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"Biggest Mistake You'll Ever Make"

6K views 38 replies 27 participants last post by  DezynGuy 
#1 ·
So, I've been riding my 2012 T100 for a year now, have put on 4800 miles. It's been an ongoing process to modify this ride, as you can all relate to, I'm sure.

The latest mod has been regarding handlebars. I've recently acquired the stock Thruxton bars, (had 'em powder coated black), and am considering going with the cafe look.

My (very experienced) buddy cautioned me against doing this. Aside from his quote in the subject line, he also added, "you'll put it down, for sure."

So, now I'm wondering if perhaps I need more time in the saddle before "dropping my posture."

Anyone have experience going from cruise posture to cafe posture? (I'm not considering rear sets, just yet.)
 
#2 ·
Let me guess, your buddy rides a cruiser and has also told you not to touch the front brake or 'you'll put it down' as well?

In short, he may have good intentions but doesn't seem to have any idea what he's talking about.
 
#3 ·
If it concerns you, why not book an advanced riding course and build up your skills and confidence?

There is nothing intrinsically more difficult or dangerous about riding with lower bars. If it makes you nervous though, the best solution I think is to boost your experience and confidence.

A course could do this very quickly and you would have a lot of fun at the same time.

Just a thought.
 
#5 ·
I recently put some Norman Hyde M bars on my Bonneville SE. I had them set up so they were very low. I found that not only did it alter the riding position dramatically, it also made the bike uncomfortably hard on my wrists. It looked very cool and cafe racerish, but I had to adjust them back to a slightly more upright position.
 
#6 ·
FWIW I would recommend when riding with lower bars it is best to avoid "leaning" on the bars.

This requires using some other muscles in the core and bum and legs to support the body so there is no real weight carried through your arms down onto the bars. Your arms should still be slightly bent at the elbows not straight.

That may take a little practice and it is not comfortable for everyone. I prefer lower bars except for long periods of straight highway riding. It may not suit everyone. Most people I think can adapt pretty quickly though (my opinion)
 
#9 ·
I have yet to cafe' my Bonneville, but I did cafe my first bike which was a 75' Honda CB550. The bike was a rebuilt salvage which had a set of bars similar to the Bonneville's on it. I rode that was for about 3 months and then switched to clubmans. I am not going to say the change was drastic, but it was noticeable. The steering response was quite a bit quicker and it did get a little twitchy every once in a while. If you switch your bars I would suggest returning to a parking lot and do some basic MSF course drills to understand the change in characteristics.
 
#10 ·
Wonder if the same logic applies to ape hangers. :)
Never thought they were safe, looked stupid and to my complete amazement have stuck around for over 40 odd years.
Still see them around. I still think they look really stupid.
Now, back on topic, lower bars will not cause you to go down.
They look nice and are functional.
 
#13 ·
I would be tempted to ask your (very experienced) buddy if he could explain the exact mechanism of your predicted downfall.
 
#14 ·
Hi,
The leverage that you have on the bars is different. I think you notice this most at very slow speeds.......but you will get use to it. However, if you are going with a low cafe bar or clipon....you really need the rear sets along with the bars to have a proper set up. It is much better than just doing the low bars....

Clay
 
#17 ·
I went from stock to NH Ace bars.
Slow manoeuvring needs some practice as position and handlebar leverage is quite different.
The only risk of putting her down may be that the sportier positioning/look makes you ride sportier (and above your capabilities).
 
#18 ·
I think it depends on how and where you ride. Low bars are better at speed and on flowing roads, higher bars are better at lower speed and around town. You normally adapt to different bars although it might feel strange at 1st.
 
#20 ·
The lower Thruxton bars (as opposed to the clip-ons of the carb' model) are not exactly 'low' though really, even with my dodgy back I don't have a problem keeping weight off them.
With my R1 I find I have to grip the tank with my knees at slow speeds to hold me upright, this isn't possible with the Triumph as the tank is so narrow but I guess a decent sized beer belly may help (I imagine).
 
#22 ·
I'll just add this: I've have clip ons on my bmw and have had bikes with very low clip ons/low bars before. The thruxton bars are not that low (compared to clip ons). One thing it does change is your visibility/ability to turn your head as much. This is just something to get used to and, you do get used to it. But, it takes some adjustment and a little time. So my only suggestion would be to allow yourself to slowly acclimate to the new riding position and allow new muscle memory to occur.

cheers
 
#24 ·
There's a reason you don't see crusier bars on race bikes, and it ain't because it would look ridiculous. The only time I'd agree with your buddy is in the case of absolute beginners, where more weight on the bars could exasperate those panic-y moments before the clutch/throttle/brake coordination becomes natural. Somebody like yourself with 5k miles on the bike should feel more control and confidence when leaned into it a little bit.
 
#30 ·
As always, I'm impressed with the insightful, funny, and informative posts in this forum. Great information and thanks to you more experienced riders for some great food for thought. I'm definitely looking into an advanced riding course, and then will move into the bars / levers / rear sets stage of mods - THEN - allow myself plenty of time to adjust to the new posture.

In the meantime, since the rains have arrived, I'm having the header pipes ceramic coated. Should be done in about two weeks. Pics forthcoming.


Sent from my iPhone using Motorcycle.com App
 
#32 ·
Oh stop. I rode around the lock last night. Seams wonderful. I just need to charge my battery now. Lol. Tried to start it again later and 'click'. Dang it. Lol
 
#35 ·
Well...as soon as the pipes get back from being ceramic coated (black) I'm putting on the Thruxton bars (powder coated black), black Pazzo levers, and Norman Hyde rear sets.

What the hell, right?
 
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