Broomstick handle bars?

[Tronspeed3]

I'm looking for a more aggressive bar style but not clubman low and clip-ons are too expensive but Motorcycle superstore has these "broomstick bars" for $18, I think I'm gonna try and make my own from 7/8 DOM tubing and cut it to length and be ready to rock and roll.

Has anyone used just a straight bar for handle bars on the GS? any suggestions?

[cheetahman]

Never used a straight set on a GS.  However for 20 years I ran sportsters with short straight bars.  We called them drag bars.  The handling quickens up significantly with shorter bars (less input equals bigger change) and you have less leverage in a trouble situation.  It will change the way you ride.  Good Luck

[Tombstones81]

Got one.
Tho its not "Perfectly Straight"

its close.

and a Little more forward position then stock bars.

I'll look up where I got them from in a sec.
and yeah only like $20.



(edit)
heres the link to where I bought them from.
http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com/1/4/68/15396/ITEM/Bikemaster-Drag-Bar-Handlebar.aspx?WT.ac=SLIsearch

Had to search through my Early posts to find it! hahaha

[Twisted]

Yeh you want drag bars like installed on Tombs bike. Had them on my GS too.

[AussieChick]

Are these straight/drag bars actually comfortable for someone of a normal height?

I've decided I'd like a more agressive riding position on my GS, so I was looking at bars like this or clubman bars but I don't know how comfortable they look....I'm 5ft 9 so I'm not tiny but I don't have the longest arms ever and these look like they sit pretty far forward.......

Also, are they pretty easy to put on myself? admittedly I am a bit of a n00b when it comes to stuff like this....

[Watevaman]

Are these straight/drag bars actually comfortable for someone of a normal height?

I've decided I'd like a more agressive riding position on my GS, so I was looking at bars like this or clubman bars but I don't know how comfortable they look....I'm 5ft 9 so I'm not tiny but I don't have the longest arms ever and these look like they sit pretty far forward.......

Also, are they pretty easy to put on myself? admittedly I am a bit of a n00b when it comes to stuff like this....

I'm ~5'9" and with clubmans on I'm leaning forward but nothing too aggressive. Drag bars look to be about halfway between normal and clubmans, so I'd assume you could be fine.

And for putting them on:

http://www.everydayriding.org/2010/06/gs500-handlebar-replacement.html

If I can do it, you can.

[AussieChick]

Are these straight/drag bars actually comfortable for someone of a normal height?

I've decided I'd like a more agressive riding position on my GS, so I was looking at bars like this or clubman bars but I don't know how comfortable they look....I'm 5ft 9 so I'm not tiny but I don't have the longest arms ever and these look like they sit pretty far forward.......

Also, are they pretty easy to put on myself? admittedly I am a bit of a n00b when it comes to stuff like this....

I'm ~5'9" and with clubmans on I'm leaning forward but nothing too aggressive. Drag bars look to be about halfway between normal and clubmans, so I'd assume you could be fine.

And for putting them on:

http://www.everydayriding.org/2010/06/gs500-handlebar-replacement.html

If I can do it, you can.

Thanks for the advice

I'm thinking drag bars will be better...I don't think my arms are very long when I started riding this bike I actually tilted the stock bars a little more toward me for comfort but I feel like I sit too upright when I ride so something a bit more agressive like the drag bars should be good

(also, those instructions don't look that easy haha aside from a screwdriver set and a hammer, I really have no tools haha I'm getting my bike serviced in a few weeks so I may take the lazy option and ask him to install them!

[Beemersworld]

I have some new dragbars and I love them so far!          totally changed the whole riding experience,  made the bike feel way more fun to ride and sporty!   My arms were sore from the position the first few times I rode but within a couple days my muscles were used to it!

[AussieChick]

Good to hear I think the stock ones just look like they sit far too high up!

Did you get them from a bike shop? I'm lazy so I've only looked on eBay so far, I should probably check out a bike shop.....

Did you install them yourself?

[Phil B]

Good to hear I think the stock ones just look like they sit far too high up!

The stock ones are perfect if you're going to be sitting vertically on the bike.

Without a windscreen/fairing, I find that I "have to" sit upright.

If, however, you have a windscreen of some sort, and want to be more on the bars.. then yeah, having lower ones (or at least tilted ones) is better.

[Funderb]

i got superbike bars and then cut an inch off the end of each with a pipe cutter. I actually find them more comfortable than the stock bars, and still more aggressive with sharper handling.


just got new red grips in the mail today. should look sexy. and be way grippier. my progrips are worn thin and hard as hell.

[Beemersworld]

I got them from a user on here!    I did install them myself and it was easy excluding the throttle cable reinstall and the wicked nickel size blister I got when putting new grips on,   but again way worth it for new experience when riding,   I did put on a windscreen as well which enhanced it the experience even more.   

[ThatOtherGuy]

@AussieChick, local supplier:

http://www.thirdgear.com.au/categories/Handlebars-%26-Mounts/

Though I did to to install these on a naked GS500, I couldn't get the controls to fit correctly, brake master cylinder banjo bolt was too close to the top plate.  Must try again when I have more time (BTW we are similar heights).  I do have them on my Bandit and much prefer them over stock.  Even considering them for my wife's Intruder.

[AussieChick]

@AussieChick, local supplier:

http://www.thirdgear.com.au/categories/Handlebars-%26-Mounts/

Though I did to to install these on a naked GS500, I couldn't get the controls to fit correctly, brake master cylinder banjo bolt was too close to the top plate.  Must try again when I have more time (BTW we are similar heights).  I do have them on my Bandit and much prefer them over stock.  Even considering them for my wife's Intruder.

Excellent, thank you! I've been thinking about it today though and I'm not 100% sure I want to change the bars, keeping the bike stock seems like a better option since I may end up upgrading bikes in the next 12 month...(I almost feel bad for saying that on here haha)

[GI_JO_NATHAN]

I got them from a user on here!    I did install them myself and it was easy excluding the throttle cable reinstall and the wicked nickel size blister I got when putting new grips on,   but again way worth it for new experience when riding,   I did put on a windscreen as well which enhanced it the experience even more.

Oops sorry dude, I didn't even think about that.
I use an air compressor to blow air under the gips to make them easier to get off and on.
Or you can cut the old grips off, and use soapy water to put the new ones on.

[mister]

Just lean more forward and bend your arms more . 

Michael

[AussieChick]

Just lean more forward and bend your arms more . 

Michael

Prettyyyyy sure I'll just look like a duck if I do that haha. The handlebars are just too high!

[crzydood17]

I got them from a user on here!    I did install them myself and it was easy excluding the throttle cable reinstall and the wicked nickel size blister I got when putting new grips on,   but again way worth it for new experience when riding,   I did put on a windscreen as well which enhanced it the experience even more.

tip for putting on grips, cap one end with your hand and fill them up with rubbing alcohol, then twist into place. SUPA EASY!

[mustangGT90210]

@AussieChick, local supplier:

http://www.thirdgear.com.au/categories/Handlebars-%26-Mounts/

Though I did to to install these on a naked GS500, I couldn't get the controls to fit correctly, brake master cylinder banjo bolt was too close to the top plate.  Must try again when I have more time (BTW we are similar heights).  I do have them on my Bandit and much prefer them over stock.  Even considering them for my wife's Intruder.

Excellent, thank you! I've been thinking about it today though and I'm not 100% sure I want to change the bars, keeping the bike stock seems like a better option since I may end up upgrading bikes in the next 12 month...(I almost feel bad for saying that on here haha)

I put clubmans on my naked GS. Absolutely love the feel but it does get a little tiring on the wrists after an hour. Totally worth it for the change in handling and feel. I'm also only 5'7" so not exactly a very big guy. Drag bars are something I thought about, but it didn't seem like I'd be laying on the tank with them, so I turned away from them. Sounds like you just want a lower position a little more forward, which they would be perfect for!

As far as keeping the bike stock, it ain't hard to change the handle bar back to stock when you get ready to sell. That's what I'll be doing, seeing as the bike I'm thinking about (Bandit 600/1200) I'm pretty sure uses 7/8" bars as well