Stupid Special handlebar question

[skippy344]

So, I have always felt "squished" on the Scorpion. Then, I restore SWMBO's 1982 XJ650 Maxim, and I feel really comfortable. WTF?

I get to looking at both the steeds, side by side, and I notice that her handle bars are wider, at the grip tip, than mine! WTF?

So, I took a measurement, and I am 28" from hole to hole at the end of the grips. She is 31.5" from hole to hole.

Can someone, who has a Special, measure their width from the center of the holes?

I think I may have smaller bars on Scorpion than stock.

Thanks,

[Rev.Rick]

Hey Skippy, I have two sets of the Special "garden tiller" bars. One set came off my xs1100 and they were only 25.5" center to center and the other set came off my xs850 they are 28.5" center to center

[skippy344]

WOW, that's quite a difference among all these bars, huh? I would have expected the dimensions to be relatively close, if not exact?

I guess I'll have to go try out some after market bars and see if I can find something wider and more comfortable.

Thanks, Rev,

[Rev.Rick]

No problem Skippy, I actually despise the special bars. I replaced both of the stock bars on my specials with superbike bars. I like them much better. Their not as strait as drag bars and they provide much better riding posture (at least for me)

[skippy344]

Rev,

How did you resolve the issue of the front master cylinder and its crazy angle on the original sloping buckhorn bar?

If I change my bar configuration, like you did, I might consider changing out master cylinders with one, like from an '99 VMax.

Whaddya think?

[Rev.Rick]

Skippy, I used a stock MC from the xs11 standard model, It sits very level when placed on the superbike bars. Just a word to the wise. If you go this route make sure that you get a MC with a 11/16 bore and not a 14mm bore. the xs650 with a single front disk used the smaller bore MC, the 11/16 bore is made to work with the duel front disk application.

[skippy344]

Roger that! The VMax has dual front discs, so it might work OK, and is readily available.

I'll report back when I resolve this.

Thanks,

[fredintoon]

Rev,

How did you resolve the issue of the front master cylinder and its crazy angle on the original sloping buckhorn bar?

If I change my bar configuration, like you did, I might consider changing out master cylinders with one, like from an '99 VMax.

Whaddya think?

Hi Skippy,
I don't let it bother me. The only time the m/c has to be level is when you take the top off and on those rare occasions you can swivel the m/c on the bars and turn the bars to full lock to bring the m/c to near 'nuff level.
If you are sufficiently bothered by how the stocker looks on flatter bars to swap it the ONLY thing that's important in swapping to a different m/c is to make sure it's the same piston diameter.

[Ivan]

So, Rev. Rick, If a guy were to put a wider tank on the XS, from a Maxim, do you think the 850 bars would give enough spread as to not get into the tank when the head is turned?

[fredintoon]

Skippy, I used a stock MC from the xs11 standard model, It sits very level when placed on the superbike bars. Just a word to the wise. If you go this route make sure that you get a MC with a 11/16 bore and not a 14mm bore. the xs650 with a single front disk used the smaller bore MC, the 11/16 bore is made to work with the dual front disk application.

Hi Rick,
FWIW, the post '77 XS650 m/c works just great when you add the left-side disk & caliper.
That m/c is way too big to operate only one caliper which accounts for it's wooden feel in a single disk application.
See this chart:-
http://www.vintagebrake.com/mastercylinder.htm
for more about m/c to caliper ratios than you really need to know.

[TDodge7]

i've always been pretty fond of the european bars , the angle on the m/c is fine . here is a set on mine .

[XSokieSPECIAL]

You need a new speedo Dodge. 85 doesn't even cover 3rd gear.

Not to change the subject ya know.

[jmnjrpa]

Hey Ivan,

On that tank contact question. I have already looked into it as I'm in the process of expanding a tank. The stop lugs that keep it from smacking the tank will have to be modified. I am considering drill, tap and a set screw in the lug to restrict movement. I don't think it will adjust the turn radius to radically.

[jmnjrpa]

Btw

I am referring to my 1100 but the same should apply to all.