Defending Buckhorn Bars

[SFerinTEXAS]

Recently added progessive springs to my dream SF machine. When I reset the (hated by some) buckhorn bars I got the angle off by a few degrees. DROVE ME NUTS. Refused to ride again untill I DIALED them in to the perfect wrist alighnment . I wonder If anyone who speaks againts them just never tried to find their SWEET SPOT . Just got a parts bike and those bars were jacked way out of whack. IF they are not set right I can see why anyone would condeem them. A few degrees can make all the difference. I would never consider any other bars. When they are set right you become one with the machine. READY FOR THE BUTSPEAK

[jjwaller]

Too much sweep for me, (Pullback)
Even the standard 78 bars have too much pullback.

[SFerinTEXAS]

Any less sweep and I would have to lean forward. Maybe Its my size { 6'} that makes it just right. And I really love to sit upright when I ride. If I wanted to lean forward I would just get a new age sportbike. Anyone can get one, they are everwhere

[jjwaller]

Yes, lean forward slightly. (maybe more) That's the key.
You should lean forward so the airstream supports your body. This takes the weight off your spine. No I'm not suggesting crotch-rocket pose. Much more comfortable than an upright full blast in the chest position.

[SFerinTEXAS]

Open mouth insert foot. My Bad. Actually the majority of my time is spent on local streets. Unless in a hurry , most places in this mexican suburb I try to avoid freeway speeds . Got to admit when I do get to those speeds I feel like a drag chute .Maybe thats how I came to prefer back streets. I have a 78E project that I hope to make my highway ride.

[TADracer]

Like many things ones preference in bars is a personal choice. The buckhorn bars just kill my lower back no matter where I set them. Still when I first got my SF in 1980 I loved the ride and feel of the torque and power so much I rode through the back pain. Then magic happened. A friend gave me a set of bars off of a Honda (dont say it, I know) and my lower back pain disappeared. I never rode with the buckhorns again.

So, in the final analysis, it is just a matter of preference. If you have got the spot with your buckhorns, then by all means you should keep them on.

[jetmechmarty]

I've taken plenty of greif among XS650 riders for my affinity for the roto-tiller bars. I bought my XS Eleven Special with flatter bars and I did not like them. I put the stock Special bars on and I am comfortable.

I will admit that the stock bars feel better on the Eleven than they do on the XS650 because they are further away. My wrists are comfortable either way. My back is OK too.

[81xsproject]

Couldn't get mine off fast enough. Don't like the feel and REALLY don't like the look. Way too Harley-riffic for my taste.

[fredintoon]

If it fits - - -

Hi SF,
most people hate the rototiller bars because they find them to be plain old awkward and uncomfortable. I bought my XS650 brand new with the rototillers on it. My first thought on the trial ride was "these bars gotta go." Back in '03 I bought my son a low mileage '80 XS650 Special that also had the rototillers on it. My son's comment after his first ride? "these bars gotta go." I swear I did not prompt him.
One time on the XS650 list I said that if Marty liked them he must be 7 foot tall with little stumpy arms and his wrists must be at right-angles to most folks. Got right miffed at that, he did, so I won't suggest it of you. Hey, if you find them comfortable, use them in good health. There's lots of folks got them laying around spare, right?

[DiverRay]

The GREAT thing about motorcycles, and the XS1100, is WE CAN MODIFY THEM TO FIT US!! That's all that really needs to be said. We are all different, and we can choose what "fits", "looks cool", or is comfortable.
I need my barbacks on Standard so it feels good to me.

[DELL82]

Tried my square bars at different angle and found the factory marked spot was fine, so far. on long trips the bars are tiring and I shift my grip to accommodate the discomfort. Grips are also the problem with wrist angle and alignment.

[SanDiegoMike]

Buckhorns just plain suck.

[Crazcnuk]

Not sure which ones you all call 'buckhorns' but the stock bars on my G seem to be pretty comfortable...

Many of my friends buy new new bikes, spend another $400-500 on new bars, seats, etc.

I've never felt the need to change either, maybe it's my totally 'average' size!

[fredintoon]

"Not sure which ones you all call 'buckhorns' "
Hi Craz,
go to Canadian Tire and check out the handles on the rototillers. The bars commonly called "Buckhorns" or "Pullbacks" or indeed "Rototillers" look like that. Or check out the handlebar page in MikesXS on-line catalog to see the genuine article.

[John]

Buckhorns are perfect

My my needs. After the crash, it is VERY unconfortable to lean forward at any degree. Riding a Standard would kill me after a short ride. I have a large windshield, and an adjustable backrest that I can lean back on, and I do. I even have barback risers. I can just lean back, stay totally out of the wind, and enjoy myself. If I should have a smoke while I'm riding, the ash actually blows forward towards the windshield, then is drawn up and over my head.