Handlebar placement

[zenbutcher]

I have another n00b question...

Has anyone tilted their handlebars back toward them?

I'm a short guy and when I'm on a long ride, I like to kick back. But, my short arms aren't really reaching the bars as well as I'd like. It looks to me like I could just loosen some bolts and rotate the bars toward me a little.

My concern is this: when I turn the bars as far as they go to the right, the cables from the left grip are pretty tight already. I'm thinking that if I rotate the bars back 2-3 inches then that may make the cables too tight.

Anyway... advice please?

[zenbutcher]

Now that I think about it, rotating them back may even make the cables looser?!?! idk... It's hard to visualize with my bike at home and me at work...

[bonehead]

Just four bolts, go for it and see what happens.

[Water Warrior 2]

Have a go at it. If the bars feel good in the driveway then adjust the levers and mirrors etc for your comfort and go for a ride. If any cables or lines are tight at full lock left/right look for a way to find some slack. There is always some built in slack somewhere.

[Mercutio57]

I recently pushed mine forward a few degrees, and didn't have any problems with the cables. It handles better, is more comfortable, and, I think, looks just a bit cooler.

[New GZ250]

Yup, just pulled the four caps off the allen screws and loosened them and pulled the bars towards me. Made my ride a lot more comfortable plus the bike handled better. Had absolutely no problems with wires/cables , etc. Did have to adjust mirrors, break and clutch handle. I wish the Dealer fitted me to the bike when I bought it. Took me a long while to figure out why I felt so uncomfortable, made a big difference!, etc. Just do it, you will think you bought a new bike.
:2tup:

[Water Warrior 2]

The foot controls are also adjustable for different size feet and length of leg. Sometimes a little fine tuning makes the bike worlds more comfy.

[zenbutcher]

The foot controls are also adjustable for different size feet and length of leg. Sometimes a little fine tuning makes the bike worlds more comfy.

Yeah, my rear brake lever feels too high. With my foot level on the peg, my foot is actually under the brake lever. I know this isn't recommended, but it's that or constantly hold my foot up at a 40 degree angle or so.

I think I'll adjust the bars and rear brake tomorrow afternoon. I'll report back!

[alantf]

With my foot level on the peg, my foot is actually under the brake lever.

It seems like ALL bikes come from the factory this way. When the handbook specifies that the brake pedal should be 45 - 55 mm (around 2") above the foot peg, I can't understand why the factory ALWAYS sets them far too high. :cry:

[blaine]

Adjust shifter & brake pedal to were they are comfortable for you.

[alantf]

Adjust shifter & brake pedal to were they are comfortable for you.

I TOTALLY agree with you. But it still comes back to WHY doesn't the factory set up the pedals to the handbook specifications! :??:

[blaine]

Adjust shifter & brake pedal to were they are comfortable for you.

I TOTALLY agree with you. But it still comes back to WHY doesn't the factory set up the pedals to the handbook specifications! :??:


Good question.I don't know.Even if they were set to specifications they would not be comfortable for everybody.

[Water Warrior 2]

Use the manual for the correct procedure and set to your own preference heightwise. Also adjust rear brake light switch for proper operation after the peddle is adjusted.

[mrlmd1]

When you buy a bike from a dealer, if they don't offer it, you should insist that they adjust everything - bars, brake and clutch levers, brake and shift pedals - to fit you. Otherwise threaten to walk out the door and shop elsewhere. This is not only a comfort issue, but a safety issue. Most of them just want your cash for the bike, then it's goodbye ('till you need service).

[Way]

I notice zenbutcher has a windshield. I have one too and am thinking of doing this. Will this radically change the effectiveness of the shield?

[Way]

I posted in another thread but figured I'd post here too and answer my own question. :roll:

Yes rolling the bar will affect the angle of the windshield, (Suzuki OEM) but it is easily adjusted.