Handlebar basics

Clubman...clip-on...European...Daytona...it's all Greek to me. Anyone know where I could find a good primer about handlebar styles, bennies, and issues?

 

Shannon72,
I don't know if there is compilation of HB info out there but it would definitely help if you let us know what specific issues you have with the bars you have now.
I replaced the stock bars on my 750 Seca with 4" pull back risers and a set of 7/8" drag bars. This eased the angle on my wrists and promoted a body forward riding position.It required a bit of work re-routing my clutch and throttle cables but was well worth the effort. Works for me but might not be your cup-o-tea.

Regards,
Rich

 

google "flanders motorcycle" i never seen so many in one place
prices are steep though but it'll give ya some ideas

 

These folks carry the whole BikeMaster line, which is pretty much the standard these days; click each individual link for a pic of those bars, plus they list the width, pullback and rise dimensions.

http://www.streetbikerider.com/h-bodypa ... master.htm

I have their "European" bend on both of my 550 Secas. That might be a tad low for folks who don't have long arms but they are perfect for me.

This is the only pic I have that really shows the handlebar bend:

 

I just replaced the bent stock bars on my Maxim X with the Bikemaster G.P. Touring bars. The are pretty close to the stock ones. I paid $18.00 for them through my Harley dealer.

 

Yeah, I'm not really having any problems - other than the fact that I keep drooling over all the little cafe conversions everyone keeps posting. I really like the look of the dropped 'light, cluster, and bars.

 

The problem I've always had with Yamaha bars is they seem to be engineered for people with narrower shoulders than me. My SR500s had the same issue; they put my hands at an uncomfortable angle to my arms.

Additionally, I'm 6'5" so the stock 550 bar (Seca and Maxim use the same part number believe it or not) was too tall for me, had me sitting too upright. The Euro bend allows the bike to fit me and me fit the bike almost perfectly.

 

I'm rollin with a set I nabbed from a bicycle, didn't cost a nickel, lots of different styles to choose from

 

I've noticed they seem pretty cheap, compared to how much the rest of the parts for these bikes tend to cost.

 

Universal after market bars are cheap. Genuine Yamaha stock bars were quoted to me at $132, right up there with other OEM parts.

 

here's an interesting factoid: Aftermarket replacement handlebars used to cost around $20 back in the late 70s and early 80s. They still cost around $20. WTF?

 

Try MikesXS.com has a good selection of bars with pics and dimensions

 

That's funny!
The drag bars I went with were about $20.00 The risers and associated hardware ran me $150.00

 

My mental image: old-skool road bicycle handlebars on a Seca.



In my head, it looks amazingly ridiculous, but kind of fun too.

 

Unfortunately rather dangerous too. Bicycle handlebars are nowhere near as strong as motorcycle handlebars; one good hard bone-jarring bump at 70mph could bend them like a pretzel with an interesting sudden change in control as a result.

I highly recommend NOT using bicycle bars on motorcycles. Sorry.