Handlebar question

So here's my latest query for the forum

I've got my 93 xj600 seca.... currently waiting for it's new tire.... don't get me started.


Anyways, the PO switched wot I think are the stock handlebars



And Installed some dirt bike bars with the little brace thingy.... not sure wot you would call that but I've seen them online as braces

I dont' really have any good pictures unfortunately but you can see it best on this one...



So I wonder, is there any better reason to have one then the other? do the braces help for some reason? I'm sure alot is personal opinion but in the same breath, maybe there's a reason you don't put a dirtbike bar on a street bike, idk.....

thanks!!!

 

There's this "niche" in motorcycling you're probably not aware of, called "Supermotard" it's more popular in Europe.

The bikes are generally big-bore dirt/street hybrids, what we call an "Adventure Bike" here.

Those look like "Supermoto" handlebars. There's no reason to have or not have them, it's a matter of taste and personal preference. I can tell you that most stock Yamaha bars DO NOT fit me, personally; I have wide shoulders and Yammie bars put my wrists at a weird angle.

Changing handlebars is one of the best mods you can make to a bike in terms of helping it "fit" you which is why a lot of bikes now come with adjustable handlebars like those pioneered on some of the Maxims.

It's simply up to you. Handlebars come in a WIDE variety of sizes, bends and even colors these days.

 

I don't think removing that brace will cause any problems and probably look just as good (or better) unless the bars are made of thinner material to reduce weight and maybe bend easily?

 

I agree with Fitz, PO probably put the bars on because they fit their riding stance better than stock. Just by looking at the pics I'd say the supermoto bars are about two inches shorter than the stock bars.

HOWEVER!

I would definitely NOT recommend removing the crossbrace from the bars.

Take it from a motocrosser with 25 years experience, that bar IS on there for a reason! Granted, you won't be doing 70 foot jumps over triples on your 600, but there are speed bumps, potholes, basically anything that compresses the front suspension can bend those bars a little.

And speaking from experience, when that throttle side bends 90 degrees south of where it's supposed to be, at speed, it's just a wee bit FRIGHTENING!

If you like them, keep them. I like the way they look on your 600 (nice looking bike, btw). If they don't fit you or you just plain don't like the way they look, replace them. Bars, grips, and seats are the most personal choice you can make on your motorcycle.

 

I would take some European bars and flip them over on your bike in the picture. http://s538.photobucket.com/albums/ff34 ... hoto-6.jpg

 

I actually like the way they feel when I ride, I just didnt' know if there was any reason to have or not have them that way....

and i wasn't sure what the point of the brace was, but bending due to jumps makes sense in the dirt world, and due to potholes in the street world. Might remove it here and strip the stupid stickers, paint it fresh, might not....

New tire came last night, hopefully I have enough time after work to get it off and down there so I might be able to ride tomorrow for my birthday. Gonna be doing it by myself so should be interesting getting the rear tire off w/ no one supporting it.

 

I don't know on that one, looks pretty similar to my stock bars I've got... would have to see a bike w/ on like that, and maybe feel it too before I went that way....

 

I think your handlebars look great with the brace. I would leave it. I was thinking about doing the same thing but ended up going with these "European" handlebars. http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/black-Mo ... ccessories

 

i use dirt bike bars because i like how they feel, don't really care how they look

 

Fitz is on the mark-I just picked up two sets of bars in the hope of
a more comfortable ride.
The PO changed the flatter stock bars for a goofy set that not only
look bad but pull my arms together.
If you like the look and feel good riding then stay with what you have.

 

I like the way those look and that is what I am wanting for my '82 750, any suggestions on a manufacture and proper diameter?

 

Diameter should be 7/8"
As far as manufacturer, I used Renthal bars on all my motocross bikes, but there are a few manufacturers out there making the supermoto bars

 

thanks, I was leaning towards a Renthal bar so glad to hear a second on that. I guess I will have to see if I need a riser after I purchase a bar and mount it.

 

Also keep in mind, if you have to raise the bars at all, it might change the length of cables needed. Just double check everything to make sure there is no binding or too short cables.

 

There usually Renthal trial bars in Europe but there are other no branded copies, they are usually fitted to streetfighter/customs. Im all so with fitz they are a more comfortable riding position the brace can be removed with no problems all its ment for is just strength and to stop the bars bending and flexing when doing motocross, and just to hold a pad like the ones in this pic.


They all so come in different shapes and angles think the ones in the pic are for motocross bikes, but all so make flatter one for road bikes with out the pad.

 

i really like the streetfighter look, and had always planned on going that way with my old 900. when i come to do it tho, i always look at it the way it is now and just leave it be

 

My XJ forks hit harder hitting a 6" pothole than my CR did going through whoops at race speed