Bonneville Handlebar Thread

[FrankBlack]

By request, here are a couple more shots of the Norman Hyde Western Bars.

By the way, I'm loathed to mention this because NH customer service is very friendly, but there appears to be an issue with quality on these bars. I noticed some rough areas on my bars and thought it might be corrosion. Within a minute of polishing I was down to the underplating (gold colour). I asked for replacements, which NH sent without question, and for them to check the quality of the bars before sending, and similar granular areas were to be found on those too, albeit less noticeable than my own. There were also some rough tool marks/ damage near one of the upper bends of the bars, and although the grips would possibly have covered this, I still think it's a bit poor having asked them to check the quality beforehand.

It seems that the finishing of the bars isn't perfect before the chroming process and some of the joints are also noticeable, so I sent the replacements back and decided to live with the bars I have as I'm pleased with the look and handling (they actually make the bike feel much bigger). I should say the finish isn't a major problem, just an annoyance, especially since the bars aren't cheap compared to others on the market. By contrast, the Triumph bars were flawless and that's what I was comparing the quality to.

Anyone else notice any quality problems with NH handlebar finish?

Two more pictures:

[Duke63]

I ordered and placed the Norman Hyde 'M'bars recently and I cannot find any imperfections.
Next on order are the NH 'peashooter' silencers (sometimes called the reverse-cone type on this forum...) and I do hope they will be of the same quality!
And indeed they are very helpfull and friendly.


ps.
FrankBlack, where did you get the instrument-housings?
I do like the looks!

[Ringadingdoo]

I was thinking of getting the NH Western Bars for my Scrambler, but there seems to be an issue with the fit...

http://www.triumphrat.net/twins-tech...-easy-job.html

Frankblack- I imagine you had to go for longer cables, but did you have any problems with the fit/holes etc. Has anybody else fitted the 7/8 NH WB to their Scram without issues?

[FrankBlack]

Originally Posted by Duke63

ps.
FrankBlack, where did you get the instrument-housings?
I do like the looks!

The world famous gauge pod thread http://www.triumphrat.net/club-cafe/...want-some.html

Originally Posted by Ringadingdoo

Frankblack- I imagine you had to go for longer cables, but did you have any problems with the fit/holes etc. Has anybody else fitted the 7/8 NH WB to their Scram without issues?

Yes, longer cables. I ordered them with the bars from NH. They're Triumph cables and cost about the same via the dealer (a mix of Speedmaster and America cables I believe). No problems with fit, but the bars are 1" bars as far as I know, not 7/8".

I rode a loan bike the other day whilst mine was being serviced and the stock bars made me feel like I was riding a moped compared to the wide flatrack bars. Totally different riding experience.

EDIT: just read that thread Ringading. The bars are 1" and the stock bar ends just screw in as normal. Don't see why there'd be any problem fitting them to a Scrambler. Contrary to what was said in that thread, you definitely need a new cable kit - 2 throttles and a brake hose (at least the Bonneville needs new cables). It was all a bit pricey in the end with the bars, cables and labour (I got Triumph to fit the cables and the b'stards charged me £90+ for the pleasure - no doubt due to the fact I didn't buy the cables from the dealer), but I almost forgot that little pain...til now.

[cade1400]

heres the bars on mine,wiiiide

[Ringadingdoo]

Originally Posted by FrankBlack

The world famous gauge pod thread http://www.triumphrat.net/club-cafe/...want-some.html



Yes, longer cables. I ordered them with the bars from NH. They're Triumph cables and cost about the same via the dealer (a mix of Speedmaster and America cables I believe). No problems with fit, but the bars are 1" bars as far as I know, not 7/8".

I rode a loan bike the other day whilst mine was being serviced and the stock bars made me feel like I was riding a moped compared to the wide flatrack bars. Totally different riding experience.

EDIT: just read that thread Ringading. The bars are 1" and the stock bar ends just screw in as normal. Don't see why there'd be any problem fitting them to a Scrambler. Contrary to what was said in that thread, you definitely need a new cable kit - 2 throttles and a brake hose (at least the Bonneville needs new cables). It was all a bit pricey in the end with the bars, cables and labour (I got Triumph to fit the cables and the b'stards charged me £90+ for the pleasure - no doubt due to the fact I didn't buy the cables from the dealer), but I almost forgot that little pain...til now.

I think I will give NH a call, and mention the previous problems people have been having. I don't want to spend another £100 on cables just to change my bars... seems a little crazy.

But I suppose the best way to find out is to fit them myself

[FrankBlack]

Ringading. Just remembered, there is allegedly a way you can fit them without new throttle cables - apparently you thread the cables to the right side of the frame instead of the left. That way you're supposed to save enough length to make them fit the bars. I never tried it but now you know if you want to give it a go. You would still need a new brake hose though. Personally, I think the bars are worth the trouble.

Good luck.

[WetSparks]

Heres mine, stock bars but with some risers I got from the US. All the existing cables were used, but I had to re-route the clutch cable to stop it snagging on full lock. Second picture also shows me custom made mount for the heated grips controller:

[Odysseus]

I posted these pics way back on another post, but they show the BellaCorse Superbars. These ones got bent out of shape when I was knocked off the bike about a year ago, but I found them so comfortable that I ordered the same again. For my size (5'7") they are the most comfortable bars I've ever used. They balance my weight evenly between back and arms, so I don't get the back pains I used to suffer with the stock bars, but they don't put too much weight on my wrists. It doesn't hurt that I find them the best looking bars around, too!

[Ringadingdoo]

I emailed Norman Hyde concerning issue with their Western Bars as far as quality and fit on the Triumph Scrambler - this has put my mind at rest so I will be ordering some shortly.

Thank you for your e-mail.
With regards to the 7/8" western bars, we used to supply classic bars as
fitted in the 1960s, but now we are starting to have our own made, so the
quality will be as our other bars, & with no unused holes.

We are confused with regards to cable length as we have not seen a scrambler
that needs longer cables with our bars. The bars are not that much different
from the originals, but of course manufacturers do change things & sometimes
dual-source, which can lead to variations.

We also supply lots of western bars for Bonnevilles & Thruxtons, together
with cables that are no longer than your originals

All we can say is that if you buy these HBR045 bars & subsequently find that
your cables will not do the job, is to offer you a refund.