Installed Suburban handlebar last night - Woot!Woot!

[cajrovd]

Here are some discoveries after installing the Suburban Type 2 handlebar on my GS500F:

1. The most difficult part was getting the grip off the left side! :x
2. The cables don't really need to be disconnected.
3. Putting some water on the inside of the left grip before sliding it back on the bar helped immensely.  
4. Riding position is much better for higher speed riding, way less wind.
5. Handling is way better - more in touch with the curves.
6. I like the stainless steel look better than the black bar.

If anyone needs any suggestions or help just let me know, I'll be happy to help! [/list:u]

[pantablo]

My page has a how-to showing how I did it without removing any cables...I loved those bars. They dramatically change the feel of the bike. You're local. Come ride with my and Kerry on Friday!

[cajrovd]

Pablo:
I printed out your instructions and found them really helpful, especially the soapy water suggestion. The whole setup is a tight fit, but it does fit nevertheless.
When & where on Friday?

[pantablo]

Pablo:
When & where on Friday?

->here<-

Angeles crest highway. about 9:30am friday at the shell station located at the base of ACH and the 210 fwy.

[edit: glad the page helped!]

[cajrovd]

AW MAN!!!

I have to work, and I used up all my vacation time this past summer...  :x

Thanks for the invite though!

[gs500rider]

cajrovd,

I also have the new gs500f.  You think you can take a picture of you handlebar so I can see how they look?  I've been looking for a place that sells handlebar that lower than the stock one.  And also, how much did you pay for your new handlebar?   Thanks in advance.  

D

[pantablo]

check my site for pics of it installed on a 2001 naked gs500. The suburban-machinery bars are $120 (and worth every penny). Available here:
www.suburban-machinery.com

[cajrovd]

I'll try and get some pics of the GS F with the handlebars...
Basically the bars can be seen here as well:
http://www.suburban-machinery.com/GS500F.htm

I was kinda nervous at first about the Suburban HB's because the riding position is more agressive and the holding position on the bar is little narrower. Since I commute 100 miles a day (seriously) I was concerned about comfort. But I found that the riding position significantly IMPROVES comfort, stability, and cornering. The bike feels more like a sportbike than a standard bike.

The only thing I trying to get used to is the position of the brake lever. It seems like I have to reach further over so get a good grip on the brake. But its still manageable. Overall I would give the whole project, including installation and results, an A+. But if you like the more upright standard position and tend to like cruisers more than sportbikes, then I would stick to the stock HB.

I paid $152 (including shipping - UPS ground). Like Pablo said, worth every penny.      

[The Buddha]

I had the ones I make ... near identical to the SM type 2's on Dave O's bike yesterday... not even close to what I call a good fit... The brake lever ... and clutch too close to the fairing and the bar and switches... to close to the tank at lock... Please put up a pic with the handle locked side to side... and show the gaps ... Here is the real danger... if you drop the bike the bars will dent the tank ... You need that extra 2 -3 inches to account for that... OK BTW the stock is far worse for that, being right over the tank so I guess you did make a change in the right direction... We had one that fit satisfactorily... OK that doesn't mean its comfortable... just that it fits and has the safety room... I might jig up and make those if enough people want it.
Cool.
Srinath.

[pprider]

can you guys tell me is there a big difference in the handling when you switch bars? i prefer a sportbike feel i would assume since thats what i want eventually...

hey srin i def would buy a pair i guess if they are better for handling... i def rather money go to you then suburban

[cajrovd]

I just went out and measured the space between the tank and bar in its locked position - 1 1/4". Very tight, but everything fits and functions perfectly. Sorry no pics as of yet...

I would say if you like more of a sportbike feel, the lower bar is the way to go. Handles way better.