I've searched around and found quite a few threads regarding bar ends, but none really answers my question. Feel free to link me to a thread that does answer that I may have missed.
I'm replacing the stock bar ends from my 09 GS500f for a couple of reasons. First, they were not installed correctly by the dealer and have always been crooked and try as I might I couldn't get them to stay in straight. The other reason is that, after my slide, the left side is pretty mangled.
I picked up a pair of cheap Speed Metal bar ends, but they are super light. I can't imagine they will do much to dampen vibration. Is it really noticable? I know I could just slap them in and try them out, but I figure if someone has experience with them it could be valuable. Where can I buy some heavier bar ends?
An F or an E?, always the option of filling bars with BBs
F
R & G has some pretty decent bar ends... but you do pay for 'em...
http://www.rg-racing.com/browseBike/Suzuki/GS500_FullyFaired/All_Years/BE0017BK.aspx
http://www.ebay.com/itm/R-G-HANDLEBAR-BAREND-SLIDERS-for-SUZUKI-GS500-/230949674806?pt=UK_Motorcycle_Parts_13&hash=item35c5ac5f36
... not sure if there is a U.S. seller?... but that was just quick google results is all I looked at...
- Bboy
If you want heavyish bar-ends for vibration dampening, I'd say either find an unmolested stock set (they look pretty beefy to me) or go with HVMP bar ends. I had a set on a different bike, a ZX-11, and not only are they nigh indestructible, they also look cool too (IMO)
I like the stock bar ends too and have used them for 180k miles on 97 and 02 GSs. The screws in them do bend easy but they straighten easy too, just grab them and straighten them up if they are bent. I haven't broken one yet from straightening them. They are very effective if adjusted right, too tight and the bars start to vibrate. Just tune them in and you'll get a feel for it.
Quote from: gsJack on September 30, 2013, 10:11:29 AM
I like the stock bar ends too and have used them for 180k miles on 97 and 02 GSs. The screws in them do bend easy but they straighten easy too, just grab them and straighten them up if they are bent. I haven't broken one yet from straightening them. They are very effective if adjusted right, too tight and the bars start to vibrate. Just tune them in and you'll get a feel for it.
Listen to this guy he knows his stuff. ^^^^
Stock bar ends are easy to get and not that expensive.
My preference is for R&G because they look so darned good. They are available many places and ebay. Use the rubber bushings from your existing bars to mount them.
(http://i1206.photobucket.com/albums/bb442/adidasguy/GS500/DSC01691a.jpg) (http://s1206.photobucket.com/user/adidasguy/media/GS500/DSC01691a.jpg.html)
Vibration should not be a rear problem,but even if a little vibration bothers u try putting sand in your handlebars.I did that with my Yamaha XT600 cos of excess handlebar vibration & it reduced by around 20%.
I bought a pair of the cheap ones they dont do anything for vibration, adidas got me a pair or stock ones. My bike tipped over in a storm and they saved it and the fairing from breaking, but unfortunately that one fell onesomewhere so i got a set of gsxr ones off ebay for cheap. They are a little bigger and weigh more but thats hardly a problem been happy with them. If you want i will sell you the leftover stock one i have. Its used but in good shape.
I use http://www.thirdgear.com.au/products/Flush-Mount-Universal-Bar-Ends-%252d-Black.html
I can still look in my mirrors at highway speeds and see cars with bar-mounted mirrors? I have aftermarket bars that are substantially wider than stock so I wanted small and flush bar ends to allow me to get into my downstairs sliding door with ease.
I have tightend mine with the strength of 500 bears
I do notice that without glove liners my hands get a little "hot" I assume this is from the slight vibration.
I run bar end mirrors, and BB's work great.
I have bar ends from Jettin... they are meant for a scooter, but work great on the GS500.
http://www.jettin.com/barends.html
Manic Salamander... look great and weigh a ton. They really do a fantastic job of dampening vibration.
http://www.manicsalamander.com/products/app-finder-tl.aspx
Quote from: Mauricio on October 04, 2013, 11:26:49 AM
Manic Salamander... look great and weigh a ton. They really do a fantastic job of dampening vibration.
http://www.manicsalamander.com/products/app-finder-tl.aspx
I should hope so, since they cost a ton too..
Quote from: Erika on October 04, 2013, 05:45:41 AM
I have bar ends from Jettin... they are meant for a scooter, but work great on the GS500.
http://www.jettin.com/barends.html
I've used Jettin' bar ends on scoots and the GS. Bar end mirrors clamp right on to the slot and off you go.
Quote from: Zwerski on October 04, 2013, 07:57:02 PM
Quote from: Erika on October 04, 2013, 05:45:41 AM
I have bar ends from Jettin... they are meant for a scooter, but work great on the GS500.
http://www.jettin.com/barends.html
I've used Jettin' bar ends on scoots and the GS. Bar end mirrors clamp right on to the slot and off you go.
That's pretty cool.