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Main Area => General GS500 Discussion => Topic started by: yassensei on May 28, 2007, 11:32:19 PM

Title: Handlebar question
Post by: yassensei on May 28, 2007, 11:32:19 PM
OK--I've put in six months and 1700 miles on the bike and it's going great. The only complaint I have is the position of the handlebars. My opinion is that the pullback angle is too much--it torques my wrists a little too much, putting excess pressure on the thumbs. This in turn makes my thumbs go numb (or tingly--same difference).

Since I know nothing about the aftermarket market (so to speak), what kind of bars would work? I'm looking for something that has approximately the same rise, but quite a bit less pullback angle. I was looking at some drag bars, but they might be too low.

Suggestions? Comments?  :dunno_white:
Title: Re: Handlebar question
Post by: The Buddha on May 29, 2007, 03:53:39 AM
Srinath bars ... as in my avatar.
Making some as soon as I get unemployed - this friday ...
Cool.
Srinath.
Title: Re: Handlebar question
Post by: Cal Price on May 29, 2007, 04:06:57 AM
Srinath Bars, never knowingly undersold! seriously they are very popular amongst the community.

I take it you have tried altering the position of the stock bars slightly, if you are going numb you might be gripping too hard so try and relax more, it is a very common thing and leads to numbness in the hands and shoulder pain after a while, relax more and get some Srinath bars anyway.
Title: Re: Handlebar question
Post by: RobTheTyrant on May 29, 2007, 04:27:45 AM
I've got a narrow drag bar on right now... love it.  Got it from parts unlimited.  0" rise, 4" pullback (vs stock 7.5 i think) and slightly narrower, 26.5" vs 27.5".  Part # 650-04051 @ parts-unlimited.com  I had to rotate the banjo fitting on the master cylinder but other that that there was really no issues.
Title: Re: Handlebar question
Post by: 30vVT on May 29, 2007, 10:35:43 AM
Quote from: seshadri_srinath on May 29, 2007, 03:53:39 AM
Srinath bars ... as in my avatar.
Making some as soon as I get unemployed - this friday ...
Cool.
Srinath.

I'm back in line for a set since clip ons I was given are too extreme. Any preliminary idea on cost shipped? I'll be watching this space.
Title: Re: Handlebar question
Post by: The Buddha on May 29, 2007, 10:40:36 AM
$45 or so - same as before, except steel may ahve gone up a lot since then, but the problem this time is ... numbers ... wait and see. I dont want to give much away till I get some sorta direction on some of the stuff.
Cool.
Srinath.
Title: Re: Handlebar question
Post by: scratch on May 29, 2007, 12:19:07 PM
You are leaning on the bars, don't do that.  Hunker down a little bit, tightening up your ab(stomach) muscles to hold you up (it works  :thumb: ), and grip the tank with your knees.  This will get your weight off the bars (and you'll be able to steer easier!).

Rotating the bars (and then the controls) may help, too; adjust them to suit you.

Lastly, go to higher bars to help get your weight off the bars.

Or, buy Srinath bars and really make yourself learn to tighten up those tummy muscles!
Title: Re: Handlebar question
Post by: resistor on May 29, 2007, 01:41:17 PM
You could also check out the Laverda bars, they are very adjustable to fit you well.. I have a set on mine and they feel fairly close to clip-ons - However when I bought them they were about 130 a set, maybe 3 or 4 years ago.. I think they price has gone up a bit though now.