looking for technical info on gs450t handlebar

[matt_gs450]

Hi All,

I have a 1981 GS450T which I've resurrected recently. The major thing it's lacking at this point is the stock handlebars. Somewhere along the line this bike's original handlebars got swapped out for aftermarket. The height, pullback, and width of the current handlebars are less than what the stock handlebars are. As a result, the riding position is further forward and lower than I would like. Also, when I look in the rear view mirrors, I see my own shoulders...

Does anybody have a stock GS450T which they could take the measurements from? height, pullback, width. That way I can find some aftermarket handlebars that are closer to the originals.

Thanks,
Matt

p.s. I've been watching eBay constantly for a couple months and haven't seen any GS450T handlebars up for auction.

[olathez]

Hi, I have a stock GS450T, that I just picked up. ALL original, right down to the tires. LOL. Just replaced the tires though. I am new to this, so, help me out. What measurements do you need, and how would you like me to measure it? If you want, e-mail me on this forum, might be easier that way.

Zac

[matt_gs450]

Hi Zac,

Thanks for your reply. I'll email you too, but it can't hurt to have the information posted here for future reference.

There appear to be five measurements for a handlebar:

• diameter: the width of the bar at the point where it clamps to the bike. should be 7/8" for our bikes
• height: measured between the bottom of the center bar and the highest point on the bar
• pullback: front to back distance between the front of the center bar and the furthest point back on the bar (tip of the handgrip)
• width: distance from the tip of one handgrip to the other
• center bar width: the width of the part of the handlebar that you clamp to the bike

The biggest variable would be how the bar is tilted when you make the height and pullback measurements. My *guess* is that you want the sections that are attached to the center bar to be at a right angle to horizontal when you take those measurements (or you hold the ruler at an angle to get the same result).

Thanks,
Matt

[Nessism]

If you have never ridden a bike with GS450T bars how do you know they will be comfortable? Wouldn't it be easier to just sit on your bike, imagine where you want the bars, and then measure the reach and pull back?

[matt_gs450]

I can see from pictures that the stock bars will provide a comfortable riding position. And also that the stock bars plus stock mirrors will be what the engineers intended.

I'm hoping to see someone parting out a 450T on eBay soon, but if it doesn't happen hopefully I can find aftermarket bars which are very close or identical to stock.