New handlebars!
Posted Oct 27, 2014, 8:21 PM UTC
1823
what bars are those
1
They're called window handlebars. Biltwell make them, as well as a lot of independent builders.
1
Zombie dude is right but these are custom made ones. 6" rise
1
81/82 virago?
1
1982!
2
What's the appeal with ape-hangers? I just don't get the look I guess....
1
Those aren't apes, but people that do have them swear they're extremely comfortable. I believe it.
2
I can confirm, very comfortable. By the way, they are called window bars. Here is mine
2
Window/attack bars, lane splitters, etc. are all pretty comfy, but imo the best bars are flat track and vintage gullwing bars.
I like splitters/attacks because I'm a huge fan of the japstyle bobber look. Combine them with mid controls and you get this awesome "praying mantis" posture while you ride.
1
How are they at low speed, especially tilted forward? Seems like they'd take away some leverage.
I have Daytonas on my GS and they're extremely comfortable and look decent too.
1
They're a little bit twitchy at low speed until you get used to it. Tilted forward, basically vertical, they're a nice riding position in terms of the way your bodyweight is spread around the bike. Personally not a fan of the tilted back look.
Even once you're used to it they still aren't as controllable as renthal/dirt bars/tracker bars. Doing a quick U turn for instance isn't quite as easy, you end up putting your feet down.
1
Those are only 6"! I know a guy that's putting 16" apes on... I don't even get how that would be comfortable at all
1
Think about driving your car - you ever rest your left hand at the top of the steering wheel? It's basically that same thing times two. (I ride w/ 10" narrow bourbon apes on mine and love em)
edit: whoops, just realized you were questioning the style, not the feels.
1
Well I appreciate all of the info. I now understand the look because I understand the reason behind them.
1
Suggestions:
- Ditch the clocks.
- Ditch the engine bars and highway pegs.
- Swap those front indicators for smaller units.
- Ditch the handlebar switches, move them somewhere less intrusive.
- Ditch the mirror.
- Ditch that seat for something a little more low profile.
- Swap the brake hose for braided stainless steel.
0
All that stuff takes money and money's tight right now. I enjoy the bike and have a lot of fun with it. Most fun I've probably had out of the 5 bikes I've owned. The highway bars might need to go but it's nice to stretch out sometimes. Seat is also an issue due to the fact I don't want a springer seat and every other seat is very expensive. Blinkers could be smaller, but I haven't found any I like. I also want to get a different headlight (5.5") and get a small fairing to throw on to cover the gauges.
3
Make your own seat, it's seriously not difficult. With a little practice you can do all kinds of cool stuff. I think it cost me no more than about $40 last time, a large chunk of that cost was buying 3M spray adhesive. I used leatherette, a stitching punch, some upholstery foam, and a pair of scissors. Plenty of tutorials online and on youtube.
1
I have the pelt of a black leather office chair I killed.
2
Replacing bits is $$, but just unbolting all the extra bits is free and can make a big difference!
1
Please just ride your bike into a ditch
-4
Are you going to move the gauges? they look kinda goofy as-is
Possibly! Might be a winter project. I sort of like them where they are for some reason haha. Looking to put a fairing on to cover them too.