Handle Bars

[Shammua]

So I see some folks on here replacing their handle bars or even some of the accessories on the bars.

My question is this, how do I know what size bars I can use? What specs am I paying attention to for the grips, controls, and other accessories that may end up on the bike.

I want a lower profile handlebar like what will end up on it when I make it into a full on bobber... I am sitting here cruising ebay and looking at stuff but the specs on it are all greek to me right now. A crash course on this would be awesome.

Sham

[bonehead]

7/8 dia. handlebars.

[Shammua]

So these wont work?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/HARLEY-2 ... 4aa8bb940d (http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/HARLEY-28-DRAG-BARS-HANDLEBARS-1-BOBBER-SPORTSTER-/320658445325?pt=Motorcycles_Parts_Accessories&hash=item4aa8bb940d)

I know you just said 7/8" but I want to make sure I am looking at all this correctly, plus sometimes I have to ask the same question several times in different ways for me to fully know I have it down.

Since this listing says 1" it wont work? It has to say 7/8"?
Also I saw some grips while surfing around and it said one was 7/8" and the other was 1", can someone elaborate on that a bit for me?

Sham
:??: :drool: :cry: :retard:

[JWR]

Real simple.

7/8" means it is seven eights inch wide.
1" means it is one inch wide.

Think of plumbing or the size of wrenches...1/4, 3/8, 1/2, 5/8.

A 1 inch wrench is to big to work on a 7/8 inch bolt, and a 7/8 inch will not fit on a 1 inch one.

Hopes this helps you see the picture.

O O

[alantf]

7/8" is the diameter of the bars. Whatever shape you choose, they must be this diameter to fit in the existing clamps. The 7/8" diameter bars means that all accessories, such as grips, must be the same diameter, so that they fit. Hope this helps clarify it. :)

[jonathan180iq]

Adapters can be found to alllow use of either size on just about any bike. However, it will alter the location/height of the bars slightly and may not be suitable for some people. Also, changing bars means changing everything else... throttle, mirrors, clutch handle....everything would have to changed to match the new bars.

It's an option if you just absolutely cannot live without a specific type of handlebar. But I think it's more trouble than it's worth.

[alantf]

Adapters can be found to alllow use of either size on just about any bike.

jonathan, I can quite understand being able to put a packer (adapter) in a 1" hole, to fit a 7/8" bar, but is it possible to put a 1" bar in a 7/8" hole, as your answer seems to suggest? If it is, I stand corrected. :)

[jonathan180iq]

Yeah. They are essentially risers made for 7/8 bikes but the top comes with spacers so you can either keep your 7/8 bar or "upgrade" to the 1".

http://ep.yimg.com/ca/I/yhst-66049453130018_2143_16599463

Like I said, they exist. But it's not my cup-o-tea :)

[alantf]

Ingenious! :)

[bonehead]

I'm not so sure I would trust those things.

[blaine]

There are lots of 7/8 bars in different heights and styles to suit your preference.I would not touch them adapters with a ten foot pole.Also as mentioned you still need to change all the controls.
:cool: :)

[Shammua]

Now that I know about the bars being 7/8" I have done a search for those and found a TON of bars for the correct size, which is exactly what I was looking for.

Now can anyone recommend a decent width for the bars to go with on a bobber style? I don't know if the 28" is to long, to short, or will it cause clearence issues until I get a different tank?

:) Sham

[alantf]

The way to find out which bars are right for you is to sit on the bike, close your eyes, hold out your arms until you feel comfortable,then open your eyes & see where your hands are in relation to your current bars. That way you'll be able to see how much difference you need. There are no hard & fast rules. It all depends on your individual size. :2tup:

[Water Warrior 2]

Go to Flanders Handlebars for info on bar measurements. Look up the GZ first and then compare other bar dimensions. There is a very good chart and info explaining dimensions. You don't have to buy from them but you can use the info to look for what you want.

[Shammua]

For the most part the bars I have been looking at are consitantly 28.5" wide so as long as I am not having clearance issues I will most likely be going with those.

Here is an image to the one's I am specifically looking at.
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4122/4816977728_f2fc1b1ce3_b.jpg

Available from http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Dragbars-7-8-bars-black-Drag-bars-NEW-bag-handlebar-/220641367844?pt=Motorcycles_Parts_Accessories&hash=item335f401724

[jonathan180iq]

Look up Superbike handleabrars in 7/8"

That should fit the style your looking at while not being too drastic.

[Vansky]

I just wanted to confirm these would fit our gz250? it says 7/8". If anyone could advise that would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayI ... MEWAX%3AIT (http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=310319306086&viewitem=&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWAX%3AIT)

[alantf]

Can't see a problem. The ad says 7/8", and that's what the geezer bars are. BTW, nice looking grips. :2tup:

[blaine]

Can't see a problem. The ad says 7/8", and that's what the geezer bars are. BTW, nice looking grips. :2tup:
They will fit.I had the same ones on my G.Z. :) :cool:

[Vansky]

Hey Blaine,

Did the grips feel larger?

[blaine]

Hey Blaine,

Did the grips feel larger?

Yes,they do and are.I found them very comfortable because of the increased Diameter.
:) :cool: