Handle Bars Comparison

[cboling]

Before anyone beats me up, I have looked at the wiki numerous times and I have done tons of searching. (I promise)

I have seen the different clip ons, drag bars, super bike bars, stock bars, custom bars, etc... But I am wondering what everyone's real world experience is with the different types. I know it boils down to personal preference and comfort but I guess what I am asking is:

How much difference is there between the different types of bars. For Example:

Stock vs. Superbike (Height, Width, Rise, etc....)
Superbike vs. Drag (Height, Width, Rise, etc....)
Drag vs Clubman (Height, Width, Rise, etc....)
Clubman vs Clip-ons (Height, Width, Rise, etc....)

I am not in a hurry to buy new bars just yet but I really like the looks of the Superbike bars and drag bars. I just don't want to get something that is going to be terrible for ride position.

Pics are always good especially if you are about 6'1" tall and have any of these kinds of bars and you are sitting on the bike.   

Thanks,
CB

[XealotX]

   




   

[cboling]

YES! That is what I'm talkin' about! Though, I wouldn't want to be in any position on those handlebars.     

[XealotX]

  Sorry, couldn't help it. This is my first bike and it has stock handlebars. Kinda curious about replacements myself.

[cboling]

That was funny.

[Bridger]

I put drag bars on mine.  They look great, feel great ( I'm 6 ft.), and were $26 shipped to my house!  No BS, you just swap 'em over!  They make the bike soooooo much more comfortable.

[tt_four]

I'm 5'8, and have tried clipons, and dirtbike bars, and whatever came stock on the GS. Still not sure I completely understand what superbike bars are though, even though people talk about them all the time.

I hated the shape of the stock bars. Just came back too far, and I think it made the handling on the bike feel goofy. We've currently got clipons on the GS.

My last bike came stock with clipons, but it still wasn't a super aggressive position, as the bars were on top of the triple clamps. I felt like they were a little high, and eventually found some other bars so I could fit them under the top clamp. That felt better and back roads a bit more fun. At one point I got a spare top triple and drilled it to mount risers on it like I had always wanted, and thought I would love, and it turned out I kinda hated it, and swapped back to the clipons within a couple days. The next bike I get i think I'll be ready to give dirtbike bars another serious try on a sportbike. The only reason I'm not sure how I'll feel, is that I'll be keeping the bike in my basement now, and that limits my bar width to 70cm if I want to get the bike out the door, and I feel like those kind of bars should be a little closer to 80cm long. I just have to say I really prefer how stable the front end of a bike feels when all of your weight is over it, plus my back always starts to hurt when I try to sit more upright.

I know you didn't ask about the difference between dirt bars and clipons, but I hope it helps a little

[cboling]

tt_four: That is exactly the kind of information I am looking for. Both of you hit it dead on.

I have been looking at the "Superbike" bars (dirt bike bars) and the drag bars simply because I like the lower more aggressive position and I have the triple with the regular riser. But I was wondering if the stock bars are "too" upright. When I started putting mine back together, I pushed the bars forward and they were more vertical. That seemed okay because it caused my reach to extend and seemed more comfortable sitting on the bike. I still am working on getting it running and hopefully I can test ride it to see if the stock bars are going to be too high / slanted rearward.

Like many, I have a back that sometimes likes to show out. Nothing serious but muscle ache that is a real aggravation.

anyway, anyone else chime in. I am looking for your experiences with handlebars. I believe the pictures of the ones above are drag bars but I could be wrong. 

[ineedanap]

In case it helps, the new style vortex clipons mounted under the triple are 33.5 inches from the pavement at the middle of the grip.  They're a 7 degree drop in case it helps you compare to other bars.  

I'm with the other guys.  If you're tall (I'm 6'1") they're so much better than stock or any other bar with a lot of pullback.  You won't constantly feel like you're getting pushed back on the bike or have a set of bars jammed into your chest.   Pretty comfortable on 40 minute commutes to too...better than my old 89s.

As soon as the buddha gets me a modified katana stem these nearly new mint 4 month old clipons will be for sale...since I have to buy 41mm's.  How's that for a shameless "buy these from me" plug?  

[The Buddha]

Ineedanap - you're not running katana clip on's " why ? You want them under  OK fine.
Cool.
Buddha.

[abnoea]

I've got some clubmans on my bike and I'm 6'1" 195lbs, these bars are not for long rides! My hands go numb and my wrists ache after about 10 min of interstate/highway riding or 25 min of city riding (stretching at lights helps). I think they look great, but I want to try drag bars or something a little more forgiving on the wrists. Or maybe just even putting some small risers might do wonders, I haven't tried though. I could give you some numbers later if you want.

[PachmanP]

I put the superbike bars on after I bent up my stocks.  They don't really seem that much different, but I did notice that my riding position changed enough that I didn't notice my arms bothering me like they did with the stock.

[Flanders]

any pics out there of gs500's with drag bars?

[Dr.Sparkie]

I'm 6'4" and i have the factory clipons (1989 model year) and i love em. they feel allright for me, and they can take a drop, or four. i find i can sit comfortably on the bike (though my knees are a little high) and manage the front end without trouble. I can ride for a few hours without feeling it in my wrists (albiet my arsse complains)

[tt_four]

I've got some clubmans on my bike and I'm 6'1" 195lbs, these bars are not for long rides! My hands go numb and my wrists ache after about 10 min of interstate/highway riding or 25 min of city riding

Have you tried angling your bars back a little bit? It looks like they're pointed down quite a bit. That would flatten them out as well as pull them a little closer to you, and would probably make you feel a little more comfortable.

[The Buddha]

I've got some clubmans on my bike and I'm 6'1" 195lbs, these bars are not for long rides! My hands go numb and my wrists ache after about 10 min of interstate/highway riding or 25 min of city riding (stretching at lights helps). I think they look great, but I want to try drag bars or something a little more forgiving on the wrists. Or maybe just even putting some small risers might do wonders, I haven't tried though. I could give you some numbers later if you want.

89 clip on's - I would sell you mine for 100 bucks if you want em.
Cool.
Buddha.

[Canonball]

heres my clip-ons

[cboling]

Canonball: I diiiiiigggg that picture. I have a couple pics of your bike that I found here and there saved on my pc. Between your's, psyberoptix, and quicktaco's bikes, those have been my main inspiration as for looks and what not.

[JB848]

Yeah that is a cool picture. Unfortunately here in NJ you'd get run over trying to take a picture on any road!

[jonathanneely]

I still have the stock handlebars on my bike but I modified the position of them. I slid the controls and grips in on each side about an inch or more, to the bend of the handle bar. I then locked my steering and rotated the handlebars in to drop them down some but still leave about 1/8' between the controls and the tank so I could lock the steering. It worked out great for me. I don't feel cramped like they were from the factory and it lowers the position some too.