Need a new handlebar - pros/cons of OEM vs. clubman/others? Where to buy?

[snopyro]

Bike Bandit sells replacement OEM handlebars for $65.  Anyone have their OEM lying around their garage that they want to sell me?  How much should I be looking to spend to get my handlebar grips, accessories transferred over to the new handlebars?  TIA!

[poormanracing]

if you have a local cyclegear..they have bikemasters (close to stock but a bit lower) and drag bars (super low) for 21 + tax....you can also buy them at azmotorsports (ridenow.com)....

[snopyro]

Thanks for the helpful info and sites.  Can someone provide me with the specs for the OEM '97
GS500 handlebar?
Bend, Width, Rise, Pullback, and Center?

I'll need that info to determine which of Bikemaster handlebars to purchase.
http://www.ridenowonline.com/product_detail.aspx?item_guid=eb016cc8-73ed-4574-91b5-6163162d6c68

[gtownsend]

try suburban machinery, they have some great handlebars.  suburbanmachinery.com

[annguyen1981]

try suburban machinery, they have some great handlebars.  suburbanmachinery.com

I do believe the correct site is:

http://www.suburban-machinery.com/

[94suzuki500]

I put on some mx bars that I like, slightly lower, helps on my back.  and they are gold so they a beeee you teee fulll.

[scratch]

Stock is 27.5" wide, 3.5" rise, 7.5" pullback, 4.5" centre.  The closest Bikemaster is the GP Touring at 27.5" wide, 2.5" rise, and 6.5" pullback.  You might also look into a Buell Blast handlebar or an original Buell Thunderbolt handlebar (see the Flander's handlebars site).  Also, a Honda Nighthawk 250 handlebar might work.  Search 'handlebar' with my username.

[snopyro]

Thanks scratch and everyone else that replied.  Just wanted to confirm that the OEM handlebar specs that you have listed would be the same for a '97 GS500e- which I have.  (I don't know if the new GS500f's have the same handlebar dimensions.)

While I'm at it, does anyone have suggestions on Foam Grip replacements?  Which brands have you used and which ones are recommended?

[scratch]

Why do you want to go with foam?  Rubber lasts much longer and doesn't get soggy when it rains.  I've used the Lockhart Superbike grips and am very pleased with them.

[snopyro]

Ok, last question on my handlebar topic. 

When I purchase the new Bikemaster GP Touring handlebar, will it be ready to accept my OEM bar ends (counter weights)?  Meaning:  will the long screw that goes through the bar ends have something to attach to in the Bikemaster's handlebars?  I don't know if I to purchase the 'threaded bolt' that sits inside the hollow handlebar tube for these long bar end screws to hold onto.  (Just want to make sure I order everything I will need at the same time to save on shipping.)

And I'll take a look at the various grips out there and get a feel for them.  I want something more vibration absorbant than the thinly padded OEM rubber grips.  Been looking online and the Progrip 724's (Dual density grips - 120mm) are catching my eye.  Will all of the Progrip grips fit the Bikemaster handlebar or are there specific diameters of the grips which I should be aware of?  If so, what is the size of handlebar grips I should look into?  (I am finding differing grip measurements of 120mm, 125mm, and 135mm.  Is this the diameter of the grips?  If so, what diameter corresponds to the GP Touring's 7/8" handlebar?

[oramac]

I orderded bikemaster drag bars, and they are hollow...no place for stock bar ends.  You'll need to buy aftermarket bar ends with the expandable rubber inserts.  I got a set in anodized gold... they are purdy on my yellow bike.

[Alphamazing]

I orderded bikemaster drag bars, and they are hollow...no place for stock bar ends.  You'll need to buy aftermarket bar ends with the expandable rubber inserts.  I got a set in anodized gold... they are purdy on my yellow bike.

That's how our stock bar ends work, though. The rubber expands inside the bar and keeps it stuck there.

[mjm]

I orderded bikemaster drag bars, and they are hollow...no place for stock bar ends.  You'll need to buy aftermarket bar ends with the expandable rubber inserts.  I got a set in anodized gold... they are purdy on my yellow bike.

That's how our stock bar ends work, though. The rubber expands inside the bar and keeps it stuck there.

Before 2001 the GS used metal inserts welded inside the bar that the bar end screwed into.

[Alphamazing]

I orderded bikemaster drag bars, and they are hollow...no place for stock bar ends.  You'll need to buy aftermarket bar ends with the expandable rubber inserts.  I got a set in anodized gold... they are purdy on my yellow bike.

That's how our stock bar ends work, though. The rubber expands inside the bar and keeps it stuck there.

Before 2001 the GS used metal inserts welded inside the bar that the bar end screwed into.

I don't remember that on my '92...

[//ACCIDENT]

I just took apart my 97 and the bar ends are screwed into the handle bar with a long screw running through the counterweight...

[snopyro]

I just took apart my 97 and the bar ends are screwed into the handle bar with a long screw running through the counterweight...

So it looks like I won't be able to use my OEM bar ends / counterweights on the Bikemaster bar...  Boo!  I think the aftermarket ones are shorter... a new search continues!

[fettcols]

If you're interested I have a set of stock '04 bars in my garage. Never crashed or anything.

[scratch]

You can use the stock handlebar weights, but you still have to buy the Lockhart, or whatever brand, bar ends and use the rubber part.  I had to go to a hardware store to buy a pair of really long screws and nuts to be able to use the stock bar ends.   I also suggest using a lock washer, too.  I didn't on mine and it took a lot of fast twisting of a screwdriver, because I used plain washers instead.

[snopyro]

If you're interested I have a set of stock '04 bars in my garage. Never crashed or anything.

I might be interested.  What are the differences between teh 2004 vs. 1997 handlebars?  How much do you want to sell them for?

[chandra.hp]

I contacted Suburban Machinary and they qouted me with a grand total of $167 (after shipping) for one of their handle bars. That's pretty steap compared to other bars I've come across.