Im new to MCing and obviously to my GS but why does it seem that everyone here on the boards has replaced there handlebars?
Also what type of bars are you replacing them with? Are the new ones lower, higher, whats up?
I went with the SM2 bars, which are lower and narrower. I like them because they turn in quicker, have a more natural posture, and give it the naked bike with clip-ons look.
I didn't know this until recently, but my bike has aftermarket bars on it. The previous owner must have droped it and bent the bars at some point. I'm thinking the bars on mine are some of the cheap bikemaster bars that are similar to the stock bend. Though I want to replace them again, cause I've tweaked 'em some.
Also: see the wiki (http://cgi.stanford.edu/~sanjayd/gs500/Upgrades/Handlebars)
I had no idea what clip ons were till I saw them in the picture. Great set of pics btw. They are made in two pieces and each piece clips on rather than one solid bar going accross. Glad I learned that as I felt a tad stupid with all the mentioning of clip ons and myself with just a bewildered look on my face. :dunno_white:
What's a bar?
:laugh:
Originally, I was okay with the stock bars, but my back began to hurt more from bad riding posture, and since I was doing a lot of downhill riding, I wanted higher bars so I could get more weight off my hands; after I crashed, I went with the Bikemaster Daytonas. But, now after riding Pharoh's bike (SM2 bars), which feels really natural (now I understand), I have purchased a set of GP Touring bars.
You probably have the GP Touring bars.
Quote from: manofthefield on December 20, 2006, 02:57:01 PM
I didn't know this until recently, but my bike has aftermarket bars on it. The previous owner must have droped it and bent the bars at some point. I'm thinking the bars on mine are some of the cheap bikemaster bars that are similar to the stock bend. Though I want to replace them again, cause I've tweaked 'em some.
Also: see the wiki (http://cgi.stanford.edu/~sanjayd/gs500/Upgrades/Handlebars)
Yea ... the stock bars are total crap ... yours are much better.
Cool.
Srinath.
Srinath makes some sweet looking bars for the GS. That is if we can get him to make some. :bowdown:
I need 2 sets :thumb:
Quote from: scratch on December 20, 2006, 03:22:32 PM
You probably have the GP Touring bars.
You talkin' to me? You talkin' to me? Then who the hell else are you talking... you talking to me?
That would be good to know for when I do eventually replace them. I like them well enough and don't really want to reach much farther forward or lower on longer rides. (I'm 5'-8" for reference)
I replaced my stock bars with some other stock bars... 'cause the old ones were bent. :icon_confused:
Does that count? :dunno_white:
I got mine with fairly straight drag type bars, they were fine but since my arms aren't uber long I replaced them with stock, which feels more natural for me. The stockers also fit all the handlebar gear without crowding and parts hitting each other. Only complaint is that it feels slightly high in front... but that could be my new stiffer forks too.
Stock bars may be crap but they're ok for me.
Stiffer fork springs will have less sag; see www.peterverdonedesigns.com/introduction.htm
My stock bars were alil bent, replaced em with a set of drag bars. They have a slight bend to them, they aren't totally straight. I like em, haven't put in any rides longer than 2hrs on them, they aren't made for that.
The stock bars a crap. I have the SM2 and love them, more comfortable, look better and give you more control.
http://gstwins.com/gsboard/index.php?topic=32467.0
Quote from: Bulwark on December 20, 2006, 02:41:24 PM
............ why does it seem that everyone here on the boards has replaced there handlebars?
................
You chose the right word... "seem"... .
My guess is that most GS'ers are happy with the stock "crap" bars.
We don't hear from them because why would anyone post that they are not changing their bars?
:cheers:
I replaced mine with some clubmans because the stock bars were bent in a low side by my friend, who was a friend of the guy who borrowed the bike from the PO. However, the position shown in the wiki was way too aggressive for my back, so they're on the bike like normal bars. They're a little lower than stock, and I'm quite happy with them.
Quote from: annguyen1981 on December 20, 2006, 03:21:17 PM
What's a bar?
:laugh:
its a place you go to meet women... something you know nothing about.
Quote from: TragicImage on December 20, 2006, 10:01:01 PM
Quote from: annguyen1981 on December 20, 2006, 03:21:17 PM
What's a bar?
:laugh:
its a place you go to drink beer and meet women... something you know nothing about.
Fixed! :icon_mrgreen:
im alcohol intolerant so when I drink my face turns red. Can only drink like .2 of any type of drink before this happens. So bars are kind of pointless... its like enforced christianity. bs.
A lot of people get flushed when they drink. Alcohol fools the brain into thinking you're warm, so the capillaries dilate so that you cool off. My friend is about like you. About 2 swallows of beer, and his face and head turn red and he's sweating like he just ran a marathon.
Quote from: Bulwark on December 20, 2006, 02:41:24 PM
Im new to MCing and obviously to my GS but why does it seem that everyone here on the boards has replaced there handlebars?
Also what type of bars are you replacing them with? Are the new ones lower, higher, whats up?
The only bars I've replaced were the ones bent on the 97 GS in the 03 mishap :laugh: but I had moved the bars up and back a bit on that 97 when I first got it in 99 with the GenMar risers. My hands were getting numb after an hour or so of riding and the GenMars made it just right for me, took some weight off of my hands. I transferred that same set of GenMars to my current 02 GS so they have a total of 120k miles on them.
http://www.zianet.com/GenMar/
http://www.zianet.com/GenMar/images/X102_GS500.JPG
Since then the SW-Motec risers have come out and give a choice of styles.
http://www.twistedthrottle.com/trade/productview/2016/218/
I have stock bars with risers. I have a cranky back, so I need/like to sit as upright as possible.
Other than that, I like the stock bars.
Quote from: indywar360 on December 20, 2006, 10:52:52 PMim alcohol intolerant... its like enforced christianity.
Don't forget that god gave you ALL the seed baring plants and herbs to use...
*wink wink* *nudge nudge*
(I'm talking about marijuana)
I pick out the seeds
Out of my watermelons
Quote from: RVertigo on December 21, 2006, 04:07:47 PM
Quote from: indywar360 on December 20, 2006, 10:52:52 PMim alcohol intolerant... its like enforced christianity.
Don't forget that god gave you ALL the seed baring plants and herbs to use...
*wink wink* *nudge nudge* (I'm talking about marijuana)
??? :cookoo:
Quote from: indywar360 on December 20, 2006, 10:52:52 PM
im alcohol intolerant so when I drink my face turns red. Can only drink like .2 of any type of drink before this happens. So bars are kind of pointless... its like enforced christianity. bs.
You're not a freak. It happens to about 50% of folks from Asian descent. What causes it is an inactive enzyme, aldehyde dehydrogenase. That stuff breaks down acetaldehyde. That stuff is a byproduct of the metabolism of alcohol and is toxic to the body. When it doesn't break down it accumulates and makes your face red.
One of the very few things I remember from chem class.
What i need is slow-release aldehyde dehydrogenase capsules.
Yes I used to puff choke buds but it didn't get me anywhere so now Im just an uptight, boring, tense, sober person. But I do like riding my motorcycle.
:cheers: :cheers: :cheers: :cheers: :cry: :cheers: :cheers:
You're fine...just put down the hacksaw.