Triumphrat

davidc · 07-03-2007

Just fitted NewBonn M bars on my bike and easily picked up 10 mph. or more in turns. Also, the "sureness" ratio doubled. After installing and setting everything up, I took a ride in some diverse settings. Here is what I found:

Local roads - simply more ease in navigating around the usual SUV queens, potholes, and type A a**holes in BMW's due to the increased nimbleness of steering.

Interstate [Parkway] - took it up to 90 mph and maintained that speed. Wind buffeting reduced due to the slight forward lean I adopted. The bike felt sure-footed.

Twisties - Now this is the part many of you seem to live for. Entering, within, and exiting tight turns are dramatically improved. This new sure-footedness was noticeable immediately and is welcomed.

Controls - I seem to be able to shift and throttle more smoothly, I assume, because I realigned these controls in new positions. Maybe I'm just happier.

The downside? The new posture will have to grow on me. My arms are rather long [33 inches from top of shoulder to fingertips], so that will help. Most noticeable is the vibration; I bought the style with end plugs but the buzz is there. It is not enough to cause concern, but it exists. Sort of reminds me of the Meridian buzz.

I have never owned a bike with alternative bars to the extent of the M bar; but I think I like it!

SpeedyPete · 07-03-2007

Looks good to me. I'm green with envy since I bought the Low Cafe bars not realizing that the M bars are the way to go.

Ever thought about flipping the M's upside down? I've seen that done and will probably do it myself when I get around to buying the right bars.

Good work David.

P

badrufus · 07-03-2007

david--I think the M bars are the best looking of all the aftermarket bars--really gorgeous. I have short arms, commensurate with a 5'7" height, so they didn't work for me, but changing them out for the BC Western bars was a hard decision. I think the Western bars are a nice alternative for short-armed riders for whom the M's are too far forward, but the M's look great. BTW, you've got my bike!!

amanger · 07-03-2007

VIBRATION !!!!!!! I filled my m-bars with sand ,lead fishing weights and bar end weights and still they vibrated.Other than that they would be perfect.

capoanj · 07-03-2007

David, bring that beauty down to Sea Girt and lets go for a ride! Great looking bike, and the bars really give it attitude. What roads, pray tell are you referring to in your post?

HiVel · 07-03-2007

welcome to the M bar club! I like mine too and will be doing the flat mount instruments
tomorrow (I hope) if I can get to it before we have to go to the lake for a cook out.
I put the Newbonnie risers on the M bars and they are perfect for my medium arms. Also eliminates most if not all of the vibration!!
Get some LSL rear sets and you won't believe the fun factor!!

vertwrks · 07-03-2007

I love mine too, not exactly the M but they look the same so close enough.

Nice looking ride. Twisties...........oh yeah!

I do sometimes get a numbish right pointy finger, able to get it back but altering my grip, maybe my gloves are too tight or I am death gripping!

davidc · 07-03-2007

Capoanj - twistie roads: Navesink River Rd., red Hill Rd., and Kings Highway East. Sure we can take a ride - I'm off ALL summer [a teacher's perk!].

D9 · 07-03-2007

David,

Looks good! Have to say... those M bars in combination with the lay flat bracket is just an unexpectedly good combo... geometry & proportions of each compliment the other and the bike as a whole... almost looks like they were meant to go together... I tried 2 1/2" lower "flanders" type bars early on, ended up with neck pain, went back to stock... but I could be tempted to try a set of M's.

Thanks for posting pics

Cheers,

D9

TCL · 07-03-2007

I've got mine upside down and love them. They just barely clear the tank. You can really throw the bike into corners and the look is speed racer, not wicked witch of the west.