Today I had my first accident riding my GS450

[apopleptic]

Be careful about rebending the handlebars. From what I understand, each time it is bent, it becomes harder and more brittle from additional micro fractures and work hardening (less flexible). Also, the first bend is easier, the second (from the accident) actually requires more force, and the third (attempting to correct) requires even more.

You are fairly right. The proper process would probably be to anneal it before bending, but then it may soften the whole thing as a result.
I'd like it to only be a temporary fix if I rebend them myself, I'm currently looking for a new set in the cheap - free range.

I have worn leather at 115F........admittedly, it was noticeably warm

There are options, however.



Something to consider:

http://www.leatherup.com/p/Fabric-Motorcycle-Jackets/Xelement-Mens-CF-505-Mesh-Sports-Motorcycle-Jacket/114546.html

Firstly, you're nuts even being outside in 115F weather

Secondly, thanks for that link. I'm going to look at a few and try and get someone to buy me one of those as an early holiday gift.

[pete]

You are fairly right. The proper process would probably be to anneal it before bending, but then it may soften the whole thing as a result.
I'd like it to only be a temporary fix if I rebend them myself, I'm currently looking for a new set in the cheap - free range.

Mate I have my stock 'bars here doing nothing but I suspect shipping for something like that would take it out of the cheap range...

[earlfor]

You are fairly right. The proper process would probably be to anneal it before bending, but then it may soften the whole thing as a result.
I'd like it to only be a temporary fix if I rebend them myself, I'm currently looking for a new set in the cheap - free range.

I once tried to straighten a bent handle bar. I took it off the bike, stripped it to a bare bar, clamped it between two pieces of 2x12 and parked my truck on the 2x12 to hold it down while I fitted an 8 ft pipe to the other end to have leverage to straighten it. All I accomplished was to lift my truck up and down. The bar stayed bent.

[apopleptic]

new handlebars, new grips, bled the brakes. time for a test drive. wish me luck!

[7981GS]

Enjoy yourself.

Eric

[apopleptic]

Went for a 3 mile ride.
Minor adjustments to the throttle and the clutch were required.
Brakes are good, handlebar is OK, grips suck...
They have this metal ring on them that just slips against the rubber. I'm going to take them apart and apply some grip glue in there and see if that helps them stop slipping.
Further testing is required before I can say for sure, but it seems like the engine is louder than I remember it being...

[Big Rich]

I didn't see this til now - sorry to hear about your spill.

If you want them, I just took off a pair of straight 450 S bars.

[tkent02]

I didn't see this til now - sorry to hear about your spill.

If you want them, I just took off a pair of straight 450 S bars.

If he doesn't want the 450S bars, I would be happy to buy them.

[apopleptic]

I picked up a set of bars off of Ebay for $26 delivered (European bend). I had sent a few PM's in the parts for sale section but got no reply. The new bars are pretty close to the original (the ones that were on there) except I had to drill the holes that the controls latch into on the bottoms.
Thanks though!

[Big Rich]

All good, glad you didn't try to ride with straightened bars.

If you find out your front end is tweaked at all, I have a replacement hanging on the wall as well.