Triumphrat

12-17-2004

I have a 2004 model T-Bird Sport and find the handlebars too far forward for me. Does anyone know if the earlier bars fit straight on (I am told that they are more comfortable). I would rather use triumph parts that aftermarket items.
Ta for any replies.

jasmail · 12-17-2004

I'll take your old bars when your done with 'em :-D

00wabbit · 12-17-2004

Where is Channel Islands?

If the shipping is not too bad I can send you my standard t-bird bars. If they work for you, you can ship me your T-bird Sport bars.

A nice even trade.

GeoffE · 12-17-2004

Hi Simon,

The Thunderbird bars, as well as being higher, have a greater pull back. I think you would have to swap the handbar risers as well, as the Sport has high risers, and the standard T-Bird short stubby ones. If you did not change them, certainly the brakeline, choke, etc.. would be a problem.

An alternative for you, maybe, to fit the old Meriden T140 bars? You should be able to do a search and find a couple of posts on this subject.

Ciao, Geoff
:wink:

MickMaguire · 12-17-2004

Quote:

On 2004-12-17 11:19, simonv wrote:
I have a 2004 model T-Bird Sport and find the handlebars too far forward for me. Does anyone know if the earlier bars fit straight on (I am told that they are more comfortable). I would rather use triumph parts that aftermarket items.
Ta for any replies.

If you mean by "earlier bars" the standard TBird bars then yes they will fit just fine. Both bikes use the standard 7/8" bars - used by many models over the years (even Meriden bikes). You have an almost limitless choice, particularly if you go to people like flanders who offer a vast array of options (and even custom work).

2 things that arent shared with the majority are 1. the switchgear is held in place by a plastic lug engaging in a round hole (stops it slipping around the bar). 2. the bars have welded inserts in the ends to take the bar ends.

Both of these present little problem - you can drill your own holes or remove the lugs and bind the bars with tape. And you can use bar ends off another bike which has holow bars.

The TBS and TBird share switchgear and bar ends so the swap is very easy - just remember to cover / remove your tank it's very easy to damage it when loosening / removing the bars.

HTH

[ This message was edited by: MickMaguire on 2004-12-17 18:02 ]

Guttermonkey · 12-19-2004

I've been shopping the h-bar market for months. My T-bird bars have way too much pull back make it difficult to ride for long periods without my wrist going to sleep. I am going to replace them with Adventurer bars. Less pull back. Not too low. Traditional riding position. And all the stuff will bolt right up. They are closer to the current Bonneville bars then the T-bird bars are.
That might be a solution.
JR
"Anyone who makes something that is foolproof is underestimating the ingenuity of fools."

Cuppa500 · 12-23-2004

Don't know about early/late Tbs bars. I have a Thunderbird fitted with Tbs footrests. I did have a set of Tbs bars, on Tbs risers fitted too, but found the same as you, that it was a bit too much of a reach to the bars, do-able, but not ideal. My final solution suits me very well (at 5' 10"). I have a set of Triumph's 'Lower Bars' fitted (possibly the same as Speed Triple bars....not sure). Work really well with the 'rearset' footrests.
regards
Cuppa

quote]
On 2004-12-17 11:19, simonv wrote:
I have a 2004 model T-Bird Sport and find the handlebars too far forward for me. Does anyone know if the earlier bars fit straight on (I am told that they are more comfortable). I would rather use triumph parts that aftermarket items.
Ta for any replies.
[/quote]

[ This message was edited by: Cuppa500 on 2004-12-23 06:24 ]