Moderately More Sporty Bars

[rjsjr]

I have a 99 and am thinking about changing out the bars for something a little more sporty.   I compared a number of the flanders bars at a local bike shop on my bike and found the superbike/cafe racer bend to be too little difference from stock and the clubman bars maybe a little too radical for what I'd like (not sure, but I felt like I was more hunched over the triple clamps than I think I'd like in the long run).  They didn't have the drag bars there to compare which seemed like a possible candidate.

Any recommendations on a replacement bar that is sportier (both less rise and less pullback - I have long arms) than stock, but not too extreme?  The S-M bars sound interesting, but I haven't seen them as do srinath's, but I think I'd like something more stock looking.

[Rollin668]

I just mounted a set of K-n-N European Bars this morning.
Very nice position so far.  A little heavy on the wrists but I think I can fix that with some adjusting of the bars.  Also cheap... I paid only $10.oo (I've got a discount with this guy for helping him locate his Mom he lost conact with...) but the shop owner says you can find them elsewhere for less than $30.oo.

not to keen on the chrome but you can also get black ones.  For handlebars I always feel better not spending too much on fancy bars.  A steel single piece is all you need...



Rolly

[pantablo]

I highly recommend the S-M bars. The position is similar to the drag bars but they place your wrists in a much more comfortable position [ask snapper!]. They're pricy at $130 but if srinath makes his widely available you should do those.

If you want something that looks a little more stock your choices are limited. Superbike style bars are really all that there is afaik.

[rjsjr]

$130?  Ouch.  Is there anything special about their construction that makes them worth so much?  I was contemplating splurging on the gyt-r titanium bars designed for the fz-1, which look like a great fit.  Even those are only $60 and the lightness, durability, and difficulty of working with titanium leaves them at least partially justified in my mind.  OTOH, $10+shipping for flanders drag bars is far more reasonable and its not as if I'm going to notice the difference with the titanium bars other than cosmetic.

[70 Cam Guy]

I have the Flanders Drag Bar and its a very nice piece.  The chrome quality is top notch and it is a thick walled tubing.  I have only LP Aluminum bar ends (not much weight added) and I don't notice any annoying vibrations in the bars.  They clear the tank from lock-to-lock.  

The ones I have are part #650-04041.  They are the Wide Center with 30* pullback.  I had the Third Eye bar end mirrors for a short while and those cleared fine also.  I didn't like the bar end mirrors because you have to look down too far to see behind you.  They also didn't work all that well anyway.  
It is E23 on this page
http://www.sideroadcycles.com/ImportedMotorcycles/ImportHandlebars/ImportDrag/78DragBars.html

I used a tape measure from the end of the bar to the respective side clamp to get the bar on center.  When I take it off, I use masking tape to help save the locations.  I position them so the angle of the guages match the angle of the bars if you look from the side.

I installed a set of Flanders Clubman bars and could not reach them and ride the bike safely.  If you're taller than 5'8" by a few inches, I still have them and would let you try them if you really want to.  I only rode the bike once before removing them so I highly doubt you would like them.