Switching handlebars

[3rdbike_imp]

Yippee!! The handlebars and grips came today, so I'll be in the shop tomorrow changing handlebars. I really like using the 'search' function of this forum, I can read up on something and keep from going "where no man has gone before". So I'm aware of the trick handlebar weights Honda incorporated in the oem bars and other details. I think I'll try the new bars w/o the weights first, and if need be, follow instructions found here to install the oem weights.

I'm changing handlebars to keep my wrists happy. The stock bars would be fine if they had another 2" of drop at the grips. As it is, the bars make my wrists feel angled upward at the outside, and if I stay on the bike long enough, that ol' carpal tunnel will flare up. The bars I'll install are Flanders "7/8" Flat Medium Tall Bar". I have an identical h/bar on my ol' Guzzi 850 T3, they are perfect for me.

Here's some pix of the bar, don't know if you'll be able to discern anything tho. Bars are hard to photograph to convey shape and angle and such.









The angle of the grip is such that the bar will be tipped forward, placing my hands a little lower than stock and prolly 2" forward, so that I'll lean in to the bars, and the wind.

[Dude_imp]

Plz post some pics when you're done!

[3rdbike_imp]

Plz post some pics when you're done!

I certainly will, Dude!

[the Ferret]

Yep, that's definitly a different bend from the stock bars. Interesting. Hope they work out for you. Also looking forward to the pics.

[PowerDubs_imp]

I too found the stock bars an odd angle. Switched em out for a bar off another Honda that has more pull back and is a little wider.

I'm interested to see your progress.

[3rdbike_imp]

No progress to show yet, I'm doing all the prep details 1st.

It was probably my years on H-D and their oversized controls, cuz I like a big grip. My all time favorite grip is the Grand Touring USA grip, but alas, they're NLA. I've found another grip that has the same profile and a similar rubber compound: Biltwell Renegade. But, I won't recommend them to anyone. These *&$^ idiots make the hole to go over the bar and throttle sleeve the same size! Yeah, 7/8" on both sides. I sent the first pair right back! I was able to get an ebay seller to actually look at the hole size on another pair; yep, 7/8" both grips. He sent a link to Biltwell's site and a video on how to install. They use WD40 and compressed air to get the right grip on. Well, that's great, but you'll have the right grip being stretched over the throttle tube and being larger in diameter than the left.

So I'm 'hogging' one grip out to an 'nth' smaller than 1". Takes time....

I'll take before and after pix to try to show the difference in angle and reach.

[3rdbike_imp]

Here's a photo of the suspect Biltwell grips, with an old pair of motorcycle grips at bottom to demonstrate the difference in diameter the throttle side grip should have:

[camoto_imp]

Wow that's dedication to a particular grip brand! Given the number of available choices for normal motorcycle grip sizes I don't know if I would put up with that!

[Houtman_imp]

I have never been to impressed with the Biltwell quality, build for a price and not always value.

[3rdbike_imp]

I just really really like this grip shape, it's the closest I've found to the old Grand Touring. Otherwise I'd move on....