New handlebars - what a difference!

[WingMan71]

Actually, I have a set of Daytona bars that I bought before I got the bars that I have on my GS650GL now. I never installed them, but it wasn't worth it to return them for $10 after shipping both ways. Let me know if you want them. I paid $20+shipping, and I'd be happy to get $10+shipping or maybe even less just to get rid of them. I'm getting ready to move, so the less stuff the better.

*oops* They're actually the GP touring style of Bikemaster brand.

William,

Do you have a picture of those bars. I'd like to see the shape and particularly the pull-back amount. Some measurements would help: overall width and pull-back distance from the center.

Thanks...

[WilliamGLX81]

William,

Do you have a picture of those bars. I'd like to see the shape and particularly the pull-back amount. Some measurements would help: overall width and pull-back distance from the center.

Thanks...

Here's the page I used to order them: http://www.bikebandit.com/aftermarke...lebars?m=21423

Never installed, they're still hanging out in the packaging.
I think overall width says 28 but that seems too short. Pullback and rise are both 4.2"

[Dj66]

I dropped my fork tubes about 2" in the clamps and went with clip on's right up top.

[WilliamGLX81]

I just completed the installation of a set of Daytona bars on my 650GL, like so many "L" owners before me. What a difference they make! It's like I'm riding a whole new bike! I've only ridden two motorcycles in my life. The first was a 1983 GS450L and now my 1981 GS650GL. I've never experienced any bars other than the "L" style so didn't fully appreciate what a difference they would make. They provide a much more comfortable seating position and grip position, but the most important change is the control they provide. Slow manoeuvring is much easier and leaning into turns is a whole new experience. I know I'm going on about it but I was amazed at what a difference the bars made.

Installation was a bit of a chore. I had to deal with the usual cable routing issues but managed to make it work. And I need to order a shorter front brake line because the current one is making an "S" bend behind the headlight bucket. What I didn't realized was that the switch housings both have small metal plates inside with a tab that fits into a hole in the stock bars to prevent them from rotating. I initially bent the tab flat and installed the housings on the new bars but felt like I'd still get some slippage. And I didn't want to use any tape as a shim because it would eventually get all gooey from the heat. So I ended up drilling two small holes in the new bars, bending the tabs back up and installing them. That worked perfectly. No movement at all.

The windshield mounting points had to be adjusted somewhat too, but in the end all worked out well. The only issue I have is with the mirrors. The new bars aren't quite as wide so the mirrors are a bit more inboard than original. Either I get some mirrors with longer stems or just get used to it.

The pics:






Cheers!
K

Wow. That thing is immaculately clean and shiney. It looks amazing!
Where did you find that seat? Did you get it re-upholstere?

[Phred]

Wow. That thing is immaculately clean and shiney. It looks amazing!
Where did you find that seat? Did you get it re-upholstere?

Try pitreplica online for the seat. They copy seats for vintage bikes and ship free. $79 or so.

[Chris G]

Interesting read, the one thing that let's my 850G down are the bars, not there design I find them great, but over the years there is a large rusty area to the right hand side, is there a direct aftermarket replacement I've searched in the past without much luck, it's one thing looking at a add and thinking they look good, but are totally different in the flesh, just want a like for like, that is available in the UK, thanks.