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Message started by Dave S. on 01/05/13 at 05:59:40

Title: Replacement handlebars?
Post by Dave S. on 01/05/13 at 05:59:40

I have an '04 LS650, I'd like to change the bars to something different.
I don't care for "Drag bars" as they set too far forward, but the stock
bars are too far "pulled-back"
Any suggestions?

Title: Re: Replacement handlebars?
Post by Demin on 01/05/13 at 07:36:04

If you have buckhorns(pullbacks) now,you can go up to like a 10" mini ape.Some 4" Z bars would look good.You can get 1" bars that look like a motocross bar,without the brace.Some Sportsters have them stock.

Title: Re: Replacement handlebars?
Post by Johnny57 on 01/05/13 at 08:06:38

Drag bars will come closer to you as you increase the height of your risers. Cut off a broom to 29", sit on the bike and place the bars where you would like them to be comfortable. Then look to your risers and see how much longer they would have to be to use the broomsticks. Riser length will also dictate whether controls hit the tank when turning. It is not an exact science but bars alone on the stock risers is not going to give you many options.

Title: Re: Replacement handlebars?
Post by Serowbot on 01/05/13 at 09:13:09

Try some standard bars... these came off a Harley... I got'em for $20.00...
I have drag bars now... switched for cosmetic reasons... standard bars are the most comfortable...
;)...

http://p1.bikepics.com/2007%5C04%5C03%5Cbikepics-852138-800.jpg

Title: Re: Replacement handlebars?
Post by arteacher on 01/05/13 at 09:16:43

Take into consideration the position of your wrists and hands as well.
Also a mini ape, like the Builtwell Friscos, can be adjusted forward or rearward to get just the right distance. You won't need to change any cabling with them as well.

Title: Re: Replacement handlebars?
Post by WD on 01/05/13 at 09:29:25

Sit on the bike, let your arms and hands fall to where they are most comfortable. Have someone take the rough measurements versus your stock bars. Then start hunting the internet for the closest match you can find.

I have a set of tourer/tracker bars on my Honda like Serow has on the pic of his bike. Mine are 7/8" but the 1" version is pretty common. I'm bored with the 15" apes I currently have on mine, next set is likely Knucklehead style beach bars with 6" dogbone risers. Kind of 1500 Drifter-esque on taller risers.

Title: Re: Replacement handlebars?
Post by Dave S. on 01/05/13 at 09:48:20

The bars in Serowbot's photo is exactly what I had in mind.
Too many years riding dirt bikes I guess....
So what bike are those off of? There's so many bars sold online
today and I'd like an easy swap without many modifications.
Thanks for the photo!

Title: Re: Replacement handlebars?
Post by diamond jim on 01/05/13 at 09:59:13

163334323225696B5C0 wrote:

This is what Johnny57 is talking about. These are I think 27" drag bars (they look a litter wider cause of the bar end mirrors/lights combo). Those are 6" risers.

These I would call "broomstick" bars, the stock drag bars have some pull back to them -V1

http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/hh128/russ_diamond_jim/3-20-1.jpg

I experimented by parking my bike in the garage so the handlebar area was lined up with a rafter running across the garage. I then took a 3 ft section of 1" PVC pipe, wrapped a piece of rope around each end then the other ends of the rope went over the rafters and tied so the PVC pipe was floating above the bike. I sat on the bike and adjusted my arms, body lean, grip, etc., until I found the perfect position. I inched my bike forward or backwards under the pipe as needed. I marked where the outside of my hands were on the bar and also measured height and any pullback in reference to the fork angle. I found no pullback was needed for me with 6" of rise. Took the rope off the PVC pipe, measured and added an inch on both sides of my grip placement outer marks to accommodate the space the grip ends/where hands are on grips. Measured the new distance on the bar and got my width. Viola! Height, width and pullback dimensions perfected to my particular tastes. Went on Go on ebay and the risers were I think $30 and the bar $25. The bar was 29" but I trimmed it. I like narrower bars. When I go wider I get the parachute effect. However, wider bars are better when doing a lot of really slow riding and maneuvering, like riding in a parade.

If you do likewise, cover your tank with a towel and use a PVD pipe. No metal pipe. If it slips while wiring it up the PVC won't hurt anything. You can also heat and bend the PVC pipe to add handlebar pullback. Then just measure that element when done.

Title: Re: Replacement handlebars?
Post by Demin on 01/05/13 at 10:02:11

The bars Serowbot showed are what I was talking about.Sportsters have them.

Title: Re: Replacement handlebars?
Post by Serowbot on 01/05/13 at 10:13:19

Like these... hunt around, and you can get a better price... These have dimples, but they still work,.. mine were dimpled...
You can find them without... you'll have to drill a couple of small holes for the alignment pins in the controls... no biggie ...
Happy hunting... ;)...
http://www.ebay.com/itm/1-BARS-HANDLEBARS-DIMPLES-HARLEY-SPORTSTER-DYNA-SOFTAIL-LOW-4-RISE-FACTORY-NEW-/170967417756?_trksid=p2045573.m2042&_trkparms=aid%3D111000%26algo%3DREC.CURRENT%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D27%26meid%3D4665289789953276107%26pid%3D100033%26prg%3D1011%26rk%3D1%26sd%3D170967417756%26
http://i.ebayimg.com/t/1-BARS-HANDLEBARS-DIMPLES-HARLEY-SPORTSTER-DYNA-SOFTAIL-LOW-4-RISE-FACTORY-NEW-/00/s/NjczWDEyMzA=/$(KGrHqN,!p8FC4Jn,EklBQ4PQwgdYg~~60_35.JPG

Title: Re: Replacement handlebars?
Post by strang on 01/05/13 at 10:29:29

I'm also running sportster bars and they are great. Look good, very good ergonoms, seem to help your steer the bike well.
I like the look of drag bars but saw too many clips of people making themselves into a pretzel - arms forward to reach drag bars, legs forward for chopper controls, arse back, back and neck bent.
If you is a youngin' you can probably get away with it but not this aging skeleton. :P

Title: Re: Replacement handlebars?
Post by Dave S. on 01/05/13 at 10:32:22

Thanks for all the input, now I'll start checking and have a direction to go.
One last question....what's the best way to pull the clutch-side grip off
without having to cut it?
Thanks, Dave S.

Title: Re: Replacement handlebars?
Post by verslagen1 on 01/05/13 at 10:48:49

Couples issues you'll want to be carefull of...
'bots picture show the 1st one well... you have to have enough rise to clear the tank at full lock. Depending on the controls you got, 4 to 6".
short risers to finalize the fit can be made of anything from a stack up of washers to 3/8's drive, 3/4" sockets. Just replace the bolt in the current handlebar clamp.
http://p1.bikepics.com/2007%5C04%5C03%5Cbikepics-852138-800.jpg

Next, width. Stock drags and stock mirrors gives me a very good view of my elbows. Yet 30" bars give me a good view of whats behind.

The last I'll address is pull back. buck horns have the most pull back, broomsticks the least as in none. The amount of pull back will dictate whether you grip the bar like a bat or a tea cup. I prefer to grip it like a bat, the bar fits my hand with my wrist straight, a strength grip.

Title: Re: Replacement handlebars?
Post by paulmarshall on 01/05/13 at 11:22:47

I brought 9" Harley risers and turned them round. A very comfortable ride and great body position for a 6 foot frame.

Title: Re: Replacement handlebars?
Post by Johnny57 on 01/05/13 at 13:21:43

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sf-EKwyER74

Watch this link. I have used this guys method multiple times on different bikes and it has not failed me yet. Showed method to an experienced Harley mechanic and he was just amazed!

Title: Re: Replacement handlebars?
Post by Dave S. on 01/05/13 at 13:35:34

That is the slickest method for grip removal I've seen in all my years
of working on bikes.....
Thank You!!

Title: Re: Replacement handlebars?
Post by paulmarshall on 01/05/13 at 14:10:45

597C7B7D7D6A2624130 wrote:

I like it ;)

Title: Re: Replacement handlebars?
Post by verslagen1 on 01/05/13 at 14:20:02

That's the method I essentially use, but better.
I use 3 small or medium screwdrivers, if they are the same length as the grip it's better.
Phillips work best, but any will work.

stick one in and start turning working it all the way around.
stick two more in equal distant apart.
grab the grip and start twisting working it off the end.

Title: Re: Replacement handlebars?
Post by paulmarshall on 01/05/13 at 15:58:04

495A4D4C535E585A510E3F0 wrote:

Like this one to ;)

Title: Grip Puppies
Post by Igggy on 11/10/14 at 07:33:35

Thanks for all the replies. I ordered Grip Puppies Comfort Grips from eBay for my Mrs. and she really likes them. As they don't require removal of the existing grips, I might give them a try.

Title: Re: Replacement handlebars?
Post by sesamestreet on 11/11/14 at 18:55:13

i just bought biltwell chumps. sitting on the bike and holding them up they feel comfortable for my tall stature. can't wait to install them. also, with biltwell slimline risers, looks like more than enough slack in the cables.

Title: Re: Replacement handlebars?
Post by old_rider on 11/12/14 at 16:41:00

After breaking the glue loose (spinning the wire it all the way around) use some air pressure and a needle chuck (the one you use to blow stuff clean with) and stick the chuck under the end of the grip.... when the air pressure inflates the grip, slide it off...

I also have grip puppies on my ninja300...nice comfy foam add ons

Here is the air compressor trick.

[media]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EU-f3xDUjss[/media]

Title: Re: Replacement handlebars?
Post by KennyG on 11/22/14 at 23:08:45

I would like to use Super Bars on my 2013 S40 and need to find out what risers that I will need for the Super Bars to clear the tank.

Also, will the stock cables and brake line work as is, or will they need to be modified?

Kenny G

Title: Re: Replacement handlebars?
Post by Srotag on 11/23/14 at 06:35:49

Not to go off topic BUT>>>is that a Dyna single seat?? any pics of your mod?? I have searched a bunch, my stock one is going away soon. Thanks

594F58455D48455E2A0 wrote:

Title: Re: Replacement handlebars?
Post by Serowbot on 11/23/14 at 08:03:40

6F4E53485D5B3C0 wrote:

Not to go off topic BUT>>>is that a Dyna single seat?? any pics of your mod?? I have searched a bunch, my stock one is going away soon. Thanks

That's the stock solo seat... slightly contoured the foam, raised 2" in front, and added a faux sheepskin cover... (sheepskin, even faux, makes a huge difference in comfort)...
http://p1.bikepics.com/2007%5C04%5C03%5Cbikepics-852138-800.jpg

Title: Re: Replacement handlebars?
Post by Cbiscut05 on 04/25/19 at 08:28:57

2A3B2F36373B2829323B36365A0 wrote:

I brought 9" Harley risers and turned them round. A very comfortable ride and great body position for a 6 foot frame.

Anyone know of these will work with stock cables? I don’t want to go with 9in but like 7-8in

Title: Re: Replacement handlebars?
Post by wakosama on 04/27/19 at 10:04:33

I removed the risers and installed a pair of clubman style bars 'upright'. they are high enough and give a down/rearward angle to the grips that's different from flat/drag/highrise bars. Same wires/cables.