Handlebars-What kind??

halfmile

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Today the handlebars came for my no theme build. I prefer a #10 bend flat track bar for it`s looks and maximum control. Somehow this bar is real comfortable to me. Since the bars are kind of a personal thing what does anyone else use? Just curious.:bike:
handlebars 002.JPG handlebars 005.JPG
 
Today the handlebars came for my no theme build. I prefer a #10 bend flat track bar for it`s looks and maximum control. Somehow this bar is real comfortable to me. Since the bars are kind of a personal thing what does anyone else use? Just curious.:bike:
View attachment 131406 View attachment 131407

Hi halfmile,
that's like asking what shoe size do you use because what fits me most likely won't fit you, eh?
That said, starting from when my bike was new:-
Stock buckhorns, first thought on test ride "Bike is perfect but these bars gotta GO!
Honda CB750 bars, too tall.
Eurobars, too low.
XS11 Standard bars, just about perfect for solo riding.
Went back to the CB750 bars for the sidecar.
However, that tracker bar is 36" wide, right? Mebbe try that next.
 
Euro bars, period. I eventually put them on every bike I get pretty much. I was introduced to them in the early '80s by the BMW crowd. Back then, BMWs sold in this country came with higher bars similar to what most other bikes used, with about a 4" or 5" rise. In fact, they were even called "USA" bars. But, BMW actually designed those bikes for use with the lower "Euro" bars and they were fitted to all the bikes sold all over the rest of the world. The seat had a slight downward slope towards the front and was more comfortable with the lower bars because, well, BMW designed it that way. Here's my newest bike with them installed. Besides enhancing the handling, I just think they look "right". I also find them very comfortable because of the way the ends droop down slightly. This turns your wrists to a more natural angle than flat bars or ones that stick straight out .....

7zJUwvH.jpg


I quite like the $5 Banggood hand grips I fitted to this bike as well .....

lzutB53.jpg
 
These were billed as Superbike bars. They are 5 1/2" shorter than the flat track bars.
Finished Project 010.JPG
 
I liked the Euro bars on my XS too.

My FJ09 is one of the VERY few bikes I didn't need to change bars on. After I went to the Corbin seat (slightly taller, riding position further back) I had to put risers on them, but still using the stock bars.
 
For most of the last few bikes, over the years, euro bars or superbike bars were my choice.....Now after 15 to 20 years mostly on an 1100 Interstate with oem bars, the black EMGO "tracker" bars feel just right on my '78 Special turned 'tracker replica. No windshield and generally lower speeds combined with rides of shorter duration makes that a good fit for ME......ymmv Also, black bars because with chrome the shine is fine, but chrome don't get ya home..............lol
 
Euro bars, period. I eventually put them on every bike I get pretty much. I was introduced to them in the early '80s by the BMW crowd. Back then, BMWs sold in this country came with higher bars similar to what most other bikes used, with about a 4" or 5" rise. In fact, they were even called "USA" bars. But, BMW actually designed those bikes for use with the lower "Euro" bars and they were fitted to all the bikes sold all over the rest of the world. The seat had a slight downward slope towards the front and was more comfortable with the lower bars because, well, BMW designed it that way. Here's my newest bike with them installed. Besides enhancing the handling, I just think they look "right". I also find them very comfortable because of the way the ends droop down slightly. This turns your wrists to a more natural angle than flat bars or ones that stick straight out .....

7zJUwvH.jpg


I quite like the $5 Banggood hand grips I fitted to this bike as well .....

lzutB53.jpg

Hi 5Twins,
how did you cope with fitting replacement bars considering BMW's practice of using 22mm bars instead of the usual 7/8" (22.2mm)?
I well remember the WTF? moment when trying to slip my R90's controls onto a 7/8" replacement bar.
Took me yards of emery tape and a megaton of elbow grease to sand the bar ends to fit.
 
Yes, I know all about that size thing, lol. I bought BMW specific 22mm bars, the Magura brand. They're quite expensive these days but weren't too much more than Jap bike bars back in the '80s.
 
I like the #10 dirt track bars also. I shorten them 1" on each side. They fit my 5'7" self.:)
 
Yes, I know all about that size thing, lol. I bought BMW specific 22mm bars, the Magura brand. They're quite expensive these days but weren't too much more than Jap bike bars back in the '80s.

Hi 5twins,
at least you knew that those BMW cleverdicks had played that jolly prank before you bought 7/8" bars, eh?
I've never trusted those dimwit bastards since.
 
Almost forgot an early favorite.....CB400F Honda bars but they are drilled for wires inside the bars to the center where the wires exit to the headlight shell. If used on Yamaha [or other bikes without a connecting bridge from one riser to the other] they eventually crack and break in the center around the area of that oval hole the wires are meant to exit from! That can be VERY detrimental to precise handling and steering! I broke one while braking hard on my '77 triple XS750D. The only bike I ever owned that would do "stoppies" raising the rear wheel up under max braking........maybe that's why the bars broke......ya think?
 
Euro's on Virago risers.
View attachment 131409
Bout 4K miles on em this year. (no windshield}
Gary, I'm curious how you secured the Virago risers to a stock 650 triple clamp - the stems on them are shorter than those on stock 650 risers, looks like enough thread protrudes to get a nut on part way but not enough to use a lock washer underneath too.
 
Yeah skipped the lock nut used blue locktite, no issues 4 me. I now have some metric coupling nuts ,and will do a custom nut, one of these daze.
 
Yeah skipped the lock nut used blue locktite, no issues 4 me. I now have some metric coupling nuts ,and will do a custom nut, one of these daze.
OK, thnx much - just got a pair of V'go risers that polished up nicely; think they'll put my handlebar in a more comfortable location for me.
 
I went for LSL "superbike low" alloy handlebars. Very similar to oem Ducati M600/750/900 bars.They may not be the best with regards to vibration, though.....,
 
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