Handle Bars

Joseph · Full Member Joined: May 22, 2007 Posts: 767 Location: NY

I have an 80 special (first street bike) some one in here comented on the bars,at first i was going to keep them stock but i'm almost 6'2" and the pull backs have my elbows bent. Any sugustions on a comfortable style bar for higway and neigborrhood use. any thoughts are much apreciated.

INXS650 · 650Rider Supporter Joined: Mar 22, 2007 Posts: 645

There are many styles available. I guess you will have to find out where you are comfortable riding, and pick that bar. I was used to riding sport bikes, so I picked the drag bar to give me a little lean over. Your bars are adjustable as well. You can loosen the top clamps, and see if you can move the stock bars where you want them to be, say more forward so your elbows aren't bent so badly.

Xumi · Posted: June 8, 2007, 10:47 am Post subject: Re: Handle Bars

Personally for highway riding I prefer a bit of pullback. Straight elbows = more fatigue - but your mileage may vary.

ttmaniac · Full Member Joined: Dec 22, 2006 Posts: 468

I like superbike or daytona style bars myself. Low, yet comfortable. You still retain good leverage with those bars.

bluebikerblan · Posted: June 8, 2007, 11:23 am Post subject: Re: Handle Bars

I had similar issue with my 78 Special bars (killing my old arthritic wrists)and went to the traditional "Standard" type from Mikes and like them a lot. Comfortable amount of rise and much less pull back. There are a lot of pre 78 standard bars on the road.....might want to see how they fit?

ttmaniac · Full Member Joined: Dec 22, 2006 Posts: 468

The buckhorn pullbacks will make any bike seem like it lacks control. That and the master cylinder sits all funky. The traditional standard bars are good as well as the flattrack bars they have available out there. Much more comfort, much better control.

Joseph · Full Member Joined: May 22, 2007 Posts: 767 Location: NY

Thanks alot felas much apreciated. I'll try the standards I think. I'f i feel like straightening my elbows for a few miles maybe i wont be so far on the back seat.

Tomterrific · Posted: June 8, 2007, 9:19 pm Post subject: Re: Handle Bars

I have a "77D which is a standard but the seating and footpeg position is similar. I'm just over 6' with long arms and legs and very skinny. I put #10 bend flat track bars from mikesxs on the XS and it feels allot like my old Triumph Bonneville. Perfect for me! I like a bar I can muscle a bike around with.

Tom Graham
Columbus, Ohio

INXS650 · 650Rider Supporter Joined: Mar 22, 2007 Posts: 645

Try sitting on the passenger seat. This is what I did till I got my drag bars to stretch my legs out.

Xumi · Posted: June 11, 2007, 6:51 pm Post subject: Re: Handle Bars

INXS650 wrote:

Try sitting on the passenger seat. This is what I did till I got my drag bars to stretch my legs out.

Ok, now I've got the image of INXS650 sitting on the passenger seat with his feet on the handlebars, kickin back, remote control in one hand, beer in the other.

What Happened to 650rider.com?

Yamaha xs650