Handlebar swap

kingwj · Posted: February 11, 2009, 8:36 pm Post subject: Handlebar swap

Anyone else find the special bars to be uncomfortable? I want to swap the bars with something more like my standard. Has anyone pulled the special bars and what did you replace them with? Did you need to change the clutch cable or anything else? I'm looking at Mike's selection and seeing a few that look good, wish I could hold them in my hands before purchasing.

xsjohn · Posted: February 11, 2009, 8:45 pm Post subject: Re: Handlebar swap

Just bent my buckhorns up and forward.........but that's me.......a friend with a little head a big shoulders helps....and a short section of pipe....and a vice of course......

xsjohn

bkmarsha · Posted: February 11, 2009, 8:49 pm Post subject: Re: Handlebar swap

i like the feel of the special bars

to me it is real relaxed and laid back

nj1639 · Posted: February 11, 2009, 9:49 pm Post subject: Re: Handlebar swap

bkmarsha wrote:

i like the feel of the special bars

to me it is real relaxed and laid back

Agree, though I have a pair of '82's that are about an inch closer together at the ends than my '83. Not sure what's going on there but the '82's are uncomfortable, the '83 is perfect.

bluebikerblan · Posted: February 11, 2009, 11:04 pm Post subject: Re: Handlebar swap

I remember way back in the day when the "Special" bars higher rise and swept back upright riding position seemed sooooo coool. Now, I can't imagine how I ever felt that position either cool or comfortable.

My guess would be that 10 "Special" bars have been traded out for every Standard like set that's gone the other way. Try to sell or give away a set of "Special" bars! I've got 4 available. Anyone?

I'd love to know what the Standard/Special sales ratio at Mikes XS is for example? My guess is 10 to 1. Best, Blue

Retiredgentleman · Posted: February 11, 2009, 11:21 pm Post subject: Re: Handlebar swap

The first thing I did when I got the 78SE was to remove the buckhorn handlebars. They just don't feel right to me. Replaced them with mikesxs #25-0125. Cables work just fine. Brake master cylinder reservoir is not at the best angle, but is not a problem.

JeffM · Posted: February 11, 2009, 11:31 pm Post subject: Re: Handlebar swap

I had stock xs2 bars with the weights until I managed to bend them (ouch)... I was surprised how much I liked them despite them having a lot of rise, and I would go that way again if I ever want higher bars.
I have now replaced them with a set of euros and I like them very much. They have a lot less pull back than some other styles, I have fairly long arms and they fit well.

Shannon60 · Posted: February 12, 2009, 1:06 am Post subject: Re: Handlebar swap

i have the daytona superbike bars, and it is now a complete joy to ride after replacing the buck horns to me they feel, well, just plain wrong!

metalredneck · Full Member Joined: Aug 04, 2008 Posts: 308

I run dirt bike bars, due to shoulder injuries. Buckhorns just kill me.

milldinaire · Posted: March 9, 2009, 11:56 pm Post subject: Re: Handlebar swap

I changed my buckhorns off my 83 to black Daytona bars. It feels way better and doesn't make the lady feel like she's gonna fall off the back. I changed the throttle and clutch cables to the shirter ones on mikes. I need to get a shorter choke cable though. Oh, and don't forget to lube those Mikesxs cables!

gantzcb · Posted: March 12, 2009, 12:47 am Post subject: Re: Handlebar swap

My son wants to get rid of the buckhorns. Has anyone ever cut out the weights from stock bars and welded them into a set w/o weights?

danno · Full Member Joined: Mar 04, 2006 Posts: 212

gantzcb wrote:

My son wants to get rid of the buckhorns. Has anyone ever cut out the weights from stock bars and welded them into a set w/o weights?

Instead of messing with the bar weights,you could fill the bars with BBs or buckshot (be sure to plug each open end securely).The buckshot gives a good anti-vibe feature to the bars.

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