Where to buy handlebars

[Chisenhallw]

I bought my 1982 GS650G earlier this summer, and I'm starting on the long road to restoration. Mechanically, she runs like a dream (maintained by a race mechanic) but she looks like fried rhino poo on a stick.

Need parts! Starting with handlebars.

In my ideal world (which also involves three redheads, a kiddie pool, a trapeze, and several gallons of coleslaw), i'd like to have matte black bars that sweep back a bit. However, much to my chagrin, this is the real world.

How do I know what handlebars are compatible?

Where's a good place to get a decent pair of swept-back bars?

I've done some minor mechanical work, but never replaced a set of bars. Any tips or obvious things I should know about?

Thanks for your time!

[80GS1000]

The bars you need are 7/8" in diameter.

You can buy them from Z1 Enterprises here for about $30: http://www.z1enterprises.com/detail.aspx?ID=2109

Z1 has great service so you'll get them quickly.

They come in chrome, but you can paint them of course.

[Tom MLC]

Mechanically, she runs like a dream (maintained by a race mechanic) but she looks like fried rhino poo on a stick.

Need parts! Starting with handlebars.

How do I know what handlebars are compatible?

Where's a good place to get a decent pair of swept-back bars?

I've done some minor mechanical work, but never replaced a set of bars. Any tips or obvious things I should know about?

Thanks for your time!

Wow! Very descriptive. Can you post some pics? I have no idea what fried rhino poop looks like. And skewered, too! How 'bout that!

You handle bar clamp will hold just about any 7/8" bar. The biggest challenge will be the length of the throttle cable(s), clutch cable and brake line. If you get long hi-rise bars, like chopper bars, you may need to get custom cables and brake line.

Ebay is a good place to hunt if you looking to be creative. Otherwise, www.bikebandit.com, www.denniskirk.com, or www.jcwhitney.com are a few sources for aftermarket parts.

Good luck, and don't forget the pics!

[mark]

I ended up here. Some are a little spendy but take a look.

http://www.jpcycles.com/groups.aspx?LID=d8f947ed-088f-4c1d-8546-7c0d7a7357d0&DID=a9ee07fb-ba4f-4042-bae8-0d37d655bc15

[Chisenhallw]

Thanks for the tips on finding a replacement. Any ideas on how to reduce chrome so I can get it a nice matte black?

Anything I need to know about swapping bars, aside from being aware of cable length ?


Pics will come soon! At least the 'before' pictures! 8-[

P.S. - I've found these bars - i'm thinking the 'pull-back' bars. Whaddya y'all think? http://www.jcwhitney.com/autoparts/P...014751/c-10111

[8trackmind]

Here you go.

I have 'em on my 550. :-D