Triumphrat

Jackets · 03-08-2010, 09:34 PM

I'm looking forward to some handlebar help here...
First of all, 100% of my lifelong riding experience (2500 miles) has happened on my 08 T-100 bought new in the same year. I'm a 49 yo weekend warrior FNG. Everything is stock other than a bit louder pipes.

The stock bars like everything else have seemed fine since that is all I know. However, would like your input as to what might be better for me. I'm active but large: 6-2, 265#, pretty broad shoulders, 52 coat, and carry about 20 lbs more than I want around the middle.

No bad back, but prefer the more upright sitting position that the stock bars give.
I am curious whether wider bars will help me initiate a countersteer right turn easier. Countersteering for a left turn is natural and smooth. (Maybe a beginner hang up!) Other than that, maybe wider bars will "fit" me better. I don't know.

Thanks for any help. A suspension mod will probably be next. I'll be back for that later.

johnny black · 03-09-2010, 01:59 AM

Check out the handlebar thread,I'd say some risers could help

J.B.

scottslob · 03-09-2010, 02:15 AM

i put the genmar risers on mine. cuz they were cheap and no modifications to install. I will probably change the bars eventually. as for the left turn being easier, I think there is a reason why thats the way race tracks go.

blacktiger · 03-09-2010, 06:55 AM

For me and my Scrambler I found Renthal ATV bars 615-01 for a Honda TRX250R did the trick. http://www.renthal.com/File/apps1.as...del=&bikedate= They bring your hands backwards about 3 inches and have a more comfortable bend.

Billbikes · 03-09-2010, 05:49 PM

Yes wider bars would help with countersteering, but I'd look into the cause of why you're having a harder time turning one way than the other. Have you taken a MSR course? Is so how about an advanced MSR course.

Maybe you're placing your weight more on one side of the bike?

Bonnie06Tangerine · 03-09-2010, 06:08 PM

Hey Jackets,

I think I know what you are going through; I am 6'5" @ 225 pounds and broad shouldered. The stock bars on the Bonnies was not cutting it for me whatsoever. I never felt that comfortable and worse, a strong cross wind would make my line actually shift. This was starting to get inside my head and getting to me until I broke it down and tried to figure it out. What worked for me was that:

1. The stock bars turned in too much and had far too much of a pullback on them.

2. The stock bars were WAY too narrow for my size. This is why I believe my line was shifting on me in real strong gusty winds.

3. Because of my size, I was sitting on my Bonnie in a Road King position and I hated it.

There are plenty of bars out there but I went with the cafe sports bar at Newbonneville. The bar is 5 inches wider and has I believe 3 inches less pull back. This opened my shoulders up and allowed me to sit on my Bonnie in the correct position as she was meant to be. Whatever problems I had before the switchout are now completely gone. Winds do not bother me whatsoever and I am even more comfortable in the twisties...it took a great bike and made it into a pure joy for me to ride. I hope this info helps and here are some pics to help you out of my Bonnie with the new bars on her:

Flaco · 03-09-2010, 06:32 PM

Start here...
http://www.spacerjim.com/TSpacers.html

Jackets · 03-09-2010, 09:29 PM

Thanks to all!

Tangerine, appreciate the pics. Love the looks of your wider bars and the mental walk thru you gave. I'm not 6-5", but can relate to a degree.
I talked with my vintage bonnie and other Brit mechanic/builder today who has also agreed to take on the new ones. He too said I need lower, wider bars to get me seated in the right bonnie position. Seeing him tomorrow.

Regarding the left/right counter steer difference, I think it's too much left hand pressure when turning right in a curve. I suppose seeing oncoming traffic on the other side of the yellow line still makes me want to instinctively push a little with the left. Getting better, but taking the right turns a little slower.

Also, took the basic course but never really got up to speed. Looking forward to taking an advanced course as part of the continuing education! Thanks again everyone.

beemerrich · 03-10-2010, 10:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by scottslob

as for the left turn being easier, I think there is a reason why thats the way race tracks go.

For a chain driven bike, there isn't any preference for the bike to lean one way over the other. FWIW, every roadracing course I've been on ran clockwise...grattan, gingerman, mid ohio, road america...

Regards,

--Rich

Hulsey · 03-10-2010, 07:03 PM

I definitely think you'll appreciate wider lower bars. I recently put on some aftermarket H-D bars which have similar dimensions to the cafe lows and the handling is great for the taller/longer armed rider.

I also know what you mean about the left vs right turn. I've only been riding a year but have always found the right turns tucked the throttle up too close to my body with the stock bars. Wider bars with less pullback now make right turns feel as intuitive as left.

The other bonus with low and wide bars is there is no need to replace cables. Up to 32" wide low bars will be a straight swap.

Take it easy.