Handlebar Length

[jamezgreen]

Hi, can someone tell me how long the stock handlebars should be on a 2003 GZ250? I suspect the bars on mine are aftermarket since they seem particularly small, maybe 30" across. Another thing that makes me suspicious is that when I turn them completely from side to side, the control boxes hit the gas tank and will ding it up if I'm not careful. Is this normal? Where can I find some larger stock bars if these are too small? And finally is it that hard to swap them out? Sorry for all the questions!

James

[patrick_777]

That's not normal, but you may be able to loosen them and "push" them forward a little to make them stand up straighter/taller. I don't have the standard bar dimensions right here, but you might can do a search and find them.

[Dupo]

http://www.sideroadcycles.com/ImportedM ... rsOne.html

[jamezgreen]

So I checked out Dupo's chart. Thanks. My handlebars are about the right width and center but the pullback and height fall way short. Having a hard time finding handlebars that actually meet the sizes specified on the chart. (7" rise, 28" width, 10" pullback, 6" center) Any ideas on where I might find some used/new handlebars??

[alantf]

Do you know if the bike's been in a smash? I'm not saying it has, but people (including myself) have found that bent handlebars are the first thing that happens when the gz goes over. I was just wondering why the previous owner would put smaller bars on. Might be worth checking for any signs of the bike going over, such as grazes/scrapes.

[Dupo]

GO HERE: http://www.bikebandit.com/suzuki-motorc ... 04/o/m6283

Then enter this part number in search: 1484229-001

$68.63

[jamezgreen]

ok got my new handlebars here. They look like a way better fit. I've looked our the service manual on handlebar removal/install. I'm gonna have a go at it this weekend. Any tips or advice, tricks of the trade anyone might offer? thanks.

[patrick_777]

Originally Posted by jamezgreen

ok got my new handlebars here. They look like a way better fit. I've looked our the service manual on handlebar removal/install. I'm gonna have a go at it this weekend. Any tips or advice, tricks of the trade anyone might offer? thanks.

Don't try to completely unscrew the bar ends. Just loosen them a little, then pull them out...

[jamezgreen]

OK. The new bars are on... and they're awesome. Feels like a completely different bike. Much more comfortable ride and looks better to. Do have a few questions: 1. My front brake is gone. I've tried to bleed the line and the handle is pumping plenty of fluid, what am I missing?? 2. I think I need new bar ends since I can pull them out if I pull hard enough (don't think that should happen but not sure.

[5th_bike]

Originally Posted by jamezgreen

1. My front brake is gone [...] 2. I think I need new bar ends since I can pull them out if I pull hard enough (don't think that should happen but not sure.

Don't know about the brake, however you should be able to tighten the handlebar ends with a phillips-/cross-head screw driver, to make them fit more snugly.