Handlebars

[oseaghdha]

For those who have both a STD and a Special, how do the handle bars compare?
I am looking to change out my stingray bars for something more ergo.
I know many have recommended LTD or Wing bars, just wondered if the STD bars are acceptable.

KTHXBY

[dbeardslee]

From what I've heard from people with specials, changing to a handlebar that puts you closer to the tripple-tree will have a beneficial affect on handling. Riding position probably won't be as comfortable though as you will have to reach farther forward. I changed out the longhornesque stock bars on my standard for a set that are a little narrower and farther forward. I notice a huge difference between the handling on my bike compared to my brother's 80G with stock bars.

I got mine at Z1, but Mikes XS has a better selection. Just about any 7/8" bar should work. The problem with bars is that it's hard to tell how they will feel until you get them on the bike. Some people like to get bars at a salvage yard where they can put them on the bike and check for fit before buying.

[bikerphil]

I have the CB750 bars on my Special. They're very comfortable. Got 'em from MikesXS. Pic...

[thewiz]

I prefer the Standard bars, personally ..

I used the Standard Bars on this Special with a set-back to move them closer to me.

[IMG][/IMG]

[oseaghdha]

I used the Standard Bars on this Special with a set-back to move them closer to me.

Hmm. You just reminded me, I have some set-backs I took off a long time ago.

[thewiz]

Those set backs weren't ..

easy to track down either. Bike handles especially well for me with the set backs on there ... I'm inseam challenged at 5'6". Never could quite get used to the Special (factory) buckhorns. Seemed to put my elbows too close to my body while riding making steering a little harder for me... some guys have referred to them as putting you in a 'wheelbarrow' like position and that's kinda' how I would describe them. Other guys love 'em. Go figure.

On the other hand, the Honda bars on Bikerphil's Special appear to spread the arms and hands a little wider and at a wider angle .... bet they're pretty comfortable to ride with and they fit the design of the Special nicely.

[The Lorax]

I had drag bars on il barrachino when I bought it, since changed to something I picked up in a bone yard, I don't know where they came from, but given the looks of some others on the site, I'd probably be inclined to say they came off a Honda something or other. have a nice day and ride safe

[T99Ford]

On loooonnngg trips, drag bars can make you butt and back hurt. But, the difference in steering and handling performance is huge. I will never go back to buckhorns, to prevent the unsightly leave-from-a-stoplight wobbles. Plus I think they look cool. Drag bars put you in more of a sport bike crouch. But they are definately not for cruising. I would agree with dbeardslee that you just have to try 'em until you find one that you like.

[oldyam80sg]

I used to have a set of K&N drag bars on mine a few years ago.They seemed comfortable but then my kidneys felt like someone punched me in them so i went back to the stock bars.I like the look of the stockers.I have a set of handlebars that were on my 99 ZRX that i recently replaced so i could mount some bar end mirrors on the ends.They are black and quite comfortable.Handlebars and seats make all the difference in riding all day versus riding for 30 minutes.

[Ivan]

You all are just too skinny. The factory buck horns fit me perfectly. When I first got the bike though the PO had them tilted too far forward, and they hurt my wrists. I re aligned them so, when viewing the bike from the side, the up part of the bars is in perfect alignment with the forks. Now they are so comfortable I can ride all day without wrist problems. Too bad my seat isn't as comfortable.

[Rasputin]

I got rid of those buckhorns after all these years. Best thing I ever did to my special. I have a standard as well and truth be told they are more comfortable for me. Oh yeah, I aint to skinny for the buckhorns. Trust me on that. I put LTD bars on my special and I love them.

[DiverRay]

I have the stock bars on both the MNS and my F. I can ride the MNS for an hour or two, as long as I can use the highway pegs. I DID rotate the handlebars a bit, ride, and adjust again until I found a good position for me. The F is my "long distance" machine. I will be adding the "big" tank, once I get a chance to paint it. My other F has the bar backs, and I will probably use them on this bike.

[bobber]

i like straight bars , don't you ? some bars feel like your pushin a wheel barrow down the road ,not for me. each to there own i say