Handlebar options

[newmaac]

On my 1980 Special, I am still using the original "Buckhorn" style bars.
Though the angle of the grips has always seemed weird, I have left them alone all these years because I liked the height of them.
Recently though, I am getting some significant pain in my left wrist, and I think that it is from riding with the Buckhorns.

Two questions:
What styles of aftermarket bars have you used on on the XS1100?
And did you have to change or re-route the cables?

I was looking at a set of Datona bars that are listed on Mike's XS, but I can't tell if the stock cables will work OK.

Thanks,
Mike

[ShootersHoliday]

I too have problems with the angle of the stock bars. I've seen a couple with drag bars, which would theoretically allow you to run the stock cables.

As for rerouting or new cables, just keep in mind that assuming you aren't going longer or taller/further on the handle bars, the factory stuff "should" work.

[slow mo]

hi newmaac! i got rid of the buck horns and switched to standard bars ! my next step is to get some setbacks! my pain is so much relived with the standard bars as i,m leaning not as far forward !! ride safe ,,slow mo!

[James England]

The European standard bars are the most ergonomically sensible bars on any motorcycle ever made.... well worth using and a very distinctive shape.

Those wrist-bending silly bars show just how much practicality was sacrificed for style on some models and I'd say wrist pain is almost surely a result. The human wrist just isn't meant to do what is required (especially the throttle side).

[lee_dutcher]

12 inch ape hangers i would thing are basicly the buckhorns tisted at the top...my opinion

[11Rider]

Check out JC Whitney - they have a bunch of bars for about 20 bucks that are nice. A bunch of different styles too, but not knurled.

[DeanR]

I use older Goldwing bars (no cable length change) but would sure like to try those European standard bars. I assume they are different than our standard bars in some way?

[Rickrider]

It has been posted here that CB750 bars work well. Scored some at a swap meet yesterday for $5. Look like they will work pretty easily. Will post more when I make the swap.

[fredintoon]

It has been posted here that CB750 bars work well. Scored some at a swap meet yesterday for $5. Look like they will work pretty easily. Will post more when I make the swap.

Hi Rick,
CB750 bars work for me too but bars is like shoes, what fits me may not fit you. $5 for swapmeet bars is a complete bargain, swapmeets I've been to the going rate is $20 for bars with good chrome.

[James England]

I use older Goldwing bars (no cable length change) but would sure like to try those European standard bars. I assume they are different than our standard bars in some way?

I believe they are. They have a 90 degree bend in them from where they are clamped onto the triple tree and the angle at the top is steep too...

[Gallaecus]

i used bars from an 81 xj650 they are more comfortable although i like a sharper bend to the radius, they did the job for now.

[James England]

Here are some pix of the European standard handlebars. The footrests on the European bikes are set slightly further back than the US ones and the rear brake lever is therefore shorter. The riding posture is very good indeed and was commented on at the time in the bike mags. The bars don't force your wrists into uncomfortable postures.

[Goblin414]

drag bars

I have drag bars on my 82 xj11 that are very comfy and work with all stock controls. easy switch.

[jetmechmarty]

I had XS11 standard bars on mine when I bought it. For me, they were awful. The angle of the pullback hurts. The buckhorns suit me. A broomstick would be OK, too. I just can't do the 45 degree angle.

I've seen the old GoldWing bars on a few Specials. They look like a good fit. Short bars will work better with long cables better than long bars will work with short cables.

[James England]

I had XS11 standard bars on mine when I bought it. For me, they were awful. The angle of the pullback hurts.

I think the US standard bars are different from the European ones.....