Handlebar Advice Needed-- '95 S3

Hello everyone. I just bought a 1995 S3 with clip-ons. I am graduating to this from a much smaller and lighter bike and have found that the clip-ons compromise my handling at low-speeds (such as in and around my parking garage at work). I would like to know if anyone has experience swapping the original clip-on style for higher handlebars that would afford more low-speed maneuverability. Triumph appears to have something called a "high handlebar kit" on its website for $269, but no picture, so I am not really sure what it is or whether it is the answer to my question.

Any thoughts and/or insight and/or stern warnings would be much appreciated.

Thx in advance.

[Ricochet_Rabbit]

Hi put clip-ons on my 02 but took them off after a month because I'm too freakin' old for them. I did not experience any low speed manueverability problems but the regular bars are a lot easier to ride.

LSL makes a nice set of aluminum bars in the same shape as stock S3 bars and they're a lot lighter and not shiny chrome. You'll still need to mount them. Might also need to change control cables and brake lines.

[tealetm]

Tillman,

I've got a set of Heli bars for the 95 for sale. They are still clip ons, but I belive (without measuring) they give the grip a 2" rise and they are set back slightly. Installed once, never ridden with.

Let me know if you're interested and I'll give ya a good deal

I've got Heli clip-ons on my '95. When I bought the bike they were mounted below the triple clamp. I moved them above and it is a lot more comfortable and stable than before. I would highly recommend them.

[meanchuck]

If you want to keep clip ons I would defiantly recommend the Helibars. I tried the stock ones above and below the top triple clamp, both of which sucked (compared to the heli's). My bike came with the LSL kit but I hated it, was very annoying on the highway and it made the bike look like a really fast Nighthawk IMHO. It is a top quality kit mind you, I am just very picky and had to have the cafe look. It might not have been bad with a decent windshield but I hate windshields so If you do not mind them it might be worth it to you. Another possibility is Sprint, Trophy or Trident bars. You might find a cheap set on Ebay. Defiantly try mounting your stock ones above the triple clamp though, it's free and you might like it. If anything it might be better till you find the right set up. For me the Helibars are unequaled for comfort, style and quality. They are out of production and used sets can be scarce.

[ This message was edited by: meanchuck on 2006-12-26 00:53 ]

[s3hooligan]

It's refreshing to hear some folks chatting about something other than what "do dads" they can buy for their 1050!

[bfishman]

It's refreshing to hear some folks chatting about something other than what "do dads" they can buy for their 1050!

AMEN! i'm glad that someone else made this comment. dont get me wrong, its interesting to note what accessories are available for the triple and to see the other member's personal add-ons, but geesh! turn signal kits, bar-end mirrors, plate setups...its like waiting for the girlfriend to pick-out a pair of earrings to go with her outfit :-D

i, too, have 'raised the bar' on my 95 triple: took the cheapo route by mounting them above the triple clamp rather than below as it came stock. while not as menacing looking anymore, the added height has not translated into any real noticeable handling issues. lets face it: turning a battleship around might be easier than wrestling this monster...but at least with the bars at a more functional height you wont get a pain in the neck trying!

[ This message was edited by: bfishman on 2006-12-26 11:17 ]

[meanchuck]

Actually thinking about it now I think the biggest influence on my low speed handling is my aftermarket turn signals and bar end mirrors, can we discuss it?



[ This message was edited by: meanchuck on 2006-12-26 11:26 ]

[s3hooligan]

That's a great shot! Send more pics...

[meanchuck]

As much as I hate showing off my bike here are some more pics.