| Author | Message | ||
     96s2t |
I have the touring handlebars on my S2T and have had on and off upper back/shoulder pain after riding the S2 for a full day. Each year it gets worse. When I ride my other bikes I don't have this trouble. My question is has anyone ever modified your S2 bars with a higher rise and what was the result? I love my S2T but am ready to sell it if the back pain persists. | ||
| Mtkawboy |
I had a machinest buddy modify S2T bars by making 3 inch stainless pieces that fit up into the bars once they were cut for a 2 inch rise, the absolute max without changing brake lines. He then welded them in and I ground them down and finished them. They arent perfect but Ill spend more time on them this winter. That combined with 2 inch dropped pegs make it rideable for my worn out 69 year old back with an implanted morphine pain pump. Handling I dont know about, I can no longer risk pushing it to the limit. Its at least rideable now for me. This getting old isnt for sissys | ||
| 96s2t |
This is great. I have some stock S2 bars that I will use. Just to confirm...you raised the higher touring S2T bars 2"? I will of coarse test the extension out to see if I have enough cable length. Thank you for your quick reply. Did you have the same pain originating in between you shoulder blades and spreading outwards or is this an injury from something else? I wonder how many other of us 50+ year old long time bikers have this pain from the S2? | ||
| Beardo |
I don't have pain from longevity of life, but rather having my body getting put through the ringer. Have you tried the higher bars with the standard S2 higher pegs? Ironically I was going through the same thing with my S1 and not my S2 and ended up installing pegs that were higher and further forward. It helped alleviate the pain in my lower back. | ||
| Ratbuell |
I've also found that *rotating* the bars can help with shoulder/back pain. Wrist position, if bad, can radiate up the arm into the back. Try a "flatter" position on the bars and see if that helps. I had my S2 bars swept back for the longest time, and it gave me some pains. Going back and forth to my Ulysses, I finally noticed the Uly has real wide, flat, almost dirtbike-style bars...so I rotated my S2 bars forward, flattening the grip angle (make sure to turn the forks lock to lock to make sure you don't hit the fairing). I'm much happier now. IF you are going to cut bars...let me know. I'd be pleased as punch to swap you my standard S2 bars (for cutting), for an uncut set of S2T bars...the original owner of my 95 added S2T bags, fairings, and pegs in '96...but didn't change the bars. | ||
| Mtkawboy |
I have an implanted morphine pain pump from a major work injury that is no longer operable after 40 years as a lineman. I do what I can but there will be no more 4800 mile trips in 10 days on a GPZ750 like I did in 1983. I dont think it matters what bars you start with, the trick is getting both sides to look the same. . Send me an email and Ill send you a picture, Im not enough computer savy to post it on here | ||
| Ratbuell |
No, it doesn't matter what bars you start with...but I'd like to find some stock T bars for my S2 and if the OP is going to cut some bars anyway...we could both win if he cuts my standards, and I get his talls  All he'd have to do is add a taller section once he cuts. Taller by about 1.5" - I had a friends' T here for restoration last season and measuring his bars and mine, they came in at 5" and 6.5" from tree-to-top-edge. | ||
| Beardo |
I'm with Rat on this, do NOT cut T bars. The are too rare to be hacking away on. | ||
| 96s2t |
Slow down guys. If you read my post, I said I was going to use the stock S2 bars I had. | ||
| Beardo |
I had surgery and am still on meds. Does that pass for an excuse? | ||
| Trouble_enabler |
PM sent. Dibs on meds. | ||
| Lynrd |
2nd on meds if Michael leaves any. | ||
| Beardo |
I'm a hoarder!!!! | ||
| 96s2t |
I just looked at my stock "low" bars and realized that the left and right bars can be switched, changing the pullback and rise of the bars. Anyone ever done this? I have my s2t bars mounted with the pinch bolt aligned with the wheel rotation. The other way puts the bolt at quite an angle in relation to the wheel rotation. What is the original/correct way? | ||
| Ratbuell |
Slow down guys. If you read my post, I said I was going to use the stock S2 bars I had. You're right...I read it quickly and got worried about a set of T bars being cut. My fault! | ||
| 96s2t |
Tried to flip the taller S2T bars and they will definetly not work. There is not enough room to turn the bars and not hit the fairing and the tank. So while I had the tools out, I installed the short bars and am trying them out now. | ||
| 96s2t |
I thought I would write to let any future S2 riders with back pain how I made out...... I have been using the shorter bars this summer on many short and longer rides and have not experienced the pain between my shoulder blades. I am going to stick with the shorter bars. Try it. | ||
| Kc_zombie |
I am using the shorter bars as well... | ||
| Essmjay |
What works best for me is a sleeping bag bungied on behind to support my lower back. I have the WestTek bars which are multi adjustable, but the limiting factor is the fairing. I just added another solution, a BMW R1150RT. That should cure my long distance traveling pains. Can't bring myself to let go of my S2 so it will be the day rider. The two bikes are completely different but the RT really will whip through the twisties. | ||
| 96s2t |
I tried to lean on my tank bag as much as possible in the past but now with the shorter bars I don't have to. Trips longer that a weekend are over for the S2T because it has over 120,000 miles on the chassis and I really don't want to restore another bike. I will just ride it locally on the collector plate. Collector plate=cheap cheap insurance @ $225 per year! For long distance rides I use my 2006 VRSCR with 113 RWHP. It's hard for anyone to keep up with me in the twisties. Longer than the Buell but still leans and brakes like a sport bike. |
