Different handlebars

[danny01975]

Thinking I may want to try some different handlebars. Something a bit more comfortable for longer rides. Not sure if this is true, but I read that I should be a little more forward, closer to the steering stem? Seems counter intuitive to me.

Im currently running magna wide bars. But I’m open to suggestions on what yall are using and like. I’m 5’8” tall if that helps for comparison.

Bike is an 82 1100GK. No gk fairing but I do have a small bikini fairing.

 

[rphillips]

Nothing exact, but to think about. You don't want to sit up straight enough the wind is blowing you backwards and your arms are constantly holding you forward and don't lean forward enough your arms are holding you up. For me something that's got you kind'f floating in between at normal riding speed feels pretty good... As always just my opinion.

 

[salty_monk]

Superbike, Daytona or Euro Cafe are the usual suspects....

Z1 has some or Google works..... Emgo is one well known brand.

https://www.z1enterprises.com/handlebars-mirrors-and-controls.html?p=4

 

[danny01975]

Nothing exact, but to think about. You don't want to sit up straight enough the wind is blowing you backwards and your arms are constantly holding you forward and don't lean forward enough your arms are holding you up. For me something that's got you kind'f floating in between at normal riding speed feels pretty good... As always just my opinion.

This makes sense. I've been on bikes where I'm too far forward and it makes my hands numb. I guess I just need to try all of them until I find one that is just-right. Salty listed a few good ones to try out. Ordered an Emgo euro bar. We'll see how that works out.

 

[DimitriT]

magna and daytonas have a similar flat/swept shape and a re generally considered comfortable bars
I replaced the original buckhorns on the GS550L with daytonas about 15 years ago and saw a big improvement in comfort (less wrist strain)

What are you trying to improve or change?

 

[rphillips]

Hope they fit just right... I just looked them up, Euro's are 2" rise and Daytona's are 4" rise. Beware, I've seen many dented gas tanks from too low of bars, they didn't realize it till they turned the bars all the way, either side and the controls would slam into the tank.

 

[salty_monk]

The Euro is my favourite for the 1980G models. I had a Daytona on my 82G I think or maybe it was the one taller version as the Daytona was too far forward. I'm only 5'8" though.... Surprising how much more stretched the 82 is over the 80 G models.

 

[Rob S.]

...I've seen many dented gas tanks from too low of bars, they didn't realize it till they turned the bars all the way, either side and the controls would slam into the tank.

Common sight in the 70's and 80's. People put clip ons on their Z1s and the tank be damned.

Superbike bars are my favorite replacements.

 

[danny01975]

Common sight in the 70's and 80's. People put clip ons on their Z1s and the tank be damned./QUOTE]

You mean like this?

I learned the hard way when I gently "dropped" the bike. This is at full lock out.

When the bike went down, the handlebars flexed just enough for the choke screw to put a tiny dent in the tank. Thankfully I was able to fix it and it's not even noticeable.

Another reason I'd like to get different bars.