Questions for Handlebar experts

[ronboskz650sr]

Hi folks! This weekend, I moved my handlebars (28"superbike style) around to find the lowest, farthest forward position. After relocating some controls and fabricating a couple of spacers to maintain my brake reservoir angle, I ended up about three inches lower, and one inch forward of my original position. The handling is now quite "abrupt" at walking speeds, with a much lighter feel, even more so when backing up. At road speeds, it seems like I do almost nothing to get around 35 mph curves at 65-70 mph. Before, it took some pressure to maintain the lean angle. Now it seems like the actual wheelbase of the bike is shorter, even though I know that isn't true. Additionally, the acceleration seems more "abrupt" as well. I'm thinking this is due to a smaller frontal area, as I'm behind the faring enough to notice the difference in airflow. My wrist is also not used to the new angle, so I'm putting some extra throttle in at times. These are strange symptoms to me, and I wonder if anyone else has had them. Is this real or perceived? The turning performance seems real, due to the verifyable speeds, but the rest is a total character change for my bike. I have ordered some bars that will accomplish this better, and will install them whem the new throttle cables come in. I like the new feel, but I'm shocked at the severity of the change. It's like the difference between a mountain bike and a road racing bike, but those have different frame geometry. This is the same bike with just a bar change. Do you suppose my body weight is forward enough to cause some of this? Answer away, I really look forward to some experienced opinions on this.

[BuzZz]

Much of the new feeling and handleing is probably due to the extra weight you've shifted onto the front wheel now. You sore wrist is evidence of something along these lines.

Better be careful, at this rate, you'll be looking for a set of louder pipes for the old Quaker.

[ZooTech]

I agree with BuzZz. You've caused yourself to lean further forward on the bars which shifted the weight bias forward as well. A lot of the bike reviews I read report similar handling improvements after simply increasing the rear spring preload. That, coupled with the new feel and geometry of the bars, would certainly be a recipe for feeling as thought the bike is all new to you.

[ronboskz650sr]

Better be careful, at this rate, you'll be looking for a set of louder pipes for the old Quaker.

There's this "baffling thing" I've been toying with modifying . Actually, I ran it a little with the baffle out, and it was obvious I needed a re-jet. It was way too loud, though, so I didn't do it. There may be a slightly more open configuration invovling shortening the two baffle pipes. That could be done a little at a time without rejetting. If I went a little too far, I could re-jet, and still keep it "less loud." Still, Vulcanmann rode it yesterday, and I still like the Batmobile deceleration sound. For now I guess i'll leave it.

Zoo, I'm glad you mentioned that. I run air shocks and the preload is maxed out. I think the way for me to "increase pre-load" on the back is going to be "decrease gut-load" on me.

[Joe Mc]

I installed clubmans recently and they absolutely transformed the bike.

I noticed a significant improvement in handling. To do with the better weight distrubution and lower center of gravity I suspect.

I went with the conservative -1" rise instead of the -4" ones. I think I made the right choice as the riding position feels very comfortable and natural. I was concerned about sore back and wrists, but I find my back is actually straighter than with the stock bars and increased pressure on wrists has proven to be minimal.

The bike feels lower and longer and I feel more a part of the bike rather than sitting atop it like I did with the old +2.5" rise.

And I feel infinately cooler with the new lower longer riding position.

The best $30 I ever spent!

[ronboskz650sr]

Here's a pic with the superbike bars dropped


Here's before:

Both are with bars in the full right position. The drag bars will be forward a couple of inches, but about the same height as the superbike bars . I'm getting drag bars with 0 rise and 3.8 inch pulback. Next thing will be fabricating the bar-end weight/mirrors.

Oh...I didn't mean to imply any discomfort in the wrist. Just some unusual inputs from me due to the new position. I'm also riding without a return cable until probably tomorrow, so I have to take it easy..the throttle return spring is a little slower than closing it yourself. Strange, but true.

[ZooTech]

Lookin' good, Ron! That bike is hella clean, too. Did you do any restoration work to it or was it just properly taken care of? My '84 NightHawk was unusually clean, too, but it was mostly due to the previous owners' investment of NOS (New Old Stock) body parts found in the U.K.. So I literally had a brand new, 20-year-old gas tank, side covers, and tail section. It was often mistaken for a mid 90's bike, especially after the addition of a red/black Corbin seat.

I just can't say enough good regarding late 70's, 80's, and early 90's UJM's. Had my finances permitted, I would have held onto that NightHawk. But I suppose it went on to provide someone else with a great ownership experience (the dealership sold it within a week!).

[Aggroton]

that is a sweet ride...you changin the back up at all?

im looking for new handle bars as well...any one have experince with completly strait bars? as opposed to gay bars? no im joking...

[Joe Mc]

The bike looks excellent Ron. I'm considering a KZ650 for my next bike. It's suppose to be one of the better UJM from what I have read.

Aggroton, a friend of mine tried straight bars on his CB750 and the problem he found is that they make your elbows stick out and were a little uncomfortable.

[Aggroton]

Aggroton, a friend of mine tried straight bars on his CB750 and the problem he found is that they make your elbows stick out and were a little uncomfortable.

yeah i figured for 12 bucks i may as well try.