Triumphrat

BritBloke · 02-06-2008

My 1995 TBird is playing havoc with my wrists after three years riding again. I need to swap out the handlebar for something that is straighter but not too much lower. I have a touring national cycle windscreen which just about deflects wind over the hands but I could go a little lower and still have a fairly upright riding position.
The dealer suggests a Tiger handlebar. Will this work, or are there better any alterntives?
Thanks.

cpallen · 02-07-2008

You don't have to stick with triumph handlebars . You can put about any 7/8" diameter bar on that suites you. I suggest you go to the dirt bike section and take a look at the different handlebar bends. Obviously you have a finite amount of throttle cable, brake/clutch line and control wiring to keep in mind.

Each control has a locating pin to keep them from rotating so you will either have to drill a hole in the bar (about 1/4" dia IIRC) when you have them located where you want them, or cut them off. You might have to do this even if you switched to a tiger or speed triple bar.

Here's a site that lists the vital statistics for many bikes:
http://www.sideroadcycles.com/Import...ckBarsOne.html

And here are a ton of alternatives:
http://www.sideroadcycles.com/Import...lebarsOne.html

I hope this helps.

BritBloke · 02-08-2008

Great links - thanks. Looks like I need to do some measuring for rise center and pullback. I am hping to remove the left grip and reuse it if I don't tear it up in the process - any ideas for removal? Compressed air?

cpallen · 02-08-2008

Sure, compressed air works great - I have a tip for inflating sports balls that screws on the end of my blow gun

Slip that tip under the edge of the grip and you can usually 'float' the grip off the bar. Sometimes you have to encircle and seal the end with your thumb and forefinger to get it to inflate. If it's heavily glued a little shot of electrical or brake cleaner will release the adhesive.

extracted from the flanders site above:
Year Bar Diameter Height Width Pullback Center Clamp Area
Adventurer 2001 7/8" 2-3/4" x 4-1/2"
Legend 2001 7/8" 2-3/4" x 4-1/2"
Speed Triple 2002 - 2005 7/8" 3-1/2" 28-1/2" 8" 6" 2-3/4" x 4-1/2"
Speed Triple 2001 7/8" 2-3/4" x 4-1/2"
Thunderbird 2002 - 2003 7/8" 7" 28" 9-1/2" 6" 2-3/4" x 4-1/2"
Thunderbird 2001 7/8" 2-3/4" x 4-1/2"
Thunderbird Sport 2004 7/8" 2-1/2" 27-1/2" 5" 5-1/2" 2-3/4" x 4-1/2"
Tiger 2002 - 2005 7/8" 6" 31" 6-1/2" 5-1/2" 2-3/4" x 4-1/2"
Tiger 2001 7/8" 2-3/4" x 4-1/2"

stevetorr · 02-10-2008

There was a lowered handle bar kit offered by triumph for the Thunderbird comprising of the Handlebars , a shorter brake cable and even two mirrors with longer stems . I bought the items seperately and just used the old mirrors even though they only show a view of my shoulders.
The triumph handlebars have a locating hole for the switchgear AND welded inserts for the handlebar weights to screw into,so less mucking about.
The bars are much more comfortable.
Cheers

cpallen · 02-10-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by stevetorr

There was a lowered handle bar kit offered by triumph for the Thunderbird comprising of the Handlebars , a shorter brake cable and even two mirrors with longer stems . I bought the items seperately and just used the old mirrors even though they only show a view of my shoulders.
The triumph handlebars have a locating hole for the switchgear AND welded inserts for the handlebar weights to screw into,so less mucking about.
The bars are much more comfortable.
Cheers

from Speed Supplies in OKC:
http://speedsupplies.com/oempartsentrycart.asp?mfg=TM

Part Number Description Retail
A9700031 LOWER H/BAR KIT BRAIDED HOSE $139.00
A9700033 HANDLEBAR KIT $82.00

BritBloke · 02-11-2008

Thanks, guys. Looks like the kit is still available. I'll check with the vendor to see if the replacement has less pullback as the original?
Great suggestions for removing the grip.

denny · 02-11-2008

The pullback of the Lower TBird bar is nearly identical to the Speed Triple bar from a 2001 Speed Triple. But the Speed triple bar is lower.
I've had both on my TBS.

If you compare the TBS stock bar to the Lower TBird bar and the Speed Triple bar they all have very similar pullback angle. Lower TBird bar is the tallest and the Speed Triple bar is about halfway between in height.

The pullback is alot less than the Stock TBird bar.

When mounted on a TBird the Lower TBird bar is very close to the Speed Triple bar on a TBS. This is because of the much taller risers on the TBS.

I hope that helps a little.

cpallen · 02-11-2008

I've been through all this myself w/ my TBS. I settled on the speed triple bar on TBS risers. I've attached some pictures that I collected while evaluating. Hope this helps!

One more part number:

A9950072 HIGH H/BAR KIT, T509 $269.00

This is a speed triple bar, tbs-style risers, one grip and a brake line.