European handlebar

[beardo]

So from what I've been able to gather, the standard European XS1100 came fitted with a different handlebar than the US standard version.

Does anyone have a part number?

Or better yet, one they will part with?

Thank you,

Brian

[IanDMacDonald]

Get ahold of James. It's part of the 2H9 model.

[Schming]

Hi Brian here's a link to the part # finder that may help ya

http://xs1100.com/partinfo.php?myid=...H9-26111-00-00

Looks like the same bars are used on the US '80 G

Not sure if I still have mine off of my G but I'll look in the AM.

I switched them for the higher more swept back '85 Gold Wing bars.

[beardo]

Interesting.

That would be much appreciated.

So can I safely assume that the 3 digit model code is a quick and dirty method to figure out year and specific model, and to what country of import?

[Prisoner6]

... So can I safely assume that the 3 digit model code is a quick and dirty method to figure out year and specific model, and to what country of import?

Yes ...

Have a look at this:

Serial Numbers/Model Designations/Factory Colors

[beardo]

Excellent information.

Thank you for the link.

Obviously I missed it before I signed up.

That's very helpful for cross referencing parts.

[Schming]

Brian I have the bars and you're welcome to 'em.

Where abouts are ya in the 'burg.

[beardo]

PM sent!

Thank you!

[Eveready1100]

Schming, any chance you have a photo of the bars? I can't imagine that any of the US models would have the Euro bars fitted unless they had the matching Euro footpeg setup, except maybe the Venture, and that would have only been to clear the bigger Euro sized fuel tank.
Maybe a typo in the parts finder?

Are they shaped like the top ones in this photo? These are Euro bars.
The lower ones are the 5K7 / 5N5 / RH 3 piece sport bars.

[Schming]

Here are some pics of the bars off of my '80G along side bars from an '85 Gold Wing:

'80G bars are on the bottom in the first two pics and don't have the knurl at the clamping spot










The Gold Wing bars are filled in the ends


These bars without the knurl came on my '80G at purchase used, are they indeed stock ? I don't know.

[TomB]

Sorry John, they ain't Standard Euro 'bars, Errol's photo of black chrome XS1100 5K7 "Sport" 'bars and chrome 'bars are the correct Euro Standard 'bars, they have a tighter bend to them, almost a 90 degree bend.

I find all the XS1100 'bars too short, a big heavy bike is easier to handle with wider 'bars, I have the correct adjustable 5K7 'bars on my Sport but have welded 4" extra on each end.

[beardo]

Sorry John, they ain't Standard Euro 'bars, Errol's photo of black chrome XS1100 5K7 "Sport" 'bars and chrome 'bars are the correct Euro Standard 'bars, they have a tighter bend to them, almost a 90 degree bend.

I find all the XS1100 'bars too short, a big heavy bike is easier to handle with wider 'bars, I have the correct adjustable 5K7 'bars on my Sport but have welded 4" extra on each end.

And that's the interesting thing about differences. I find all the bars (on the US models, anyhow) far too wide. Every nuance of movement I make gets put through those bars.

I prefer narrower bars, and will be just ordering a generic set off eBay.

I appreciate all the information.

Brian

[robbo]

Thats interesting you say you find the bars too wide, when I had a 1100e I changed the bars as I found them to narrow for the for my personal preference and low speed manoeuvering. This is one reason I personally never see the need for an old bike thats ridden to be returned to factory spec, as it should be set up to suit the rider IMHO

[beardo]

People are built all different sorts of ways.

I've always preferred narrow bars to wide ones.

It's the same with foot peg placement.

I've said for years, manufactures need to start offering more adjustability.

Not everyone is made the same.

[robbo]

Very true, I never find foot pegs to be quite where I want them to be.