| Author | Message | ||
     Surewin |
So I want lower bars, and ideally forward too. Can't afford the crossroads this year, so has anyone had any success with a traditional bar? I'm thinking drag bars are my best bet, but not quite sure of the clearance. Here are the specs on the set that I'm thinking might work: 31 wide, 0 rise, 3.5 pull back, 9 center. Any advice would help, and might save me the trouble of pulling the bars off, cutting a plywood template, and "test-fitting" | ||
| Sweatmark |
Surewin - Here's an option I recommend, based on other Badwebbers' experience and my own. Originally got the idea for "CR Low" bend handlebars from several on this site... liked the look, and wanted lower, more forward control positioning on my XBS. Ended up using Pro Taper SE (7/8" dia) "Carmichael" bend bars. Here's what the ProTaper SE "Carmichael" bend bars look like:    Link: http://www.protaper.com/sebars.html Click the "load chart" button to see the various SE bends. Note - I trimmed about an inch from each end of the ProTapers, leaving approximately the same width as OE XBS handlebar. I first bought the SE "CR Low" bend, but didn't like the fact that the clamp section was so wide compared to the XB's triple top (see following image). Plus, the "Carmichael" bend has less pullback than CR Low, for low & forward riding position.  And here's the OE XBS handlebar for comparison: OE has twice the rise and more than twice the pullback (not shown).  I'm gonna try some fatbars next, for bling factor and to fit some wacky controls sized for 22mm bars (whole other story). The fatbars have a bend very similar to the ProTaper SE "Carmichael". Mark Oregon | ||
| Surewin |
Thanks for the info. That looks like it might be the way to go. | ||
| Xbbeebob |
Sweatmark, You were able to use the stock cables and still use the pro taper bars. I bought a set- can't remember the bend and was too wide at the clamp... | ||
| Sweatmark |
Beebob- Yep, used the stock '03 XBS cables, with bars narrowed about an inch at each end. Still, the throttle cables were tight and required some fiddling where the cables run between triple top and the XBS instrument/flyscreen mounts. Workable solution (= everything worked, nothing broke) but not enough slack to make me rest easy. edit - I originally bought the ProTaper SE "CR Low" bend and found the same situation with clamp area width... can't really see it my pics above, but the CR bar clamp area (still have it) is 2-3" wider than "Carmichael" bend. (Message edited by sweatmark on January 29, 2007) | ||
| Surewin |
Thanks again for the advice. Just got done with the install and I think they'll work. I didn't trim anything off yet. I figure I'll get a few miles on and then decide, but I'm thinking your inch on each side sounds about right. Thats still like 2 inches wider than stock. | ||
| Jfman |
What if I want a higher bend on my XB ? The bar is bent on my XB12s and looking for a replacement, I wouldnt mind it being a little higher. Or anybody selling his stock bar for cheap ? |
