mountain bike bars?

I was thinking about changeing the bars out on my 83 maxim... I was thinking about going for more of a stragiht bar. I have a buddy that changed his bars on his goldwing to a straight bar, but he used a set of mountain bike bars... they seem to work fine. Has anyone ever heard of someone else doing this? Is it a good idea? If Mt. bike bars are not a good idea where could I find a set of straight bars that would work? Any feed back would be great.

 

We made a set of stainless straight bars a couple of days ago. Not entirely sure I like them yet. They do change the characteristics of the steering and seem to make it a bit uncomfortable on the steering.

I wouldn't use mountain bike bars unless your 100% sure they are strong enough.

 

I think your friend is playing with fire. Correct me if I am wrong but motorcycle bars are generally reinforced on the inside with a steel slug that runs the lenght of the straight sections. I don't believe mountain bike bars have this. It would be evident just comparing the weight between them.

In a critical stopping scenario, a lot of weight is placed forward onto the bars - if they bend, you are stopping the hard way (read wiping out) instead of just stopping. I would highly recommend that you pay the $30 for motorcycle bars usually available at any bike shop. They usually have a good selection to choose from.

I hope this helps.
Rob

 

This guys ebay store has a fairly decent selection of bars. I went with a 28" "euro" style for my 82' 750maxim.

http://stores.ebay.com/SportingForLess

I just ordered my fairing, bars and new headlight from him tonite. Very responsive, friendly and pretty decent combined shipping rates.

 

If you gooogle Mike's XS he has 15 or 20 different types of bars on his site for you to choose from that will work on your bike. Tons of other items he sells will work as well.

 

Also here.

http://www.chaparral-racing.com/Chaparr ... D2A4157A50