1200RS / La Selva Beach, CA |
|
Installation:
Took about 10 minutes. As in the installation sheet, I cut the zip ties
first. I installed the BB’s on the bike next, not the handle bars
on the BB’s first. I think this made it easier. I also used the
left BB on the left and the right on the right. Waaayyy too clever there.
I then re-zipped the various cables and lines, making certain the throttle
cables worked smoothly and did not produce a 1936 Harley suicide throttle. |
| The American
Bar Backs I ordered from you are great! It resolved the stiff neck issue
I was having. :) Robert C Cline / K1200RS / Houston, TX |
| My last
purchase from you was the AM Barbacks, holy crap what a difference. Thanks
man, everything I have purchased from you in the past has worked so well.
They have made my "Flying Brick" that much more awesome. Jack Heric / K1200RS / Fredericksburg, Va. |
| I just
wanted to drop you a quick note to express my satisfaction with the American
Machine K12RS bar backs. I installed them several weeks ago on my ’03
K1200RS and have had the opportunity to put about 500 miles on them since.
The difference in the ergonomics is impressive, to say the least! The
combination of the angle change, height increase, and reduction of reach
makes the bike feel completely different. I can now stay in the saddle
for an entire tank without the pain in my hands and wrists or even the
fatigue in my legs from keeping my torso upright. This puts the “tourer”
back in my sport tourer without killing the “sport” part!
As for installation,
it was really a breeze, taking less than 1 hour. The cables and hydraulic
lines all reached back with good clearance, but as mentioned by virtually
all installers, you have to clip the tie-wraps and re-route all the
lines. Go ahead and cut away at the start of the procedure – tie-wraps
are cheap! I did note that one of the throttle cables had a tendency
to rub across the end of a bolt on the frame that supports the fairing,
potentially leading to wear of the jacket. I solved this by splitting
a piece of small gauge fuel line, tie-wrapping it around the cable,
then strapping the protected cable to the frame to immobilize it. This
seems to work OK and does not really show. As reported by all, the mirrors
do have interference with the BMW “comfort” windshield in
the low position only. In the high position, everything clears OK. Solution?
I guess just leave the windshield up if you are moving the bike around
and need lock to lock steering movement. I have had no interference
problems at the low shield setting while riding - I guess if you are
going lock to lock while in motion, you have more to worry about than
your mirrors hitting your wind screen ;-) . |
| I just
wanted to drop you a note on the American Machine 30mm. barbacks I received
on Friday. Instillation was a snap on my 2004 K1200RS. And a nice touch
to releave the right unit for the throttle cables. I used a dab of Leadplate
on the stainless bolts so that they didn't gall the aluminum barback.
The front brake hose is "snug" in full left lock. It only needs
about an extra 1/2" in length. I think that rear hose that is 2"
longer would be overkill, especially if you wanted to go back to the stock
handlebar set-up. There was no windshield clearance problem with the stock
shield. BUT, when I put a stock GT windshield the mirrors hit the wide
part of the shield about mid-point through the steering arc in the low
position. There is no contact when the GT windshield is in the UP position.
Thanks for the prompt delivery. Bruce Chasmer / K1200RS |
| Let me
tell you how satisfied I am with the American Machine barbacks you sold
me. Installation was a piece of cake....one cable tie snip. My dealer
was a little unhappy with ANY traction on the brake line; it looked to
me to be OK (only just) but he put a slightly longer one on and I'm a
pig in shit. What a difference it makes for my wrists. The carpal tunnel-like
symptoms are a tenth of what they were before and I find that if I put
the seat in the high position I can still get my weight forward enough
for aggressive steering. All in all a good purchase. Hi to Amber and Merry
Christmas. Bill Amado / K1200RS |
| Oh Dangerous
one.. Installed barbacks in 25 mins. Hard to believe it's the same bike!!
I think I'll keep er!! Thanks for the great products. Oil be seepin ya! Paul Pacheco / K1200RS / Pacifica, CA |
| I just
wanted to thank you for a few things: First the service your company provided
was excellent. From date of order to receiving the product was only 3
working days thank you. Second the product was very well made. When I
ordered them I thought that the cost was a bit high but after seeing the
quality of the product I now feel that it was a fair price considering
the labor and attention to detail that went into machining and design
of the bar backs. Third the installation was simple just follow the instructions
you provided and wiggle the throttle cable until the idle dropped back
to normal and wire tie things back into place. At full lock to lock movement
the idle stays steady and the mirror posts just touch the wind screen.
Great fit good design!!! Lastly how is the position do you ask? I went
for a 100 mile ride last night and never even got a tingle in my hand.
These bar back have corrected the ergonomic short coming of an already
excellent machine. In all I could not have asked for more and consider
the money well spent. Thank you Pirate you’re the tops. Michael E. Swope / K1200RS / Akron, OH |
| Thanks,
Jerry! The bar backs arrived in a very timely fashion even as you were
saying you did not know when they would become available. They installed
exactly as the enclosed instructions directed with no glitches whatsoever.
Clipping the cable ties in appropriate places aided the process and reties
were easy. The new position of the bars is perfect, particularly the change
in wrist angle. I have long arms and, with the addition of the AmMachine
bar backs, my newly acquired RS is going to share the duties of my RT
as a long-distance tourer. Your offering of products specific to the RS/GT
"K" bikes consists of a number of carefully thought out items
that give your customers a hand-picked list of things designed to add
comfort, enhance performance or simply tweak appearance allowing us to
make one of these amazing machines uniquely our own. I always enjoy my
visits to your web site. Perhaps we'll meet in person at a rally somewhere. Gary Steiner / K1200RS / Centennial, CO |
| Thanks
for the extremely quick turnaround on delivering the American Machine
Barbacks. Installation was accomplished in under 30 minutes on my 2002
K1200RS. I'm impressed with the quality of the fit and finish of the product
and they have transformed my K12RS into a "new" and more even
more enjoyable motorcycle. Full days in the saddle are looked forward
to now with great anticipation rather than dread. Mike Abbott / 2002 K1200RS / BigStone Gap, VA |
| Hi Jerry...thanks
for the quick response and the super fast shipping. The AM barbracks are
wonderfull Exactly what i was looking for. .Strong and perfect made. Ideal
positioning. Regards Steven P. / K1200RS / Belgium |
| I recently got a smokin' deal on a garage kept, babied, - '02 K12RS with 6k miles on it and was thrilled until I rode it for more than 30 minutes. OUCH !! I ordered some AM barbacks (unbelievable difference) from you folks and BANG ! --- In a couple of days, there they were in my mailbox... Great Service... Great Products.... New Loyal Customer Here!! Greg Dodkin / Las Vegas. NV |
| Jerry, I want to give you some feedback on the AM bar risers received yesterday. At first I was a little reluctant to spend the money for the product but the positive feedback notes on your web site convinced me. I received the USPS priority package yesterday as promised and with little more than an hour before a prior commitment, I was hesitant about starting the installation but decided to proceed. I have an 2004 K1200RS and installation was complete in less than 15 minutes. Incredible. No brake line replacement required and I only had to reposition the cable tie on the left side because of the ignition cable. No contact with the stock windshield on lock to lock turns, perfect. And the position of the bars with the more horizontal angle is very comfortable. Again, very well thought out by people who know what they are doing. Congratulations on an excellent product. The quality is excellent and the appearance looks like it came from the factory. As the saying goes, I will still be appreciating the excellent quality long after I have forgotten the price. I would recommend this product to anyone who is a bit taller and/or wants a more comfortable riding position on this excellent bike. Sincerely, Ken Ken Murphy / 2004 K1200RS / Loveland, Co |
