Bent bars

Okay guys after getting my bike put back together I've noticed that my left bar seems to come back like 1/4 of an inch further than the other side. Replace it? It is solid like can barely tell it is bent. Could it affect handling or anything? Could I put clipons on a maxim x?

 

New Bars.

http://www.jpcycles.com/motorcycle-handlebars

http://www.cruisercustomizing.com/handlebars/bars-grips

 

Yes what Rick said. It will moderately change handling-you will be slightly less extended on the left and on long rides your arms will eventually notice. Bars are not expensive and it could also be distracting to you now that you know it's tweaked. With proper effort the whole front end can be customized, but it can be complicated-I wouldn't put on clip-ons unless you just want them and the extra effort.

Question, are you totally happy with the configuration of your bars? Although you can ride a bike in a multitude of different ways (see ape hangers!), at least for me there is a preferred position of my hands and arms. Almost never have I found stock, or even another owners position to be 'ideal' for me. So I always change bars-to find your ideal position is simple (but this will sound silly), sit on your bike on center stand, and pretend to be riding while you hold your hands in various positions, heights, angles, etc. until you find one that feels 'right' then figure out which bars most closely match-Voila! you will ride better and with less fatigue.

BTW- don't do ape hangers!! Those are STUPID IMHO.

 

Several problems with "just" clipons:
Clipons on these bikes will look odd
All your hoses, cables and wiring will be way too long and look odd
The master cylinder may be at a weird angle and not function well
Without putting some kind of rear set foot rests on, you will look odd
You will have back problems possibly
In the end it's your bike, but clipons are usually used for sport bikes or Cafe' racer styled bikes, the X is neither even if it is wicked fast.

 

You guys are awesome. Rick thanks again for helping with great links. I think you guys are right. It Will probably annoy me constantly.


I'm thinking the drag bars or Milwaukee low rise. What do you guys think?


I've never tried anything other than oem so no reference point there. Ill probably need new grips too. Also I'm gonna do bar end mirrors. How do you mount the things? And yes ape hangers are GROSS.


Maxim x: thank you. You are right. My dream bike right now is an older Ducati 748. Debating if I want to take a 2 week trip and buy A cheap touring cycle or spend that money on getting one next year.

 

Can I use 1 inch bars on the maxim x? Will all my controls still mount to it? I think my bike has 7/8ths bars on it now.

 

Nope. Everything was designed for the more common 7/8" bars.

Harleys use 1" bars.

 

Thank you very much.

 

Would clubman bars or drag bars work? In 7/8?

 

Sure. But be careful about tank clearance issue at full lock.

 

Also mind tank clearance issues. I got a set of (i think) daytona bike master bars on my 750 seca, and I had to rotate them up a bit so that the controls don't hit the tank lock-to-lock. It's ridable, but not comfortable now, so I still need to figure this out.

The lower the rise, the more you have to worry the pull-back and width.

 

I guess for $20 it's worth a shot.

 

If you have the luxury of a local motorcycle accessory outlet that has them in stock, check out the bends in person before you buy.

I would recommend the Euro over the Daytona, based on personal experience. The GP Touring has a similar bend to the Euro, but is a tad taller and has more pullback, IIRC.

 

You can find a wide assortment of 7/8th Inch bars at FLANDERS


http://www.sideroadcycles.com/ImportedM ... ars78.html