School me on bar styles

[Guest]

So I'm thinking of putting new bars on my bike as one of my winter projects once the cold weather sets in. I'm a new rider and this is my first bike so I don't know a whole lot about bar styles. So this is partly an appearance question, but also (more importantly) about handling.

Of the styles I've looked at, I'm most attracted to daytona, european, drag bar, and clubman. I took my MSF course over the weekend and was on a Nighthawk; I enjoyed the slightly more forward position but wasn't a huge fan of the looks.

So my question is twofold - how do you think these styles of bars would look on a GS650L (please post pics if you've put any of these on!), and how will they affect the handling - especially for a new rider? I understand that clubmans will probably be the most drastic so I might avoid those even though I love the look.

Also, what would you call the stock style handlebars? I'm not quite sure what they are. Looking at this would they be considered "LTD"?

School me!

[tkent02]

For a new rider, you want standard bars, the L bars are dangerous and the cafe style bars are very difficult to ride with. Daytonas should be about right but it all depends on your build. A tiny change in bar shape will have huge effects on controllability. I would look at stock bars for a 450E or 550E or something similar, slightly lower than the stock 650E or G, but not much.

As a new rider, anything extreme will be a problem.

[gs850cafe]

i have cafe bars...im used to them...sometimes i can out handle my buddy on his cbr...maybe im crazy on my gs....or just stupid lol...but he's not a knee dragger by far

cafe bars i dont see dangerous..maybe on a new rider...imo i like the look of european bars

[gs850cafe]

i have cafe bars...im used to them...sometimes i can out handle my buddy on his cbr...maybe im crazy on my gs....or just stupid lol...but he's not a knee dragger by far

cafe bars i dont see dangerous..maybe on a new rider...imo i like the look of european bars

i rode a gs with stock bars tonight(81 1100) it handled WAY different then mine...i was all over at first...was easier to turn...more of the "sport touring" feel vs a stiff crotch rocket basically

edit...sorry for double post i thought i hit edit not "quote"

[tkent02]

For a new rider, it should be all about control, and a proper seating position. Bad habits learned now while compensating for an unusual riding position will be a problem for years to come.

The low bars of the sport bikes are great for being streamlined while tucked in at high speed, but the wider bars of the supermotard or a motocrosser will give much better control at any speed a new rider will be riding.

[gs850cafe]

For a new rider, it should be all about control, and a proper seating position. Bad habits learned now while compensating for an unusual riding position will be a problem for years to come.

i 100% agree...99% of the bikes ive rode have been crotch rockets..im no better then a new rider on say oh a stock set of bars on a gs or maybe on another cruiser bike...

i can jump on a crotch rocket and within 2 minutes ill be up in wheelies or something lol...

so yes dont learn bad habits...i know from experience i suggest a more upright position..more comfy too

[MAJikMARCer]

I have the stock bars on my 650E and even if they aren't the prettiest I have grown to like how they handle. If I had the L bars I'd change them though. My wrists couldn't take it.

[exzachtly1]

For a new rider, you want standard bars, the L bars are dangerous and the cafe style bars are very difficult to ride with. Daytonas should be about right but it all depends on your build. A tiny change in bar shape will have huge effects on controllability. I would look at stock bars for a 450E or 550E or something similar, slightly lower than the stock 650E or G, but not much.

As a new rider, anything extreme will be a problem.

Just curious, why do you say the L bars are dangerous? Also it's not so much the height that bugs me on them, it's the amount of pull back. They curve back and are not straight across like the nighthawk I was on at MSF. I was experimenting today and noticed that it was a little harder to press and initiate lean with the L bars since they are not straight across. It felt more "wobbly" to me if that makes sense.

[Ice]

I really like the Renthal 7/8 Ultra low bars I installed on my 1100G. The handle bar controls are very close to the tank when turned all the way (within a few millimeters). They ride so nice though, look great, and you lose some weight with them. There's a slight lean with them, but not too bad as to be uncomfortable. I'm 6 foot for reference.

Here's some pics, (you can see a few more in the album link in my sig),

[tkent02]

Just curious, why do you say the L bars are dangerous? Also it's not so much the height that bugs me on them, it's the amount of pull back. They curve back and are not straight across like the nighthawk I was on at MSF. I was experimenting today and noticed that it was a little harder to press and initiate lean with the L bars since they are not straight across. It felt more "wobbly" to me if that makes sense.

It's like steering with a sailboat tiller. Exactly as you noticed. Very wobbly, not much control at all.

[exzachtly1]

I really like the Renthal 7/8 Ultra low bars I installed on my 1100G. The handle bar controls are very close to the tank when turned all the way (within a few millimeters). They ride so nice though, look great, and you lose some weight with them.

Very cool, I like those a lot. Thanks for the pics. I might even go slightly higher than that, will have to do some more research and see what's out there.

[exzachtly1]

It's like steering with a sailboat tiller. Exactly as you noticed. Very wobbly, not much control at all.

Hah, that's a good way to put it might bump this task up in priority on the list. Seems like an easy change too.

[Ice]

Changing the handle bars is easy, takes 30mins max. I was able to do it with out unplugging any of the handle bar controls.

Make sure to over your tank with a blanket, or just completely take it off. It'll stop damage from tools, or falling handle bars if you aren't holding them up when you unscrew the clamps.

If they are low, make sure they turn all the way before you are out riding and slam them into your tank.

[bruin]

I switched to Daytonas first on my L and they were great, handling and comfort both improved. Bike got tipped over in the garage and bent the bars so I decided to try drag bars out. Handling and comfort improved even more for me (I'm about 6"2"). A change this drastic required rerouting cables but it works fine. If you get a set of the cheap bars like I did (20-30 bucks) dont forget to drill a hole in the bottom of the right side to anchor your throttle. I'm not sure if more expensive bars have a pre-drilled hole or not? Anywho, swap those stock junkers out for something that fits you and feels right and you will gain a lot more confidence in your abilities.

[exzachtly1]

I am leaning toward those Renthals. Digging the variety of finishes. Probably road low or road medium... the ultra lows look maybe a little too low.

@Ice - did you have to re-route or shorten any cables? Or did it pretty much work out? Only one hole to drill?