Handlebar suggestions for my 82 1100L?

[ChicagoRob]

I'm looking for handlebar suggestions for my 82 1100L. The stock bars grips point back a bit too much to be comfortable. I'm looking for something with the same set back but with the grips pointed out more so my wrists can be in a more natural position.

Thanks in advance,

Rob

 

[cowboyup3371]

Welcome to the site Rob, a lot of folks like the Daytona and Superbike style of bars

 

[Steve]

The Daytona and Superbike bars are, indeed a popular option, but they are also going to put you quite forward, leaning into the wind.

If you have no windshield, that is great. However, if you are using a windshield, a set of stock G bars might be a better option, they will pretty much split the difference between your L bars and the Daytona/Superbike bars.

.

 

[ChicagoRob]

Welcome to the site Rob, a lot of folks like the Daytona and Superbike style of bars

Thanks for the welcome, but I'm not exactly new. I hadn't logged in in a while so my account got deleted. Live and learn.

 

[ChicagoRob]

The Daytona and Superbike bars are, indeed a popular option, but they are also going to put you quite forward, leaning into the wind.

If you have no windshield, that is great. However, if you are using a windshield, a set of stock G bars might be a better option, they will pretty much split the difference between your L bars and the Daytona/Superbike bars.

.

Yeah, I was hoping to not go forward very much because it's just not that kind of bike. The bars on the '82 aren't nearly as extreme buckhorn-ish as the ones on the '80. Those point almost straight back. Looks like I can pickup a decent set of used ones on ebay fairly cheaply so I'll give them a go. Thanks.

Any suggestions for grips? The throttle tube has a flange on it that appears to want a grip that goes over it. My current grips just butt up against it so it looks unfinished.

 

[Steve]

Any suggestions for grips? The throttle tube has a flange on it that appears to want a grip that goes over it. My current grips just butt up against it so it looks unfinished.

Grips are a very personal thing, so what appeals to me probably won't apply to you.

My hands tend to cramp up when clamped around smaller grips, so I prefer larger ones. Because my bikes tend to be more touring-oriented, they might have a bit more chrome than others, so my grips also have some chrome. You can see one if you click on the link in my sig for my 850G(K). The picture of my Wing was taken before I got similar grips for it, but it now has them, too.

My wife has smaller hands, her grips are foam and barrel-shaped. Fits the palm of her hand just fine.

When you DO find some grips that you think you like, be sure to check the length. Some grips are longer than the space on your handlebar, so the ends will not be supported and will tend to be floppy.

.

 

[gustovh]

CX 500 or 500 Interstate bars are a good alternative to the stock L bars. They are about the same width and angled more forward than the L bars as well as maintaining the look if you care about that. Here is a pair on my 80 1100L.


V

 

[lurch12_2000]

The '78 and '79 GS750E models have a pretty good hbar layout and change from the L pull back bars. They are not quite as high as the stock G model bars. I've used Daytona and Superbike bars but they lower and move you forward quite a bit from L bars. You may also have problems with mirror usefullness, brake line bends and rerouting throttle and clutch cables with those. The GS750E bars are a good compromise without necessitating other mods. There are Grand Touring bars too that are comfortable but not such a drastic change as the Daytona/Suprbike but may still affect mirror usefullness and cable routing.

 

[ChicagoRob]

Great suggestions, thanks. I already bought a set of '83 G handlebars off ebay so if those don't work out, I'll try the others.

Steve, is that some sort of throttle device on your wife's 850? I have something similar on the other bike and on a recent 500 ride it was a wrist saver. Funny, I think that I currently have the grips that used to be on your GoldWing...

 

[Steve]

Steve, is that some sort of throttle device on your wife's 850? I have something similar on the other bike and on a recent 500 ride it was a wrist saver. Funny, I think that I currently have the grips that used to be on your GoldWing...

Yes, it is. Quite surprised that you could see it. It is the Universal Vista Cruise throttle lock, costs about $35 at most vendors.

The only close-up I have of it on her bike is when I had the throttle marked for plug chops.
Also shows her foam grips.

Here is one on another bike:

Can't tell much from that picture of the Wing, but it had some leather grips from the previous owner. They were fine, until they finally fell apart and I had to get the replacements like what I have on my 850.

.

 

[ChicagoRob]

Ok, that appears to be these Do you happen to know if anyone has had any luck with the NEP model? It seems to be a bit smaller and I think that I get the idea. It pinches the throttle tube while the u-shaped tab goes around the throttle cable to hold it in place. I think that I'll give it a shot.

 

[Steve]

Save your money, don't get the NEP.

I have tried that myself, could not get it to work properly. I have also tried to help others install one that they had purchased, mainly because it was cheaper. Maybe with a lot of time and effort, you might be able to figure out what doesn't allow it to work, but the Universal Vista Cruise has never failed me.

The cheaper one basically straddles the throttle tube, and has a tab that is supposed to encircle the cable as it comes out of the housing to keep the clamp from rotating with the throttle. I have not seen one fit well in that location yet, which means that there is a LOT of play when you clamp down on the lock. The Universal model has a ring that goes around the grip and is clamped to it. There is a band that rides in a groove in that ring, giving smooth, consistent clamping force when desired.

Keep in mind that, even though you clamp the throttle tube, it is still free to move, just not on its own. You can still add a little throttle to go up hills and back off some when going down the other side, without releasing the clamp.

Yes, it costs about twice as much, but it's worth it. If you take your time and put a little effort into it, you almost don't notice it when it's installed. It is available in four varieties. It is available in black or chrome, and to fit 7/8" or 1" bars.

Here is what mine looks like, while the bike is undergoing reconstruction:

.

 

[60ratrod]

I have a throttle lock on my 650g, and I agree it's a hand saver. What's fun is forgetting that you have it engaged and you disengage the clutch to shift

 

[Steve]

I have a throttle lock on my 650g, and I agree it's a hand saver. What's fun is forgetting that you have it engaged and you disengage the clutch to shift

Don't you somewhat automatically move your throttle hand to close the throttle when you shift? :-k

Doesn't everybody? :-k :-k

.

 

[ChicagoRob]

Thanks for the info Steve. I'll avoid that one. It's not the cost of the universal, it's size. (you gotta admit, it's pretty large) I'll check the fit against my preferred grips and visit this again after I get the bars sorted.

Thanks again for all the info

Rob

 

[lurch12_2000]

I've used both the NEP and Vista and had better luck with the NEP. Simpler design. Both came with bikes I had bought and I eventually threw both on the shelf to collect dust. I just don't like any possibility of inadvertant throttle action especially on quicker bikes like my old FZ1 and B1200S. I don't even like the cramp busters because it messes up my coordination of clutch/throttle letoff on bikes with quick 1/4 turn throttles. Sure there are times on longer trips the throttle locks would be nice and there is no traffic to deal with. I get off my bike to stretch(including my right wrist) anyway, every hour or so.

 

[ChicagoRob]

I received and installed the '83 G bars today. Much better. Thanks for the suggestion, Steve.

I'm a little concerned about the master cylinder though. It's made for bars that point down. (It has an angle to it to keep it level). It now points down at a fairly steep angle.

Should I be concerned? Should I start watching for a G master cylinder?

Rob

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[60ratrod]

Don't you somewhat automatically move your throttle hand to close the throttle when you shift? :-k

Doesn't everybody? :-k :-k

.

well i was still quite green (second or third outing with the 650g) and wasn't thinking about the throttle when i went to shift because my rpms were fairly low at the cruise speed i was at when i was making a turn. scared the crap outta me and i never did that again.

 

[Scratcher09]

Just wanted to add an option. If you weld, you can easily change the geometry of your bars--either subtly or drastically. It's free, no waiting on shipping, and you can make it exactly like you want it.