Old "E" model Handle Bars Resurrected

[ryonker]

I wrote earlier about having trouble installing new bars on my 79 GS750 L. I had ordered "E" style bars that were aftermarket bars close to the original. They totally didn't work. My throttle stuck and I was sure it wasn't just the cables. So I was able to return those bars for a small restocking fee.

Today I drove by Sport wheels in Jordon MN http://www.sportwheel.com/
And I walked back to their Suzuki graveyard. I found a gorgeous set of original "E" style handlebars. Shiny chrome and almost no rust. Couldn't tell exactly which bike they were off of but it was original suzuki.

I just put them on my bike and they work great. Throttle snaps back just fine even though the cables are slightly long (I tested it stop to stop). I can't tell you why these worked but my guess is that they are original Suzuki and not an aftermarket handlebar.

The Saga continues.

Rick

[makenzie71]

a lot of times when people try and fit an old style throttle over newer handle bars they'll forget that newer handle bars are made to work with "open end" throttles. A large portion of the bikes made over the alst decade or so have bar end weights. I had the "stiff throttle" issue after putting some clubmans on my CX500...come to find out there was a little cap in the end of the bars that had just enough lip so drag the throttle.

Outside of something like that I see a lot of issues from people running "cheap" bars. Odds are if you paid less than $20 for a new set of bars they powdercoating made the diameter too big or the tubing wasn't the right size to begin with.

[ryonker]

I don't know a lot about bikes but what you said makes sense to me.

[Nessism]

Stock Suzuki bars on many models also have holes in them so locating tabs in the bar controls don't rotate. Installing the controls on aftermarket bars can cause binding unless you drill some holes, or break off the tabs.

[Griffin]

Suzuki always seemed to put bars on their bikes with too much pullback for the seating position. I took the "roto-tiller" bars off my 750E and replaced them with Superbike bars. Perfect. I took the "apehanger" bars off my wife's GS550L and replaced them with the "roto-tiller" bars from the 750E. Perfect.

The test rider they employed during the early eighties must've had really short arms.....

[ryonker]

Funny but true! lol! The original "L" bars are so uncomfortable and don't give you very good control of the bike!

[TheCafeKid]

Funny but true! lol! The original "L" bars are so uncomfortable and don't give you very good control of the bike!

Indeed. For some reason, they like to put bars on the L models that put your hands INSIDE your shoulders. How in the hell are you supposed to ride like that? Reminds me of the old Ford F100 that i had years back. The guy i bought it off of installed one of those lil tiny GT race steering wheels on it. Imagine trying to turn a semi with a coffee cup saucer. Thats kinda what it was like. Now imagine that semi didnt have power steering. (cos the Ford didnt) I swear i ended up with elbow and wrist problems from trying to turn that thing in and out of parking spaces...lol

[Smokinapankake]

I've experienced aftermarket trouble with a water pump on my Subaru many years ago. Had Pep Boys replace it and proceeded, over the next 3 months, to blow out 4 (count em' - 4!) aftermarket pumps. Fortunately for me, Pep Boys warrantied their work and on the 5th try put a OEM Subaru pump on. End of problems. They told me not to come back.....