My 79 special needs new handlebars.Suggestions?

[vwlord]

I was given a 79 xs special for free. It had been sitting for 6 years. Thanks to old posts I was able to diagnose the problem, and I've been riding all summer. I love this bike! I'm in the process of cleaning my electrical connections for that my headlight will drastically dim in connection with rpm. Anyway my handlebars are not just ugly but also the bike has been in a few crashes as i'm told. I think the bars are bent in a even more ugly position. Do you guys have any suggestions for a replacement. I like the look of drag bars but they seem to be uncomfortable. I live in N. California and I like long rides. Thanks

[DGXSER]

More than a few members have put Goldwing bars on and like them alot. The "rototiller" bars of the special models tend to turn your wrist out which can be uncomfortable. I found a pair of very similar dimensions for under $30 at a local bike shop.

Many others also get the standard models bars and put them on the special. Seems pretty popular to.

[BigRed]

I find the bars on my bike to be really comfortable. Unfortunately, I don't know what they're off of, but here are some photos.

Also, make sure to check the main plug that comes off of your stator. It's a 3 wire plug under the right side cover. All wires are the same colour... I think they're either white or yellow. This plug flows all the current for the bike, and is prone to corrosion and overheating. It's probably the place where you're losing the most voltage.

[CatatonicBug]

Another free bike, huh? Some people have all the luck! So let us see your ride! Post some pictures so we can enjoy it too!

[jetmechmarty]

Handle bars are a very personal item. What works great for one is awful for another. Mike's XS has a variety of inexpensive bars. You won't break the bank if you buy some that don't work for you. He does stock the original Special bend if you choose to go that way. The original bar will work well with your cables, hoses, and master cylinder. Plan on rerouting everything if you change them.

[fredintoon]

- - - I'm in the process of cleaning my electrical connections for that my headlight will drastically dim in connection with rpm. Anyway my handlebars are not just ugly but also the bike has been in a few crashes as i'm told. I think the bars are bent in a even more ugly position. - - -

Hi vw and welcome,
it's good to clean all the electrical connections but the headlight getting brighter at ~2,000 rpm is a normal thing as the alternator starts to make ~14Volts. It's also a Q&D check that the alternator is actually charging the battery.
Handlebars are a personal thing and the bend that's comfortable for one person will not necessarily suit another.
For instance, my Special came with Standard bars but I switched to CB750 bars to sit me more upright.
My advice is go to a bike swapmeet and find the guy with the table-full of used handlebars. Pick them up and hold them in your normal riding stance to find the bend that suits you.

[DeanR]

Goldwing bars have worked well for me. However, I now MUCH prefer a sport touring type riding position and have been thinking of that type of bar on the XS.

[bikerphil]

The Standard model bars work nicely on a Special if you like sitting back in a cruising position, JMO.

[GARTHXS]

I have flat tracker bars and they are awesome I got them from Phil little.com they are called slideways 2

[skids]

The best bars I have are stock from an 81 xs1000 standard. They are more stylish than the Goldwing bars also.

[lee_dutcher]

right now im running renthals and they fell great! but i prefer 12" mini apes or 16 ape because me arm is parallel to my sholder. had a set of copper handmade mini apes but tok them off due to safety...would go around a corner and the would just flex and bow

[b.walker5]

Here's what i have on mine.. I always thought they were original bars but apparently not. Theyre described as 'semi western' and dont turn out as far as the cow catchers most OEM specials as far, they also turn down more at the ends. I find them really comfortable for me. I've tried cafe bars, flats, bars of a standard, even the OEM's of my old 750 but everytime I've gone back to these. I find the grip to seat and foot pegs position fits me perfectly and looks good on the bike. But thats just me and it may not suit you.





Take no notice of the mess on my bench in the background. I havent started my spring cleanup yet..

[rickybeaver]

Replaced mine with a set of a 1971 cb750.

Hi there, I found the same problem with my 80,so a friend of mine who restores old Honda's gave me a set of a 71 cb750 and I really find a big improvement over the originals. I also tried a set with about a 1.5" rise and hated them,went about a mile,turned around and took them off. Felt like the bike was a little awkward to handle.

[rickybeaver]

71 Honda cb750 Bars

Here is the pic of my bars.

[natemoen]

I really like the standard bars.