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Switching handlebars
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3rdbike Offline
1st Service Completed

Solomon, KS
Posts: 195
Joined: Dec 2017
Post: #1
Switching handlebars
Yippee!! The handlebars and grips came today, so I'll be in the shop tomorrow changing handlebars. I really like using the 'search' function of this forum, I can read up on something and keep from going "where no man has gone before". So I'm aware of the trick handlebar weights Honda incorporated in the oem bars and other details. I think I'll try the new bars w/o the weights first, and if need be, follow instructions found here to install the oem weights.

I'm changing handlebars to keep my wrists happy. The stock bars would be fine if they had another 2" of drop at the grips. As it is, the bars make my wrists feel angled upward at the outside, and if I stay on the bike long enough, that ol' carpal tunnel will flare up. The bars I'll install are Flanders "7/8" Flat Medium Tall Bar". I have an identical h/bar on my ol' Guzzi 850 T3, they are perfect for me.

Here's some pix of the bar, don't know if you'll be able to discern anything tho. Bars are hard to photograph to convey shape and angle and such.

İmage

İmage

İmage

İmage

The angle of the grip is such that the bar will be tipped forward, placing my hands a little lower than stock and prolly 2" forward, so that I'll lean in to the bars, and the wind.

It's all practice.....

'17 CB1100 EX
'15 VFR 800
'97 R1100RT
12-23-2017 10:44 PM
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Dude Offline
1st Service Completed

Austin, Tx
Posts: 105
Joined: Jun 2017
Post: #2
RE: Switching handlebars
Plz post some pics when you're done!
12-23-2017 11:13 PM
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3rdbike Offline
1st Service Completed

Solomon, KS
Posts: 195
Joined: Dec 2017
Post: #3
RE: Switching handlebars
(12-23-2017 11:13 PM)Dude Wrote:  Plz post some pics when you're done!

I certainly will, Dude!

It's all practice.....

'17 CB1100 EX
'15 VFR 800
'97 R1100RT
12-23-2017 11:18 PM
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The ferret Offline
Forum Moderator

Ohio
Posts: 31,283
Joined: Apr 2013
Post: #4
RE: Switching handlebars
Yep, that's definitly a different bend from the stock bars. Interesting. Hope they work out for you. Also looking forward to the pics.

.
Defender of the Realm
2014 DLX (the pleasure horse)
2021 NC750X DCT (Angry Bird)
12-24-2017 06:32 AM
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PowerDubs Offline
Road Warrior

NWNJ
Posts: 2,858
Joined: Jul 2016
Post: #5
RE: Switching handlebars
I too found the stock bars an odd angle. Switched em out for a bar off another Honda that has more pull back and is a little wider.

I'm interested to see your progress.

104whp / 75wtq ... for now.
12-24-2017 08:32 AM
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3rdbike Offline
1st Service Completed

Solomon, KS
Posts: 195
Joined: Dec 2017
Post: #6
RE: Switching handlebars
No progress to show yet, I'm doing all the prep details 1st.

It was probably my years on H-D and their oversized controls, cuz I like a big grip. My all time favorite grip is the Grand Touring USA grip, but alas, they're NLA. I've found another grip that has the same profile and a similar rubber compound: Biltwell Renegade. But, I won't recommend them to anyone. These *&$^ idiots make the hole to go over the bar and throttle sleeve the same size! Yeah, 7/8" on both sides. I sent the first pair right back! I was able to get an ebay seller to actually look at the hole size on another pair; yep, 7/8" both grips. He sent a link to Biltwell's site and a video on how to install. They use WD40 and compressed air to get the right grip on. Well, that's great, but you'll have the right grip being stretched over the throttle tube and being larger in diameter than the left.

So I'm 'hogging' one grip out to an 'nth' smaller than 1". Takes time....

I'll take before and after pix to try to show the difference in angle and reach.

It's all practice.....

'17 CB1100 EX
'15 VFR 800
'97 R1100RT
12-25-2017 01:57 PM
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3rdbike Offline
1st Service Completed

Solomon, KS
Posts: 195
Joined: Dec 2017
Post: #7
RE: Switching handlebars
Here's a photo of the suspect Biltwell grips, with an old pair of motorcycle grips at bottom to demonstrate the difference in diameter the throttle side grip should have:

İmage

It's all practice.....

'17 CB1100 EX
'15 VFR 800
'97 R1100RT
12-25-2017 11:10 PM
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camoto Offline
1st Service Completed

USA
Posts: 81
Joined: Aug 2017
Post: #8
RE: Switching handlebars
Wow that's dedication to a particular grip brand! Given the number of available choices for normal motorcycle grip sizes I don't know if I would put up with that!
12-26-2017 06:27 AM
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Houtman Offline
Been There

NC USA
Posts: 4,481
Joined: May 2013
Post: #9
RE: Switching handlebars
I have never been to impressed with the Biltwell quality, build for a price and not always value.
(This post was last modified: 12-26-2017 07:27 AM by Houtman.)
12-26-2017 07:26 AM
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3rdbike Offline
1st Service Completed

Solomon, KS
Posts: 195
Joined: Dec 2017
Post: #10
RE: Switching handlebars
I just really really like this grip shape, it's the closest I've found to the old Grand Touring. Otherwise I'd move on....

It's all practice.....

'17 CB1100 EX
'15 VFR 800
'97 R1100RT
12-26-2017 01:34 PM
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