Can handle bars be bent

ckahleer

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I now have about 150 miles on my recently purchased 81 XS650. Got all the bugs worked out and it's running great.
I'm having problems adjusting to those pulled back handle bars though. They just don't seem to fit the straight up riding position of the bike. Is there a way to bend the grip section back a bit without messing up the chrome finish?
I like the height of the bars, Just not the inward grip angle.
 
Um no just pitch those danged things LOL.
I did actually try this recently on a different pair, even with an oxy-acetylene torch it was a failure.
 
If you like the original pullbacks, you should be able to find a good one someplace, like maybe this forum. If just slightly tweaked, you might be able to put them back. A long pipe over the bar should do it. If it's bent, it's scrap metal. Toss it. EMGO has an inexpensive reproduction, or Flanders has a nice stainless version, not so inexpensive. If you just don't like them, NO you may not bend them and use them. If you like the style, but want less pullback, look for bars from an early XV750 Virago or an XJ650 Maxim. That might be what you're looking for.

I ride with my pullbacks down low, and I like it that way.
 
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It's a no to bending them without stuffing up the chrome, mine went straight into the scrap bin, i have KZ 900/1000 bars on mine , a good height for relaxed riding.
 
... A long pipe over the bar should do it. If it's bent, it's scrap metal. Toss it...

Ditto. Rebent/straightened a lot of handlebars back in the day. Had a pipe tool, hollow pipe on one end, double hooks on the other. But, rebending only within limits, like about 10°-20°...
 
Yes they can be bent. I'm fortunate to have a hydraulic press at work. I've had to bend the chrome weld on kickstands too. I suggest finding a local machine shop or just a shop that'd have an enerpac or press. Personally I'm not a fan of the rototiller bars. Feels like I'm sitting on the toilet.
 
Back when I read the newspaper sitting on the shitter. That's the factory XS stance. Haha! I love these bikes, just need a little tweaking. Everything does. People spend 10's of thousands on Harley's and "customize" with bolt on stuff. I can buy a nice XS for under 1k. Some time and TLC people stop and look at mine after passing a row of Harley's. True story brothers.
 
That was just silly! I like stick-ons ( pasties, especially when they are counter-rotating ) as well as the next guy! But he could have saved himself all that dough and went straight away to 400 HP by just adding a "Blue Dot Tail Light!" Oh, that's right, he said 80's. :oops::offtopic:
 
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