83 Special Handlebar swap

I’m looking at a very nice stock 83 Heritage Special with under 5k miles. Price is right but I don’t think I would be happy with the stock Handlebars. Just wondering if anyone has put a more conventional handlebar and if they had any problems finding throttle cables, brake lines, et cet for the conversion.

My suggestion for an old guy like you is an Emgo CB750 handlebar.
Just put a set on madness with Virago risers. couldn't be happier.
Will grab one to put on one of the 70's also.
The only really fussy cable is the clutch, that requires a bit of finesse to get a good minimum, gentle, bends install.
Unless it's got a verified recent motion pro clutch cable I'd buy, drip lube, and install one as part of your "make it mine and reliable" drill.

Hey Gary--- I'm curious about your hand grips ??...

tim

As most here already know, I'm a big fan of the Euro bar bend. The way they droop down slightly on the ends places your wrists at a very natural angle and that makes these bars very comfortable. Here's the set I put on my '83. They totally transform the look and feel of the bike .....



Another "plus" is that with the way they droop down on the ends, the angled Special MC fits well, sitting almost level .....





You'll also need to change the brake line. I recommend a stainless one piece line 90cm long (about 35.4"). You can find them on eBay for $10 or less.

I'll start by saying I've been riding my '83 Heritage with stock bars for 40 years and I don't find them uncomfortable. 20 years ago I purchased an Eleven Special with a more standard bar fitted on it. I rode it on a trip and put the OE bar on it immediately afterwards.
That said, I don't need two Specials with the same setup. I fitted the XS650SH with a replica Triumph T140 handlebar. As far as the cables and brake lines, the OE length is perfect for these. The rise is eight inches. I think it looks appropriate on the Special. Most importantly, I find it comfortable. I am rather tall and I don't like leaning forward. The only issue I found was the flat bar ends are too short. The clutch and brake are mounted at the curve, so another inch would be great. It works as is.
If what you hate is the tiller effect with your hands far behind the steering center, this corrects it. It hit all the marks for me. I do think my arthritic shoulders prefer the OE bar, but an all day ride went fine for me. YMMV

jetmechmarty said:

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Haircut time again?

Kevin Werner said:

Haircut time again?

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I’m not going high and tight, but this is shorter than you’re accustomed to @Kevin Werner .

mm1ut1 said:

I’m looking at a very nice stock 83 Heritage Special with under 5k miles. Price is right but I don’t think I would be happy with the stock Handlebars. Just wondering if anyone has put a more conventional handlebar and if they had any problems finding throttle cables, brake lines, et cet for the conversion.

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I had 2 specials with buck horn handle bars. I replaced the bars on both of them with Honda Magna bars. The Magna bars provide a much more natural wrist and grip position.