which handle bars

[cid]

with all the options out there what handle bars, which clear a stock tank, do you guys recommend for a cafe type gs? opposed to making templates of each bar to see if they clear my tank

[FiremanBob]

I'd go with clip-ons.

[Scudder]

Clip-ons. I've been all over the place with this one. Clubmans look cool, but I had to push them pretty far forward to clear the tank, and then I was in a pretty uncomfortable forward position if I was going to ride very far. Clip-ons allowed me to push the forks up through the triple tree a couple inches and then mount them above the triple tree. Still a cool cafe posture, but not as uncomfortable over a longer ride. Also, you can bring the clip-ons wide or tight according to how you like it.

Scudder

[DMorris]

Norman Hyde M bars are low with a nice arm-hand position and look good.

[jeff.saunders]

How far do you intend to ride the bike? Back roads, traffic?

Clip-ons or Clubmans can be a pain in the back and wrist. If you are not sure, go with clubmans over clip-ons as they are easier to swap out.

You could also consider drag bars or even superbike bars.

If you don't have a selection of handlebars to test, clamp a broomstock in the handlebar mount to get a feel for the riding position.

I've run just about all the various bars over the years - I know I am FAR too old now for clip-ons or clubmans - on my turbocharged Z1, I have superbike bars and I find them too low when in traffic - it just kills my wrists.

[cid]

This bike is only for around town with the occasional long ride.How do the clip on attach? First I've heard of these bars. Any pics of clip on on a 550? Oh and thanks for all the great input

[Englishman]

Cid

Have you lookede at adjustable or "Laverda Bars". You can get them almost as low as Clubmans, but they are adjustable any which way including fully upright. You can see them a little and the adjusting arms in the pic below.....



At $160 delivered they are not cheap, but give you a lot more in the way of options. Just a thought........

[Scudder]

http://i1127.photobucket.com/albums/l624/scudder2/My%20Cycles/DSCF5018.jpg

clip-ons above triple tree.

scudder

[cid]

Great pics guys thanks a lot. Think I'm gonna go with the norman Hyde m bars in black if I can get em!Scudder.. Where did you get this beautiful gauges. Is there a shift light?

[Scudder]

http://www.newmotorcycleparts.com/controls/gauges.html

I got the gauges off ebay somewhere. Buy the site above has basically the same thing. I tried to hook up the indicator lights on the speedo, but couldn't figure out how to get them working properly so I threw in the towel.

Scudder