My 75 has the higher bars, saw a photo of one on an fb forum, think it looks much better and probably feels better with that stance and weight over the front end. My question is, are the throttle cables and clutch cable easy to find in shorter lengths (obviously I can get the brake line made up to whatever length rqd)?
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Lower bar
- Thread starter Clusterm2
- Start date
Cables from standards are usually fine if you route them to eliminate any tight bends. special cables are longer. Sometimes need to get creative for a good path. Drag bars can be a a pain with cable routing but I don't care to ride with them so it's not an issue for me. Motion pro will custom build cables if you feel the need $$
Cable shortening can also be done DIY.
Cable shortening can also be done DIY.
Going from the Special bars to the Standard (stock '75) bars required no more than creative routing for me on my old '83.
Better too long than too short.
Better too long than too short.
If your ‘75 wire harnesses are stock to the bike, then going to lower bars will be no issue. As far as clutch and throttle cables go, it seems the longer ones for the Special are all that’s available.
If you are "of an age" the higher bars help keep the back from roaching and extend the time that riding is enjoyable not a pain fest.
View attachment 330843
The upright posture also helps with BPH.
I very much like the lower bars. I think they make longer rides more comfortable and are actually easier on the back. When you're leaned forward slightly, your hips take the bumps instead of your spine. My bar of choice is the Euro bend, not too high and not too low, just perfect in my mind - and from experience using them. The way they droop down slightly on the ends turn your wrists to a more natural angle than a bar that sticks straight out, and this makes them very comfortable .....
Since there aren't any shorter cables available, you just have to make do with rerouting the originals. If you simply route them down the opposite sides of the steering neck compared to where they were originally, that will usually do the trick .....
Since there aren't any shorter cables available, you just have to make do with rerouting the originals. If you simply route them down the opposite sides of the steering neck compared to where they were originally, that will usually do the trick .....
BPH ?
bees per hour ?
Low “euro bars” fit my riding posture best too.
We all have different arm / back / leg dimensions and conditions so it is difficult to suggest.
One thing to keep in consideration is that on the 75 models they ran all the handlebar wiring internally. A feature I really like as it greatly cleans up the handlebar area. I actually do this on all my bikes anyway. But when you swap bars you will need to fish the wiring out to disconnect. Not all replacement bars are drilled to internally wire either. Many times I have to drill and shape my own holes to accommodate in replacement bars.
Think sitting on tennis ball.BPH ?
So true. Windshield also really changes what handlebar works best. So does average travel speed, what works great at 40, 45 can be agony at 70MPH. Bar riser and setbacks are probably one of the most popular options on touring bikes. I change bar/hand wrist position on nearly every bike I put any miles on.
"Standard" handlebars on virago 1" up 1" back risers. Will prolly swap things again. I'd like about an 1" or 2 higher and little forward to suit my long arms/ torso. May go back to standard risers, and change to mini apes.
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I just replaced the bar on my XS650SH. It’s very close to the tall Triumph bar it replaces. Slightly less pullback and more room for the switchgear. I haven’t had a chance to ride it yet. I might try to get somebody to weld one inch extensions on the Triumph bar. I hope the new one works out as it’s a higher quality piece. I may be running out of Special mars that aren’t bent.
Honestly in twenty years I've never had a special bar that WASN'T bent.
Yep. I heard you say that. I like them, but my patience is running out. I can rid all day on the Triumph bar, it just needs more grip space.
sparky4123
IN XS
Another suggestion is the tracker bars available almost anywhere. I have lopped an inch off each end and find them just about perfect. Very similar in height to the “standard” bars and the angle they put your wrists at is just about perfect. The “scrambles” bars are already 2” narrower than the tracker bars and have just a slightly different pullback, but are also very comfortable.
Perfect for you! Nice tip. As much as I may want to lean into it, I can’t do it for long. We’re all different. One man’s comfy chair is a torture device for another.
sparky4123
IN XS
I’m 6’ tall and find with the tracker bars I am leaning just slightly forward. Not sitting straight up as with the stock “pull backs” that came on the specials. And not leaning on my wrists as you would with a straighter Euro style bar.
Oops hadn't thought about that at all, on holiday at the moment so I'll check it out when back home.
Running the control wires internally is a very nice touch you do !
I’m cutting down 34.5” wide Tracker bars 1off each end. But I also like Halcyon Bar End Mirrors which add back beyond the grips.
Internal wiring is a great idea
