« previous next »
Pages: 1 2 [All]   Go Down

Author Topic: Handle bar swap out options that make sense?  (Read 10709 times)

0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.

Offline chicagogreg

  • Full Member
  • *
  • Posts: 9
  • 1975 CB750 K5 w/ 13K on the clock
Handle bar swap out options that make sense?
« on: May 08, 2012, 10:07:41 AM »

Hello. I recently purchased a K5 CB 750 that is stock and in pretty good shape. I am toying with the idea of trading the handle bars to something not quite so tall, but given that I an 6' 2" tall and the placement of the pegs, brake, shifter, I know I cant go too crazy (nor do i want to). I dont want clubman bars or anything, but am thinking something like the European ones attached here.

I appreciate any opinions you may have, including specifics regarding rise & pullback dimensions to consider.

Cheers, Greg
Logged
Sometimes the smartest person is the one who knows to ask for help...

Offline flybox1

  • My wife thinks I'm a
  • Really Old Timer ...
  • *******
  • Posts: 14,289
Re: Handle bar swap out options that make sense?
« Reply #1 on: May 08, 2012, 10:22:01 AM »
i put the euro bars on my my 350F.
lower than the stock mini-apes, and nice.
not the right pullback for my hands, so they werent the most comfortable for me.
400F bars seem to be a good bet for many.
I put norman-hyde M bars on my 750K.  love 'em!
Logged
'78 750K (F3 engine) PD42b's, Modified airbox w/K&N  filter, 40/110 jets, 1 needle shim, IMS@ 1 turn out. Kerker + Cone 18" QuietCore

Past Bikes
1974 550K0 (stock), 1973 CB350F (stock), 1983 Yamaha XS400K (POS)
77/78 cool 2 member #3
"Knowledge without mileage equals bullsh!t" - Henry Rollins

"This is my CB. There are many like it, but this one is mine…"

Offline chicagogreg

  • Full Member
  • *
  • Posts: 9
  • 1975 CB750 K5 w/ 13K on the clock
Re: Handle bar swap out options that make sense?
« Reply #2 on: May 08, 2012, 11:11:28 AM »
Those Norman Hyde bars look interesting. In the pictures I looked at, they look really narrow. Any issues with handling or hitting your tank?

Any chance of posting a side and POV, seated pic of your 750?

Cheers!

Greg
Logged
Sometimes the smartest person is the one who knows to ask for help...

Offline lucky

  • Really Old Timer ...
  • *******
  • Posts: 6,715
Re: Handle bar swap out options that make sense?
« Reply #3 on: May 08, 2012, 11:27:04 AM »
The best thing to do is sit on the bike and just raise up your arms to what you think is a very comfortable position with arms just slightly bent at the elbow.
Then have a helper measure how far back your hands are from the triple clamp. Then measure the width of how far apart your hands are .
And the third measurement is ho far your hands are above the triple clamp.

Then you will have the measurements you need.
Width.
Pullback.
Rise.

Those are the three important measurements.

Cycle-X sells Superbike bars in chrome or black. Good price too!
They are the same as "European" bars.

Of coarse some people will buy anything if it says it is from Europe or France.
« Last Edit: May 08, 2012, 11:32:15 AM by lucky »
Logged

Offline LesterPiglet

  • Old Timer
  • ******
  • Posts: 4,045
  • 1977 CB550F2
Re: Handle bar swap out options that make sense?
« Reply #4 on: May 08, 2012, 11:31:16 AM »
They are called European because they came as standard fitment for the European market. I quite like them although on my last bike (Kawa S1C) I swapped them out for Norton straights.
Logged
'Then' and 'than' are completely different words and have completely different meanings. Same with 'of' and 'have'. Set and sit. There, their and they're. Draw and drawer. Could care less/couldn't care less. Bought/brought FFS.


Les Ross.            Certified by a Professional

Offline chicagogreg

  • Full Member
  • *
  • Posts: 9
  • 1975 CB750 K5 w/ 13K on the clock
Re: Handle bar swap out options that make sense?
« Reply #5 on: May 08, 2012, 11:32:36 AM »
LOL, I hear you. I have seen the "super bike" and "european" handle bar names used for what looks for the same handle bar shape...

I dont care about the name, more the look & functionality of it...

:)

Greg
Logged
Sometimes the smartest person is the one who knows to ask for help...

Offline lucky

  • Really Old Timer ...
  • *******
  • Posts: 6,715
Re: Handle bar swap out options that make sense?
« Reply #6 on: May 08, 2012, 11:34:00 AM »
Quote from: LesterPiglet on May 08, 2012, 11:31:16 AM
They are called European because they came as standard fitment for the European market. I quite like them although on my last bike (Kawa S1C) I swapped them out for Norton straights.

Aren't the Europeans sort of small??  LOl....lol..lol
Logged

Offline DJ_AX

  • Expert
  • ****
  • Posts: 1,279
  • ?!
Re: Handle bar swap out options that make sense?
« Reply #7 on: May 08, 2012, 12:58:15 PM »
I'm 6' with my boots on.
I put "Euro-Bars" on my 750.
It changes the look of the bike very nicely imho. But not only the look... the riding position is more aggressive too... I like it during rush hour. ;)
But then they're still not so low... I can relax and sit up straight and cruise with my fingertips on the throttle.  8)

$15 bucks well spent.
pretty sure these are them...
http://www.z1enterprises.com/Handlebar-78-Chrome--European-Bars-2760.aspx
« Last Edit: May 08, 2012, 01:02:03 PM by DJ_AX »
Logged
~ Vincent . . . '75 CB750 K5 . . . '97 BMW r1100rt . . . had; '75 CB550 K1 (sold) . . .  '73 CB350G (gifted) HELL YEAH!
Disclaimer: I could be wrong. :)

Offline RFogelsong

  • Hot Shot
  • ***
  • Posts: 339
Re: Handle bar swap out options that make sense?
« Reply #8 on: May 08, 2012, 01:16:22 PM »
Have fun (somewhat useful as you can mock up your own body to an extent) http://cycle-ergo.com/
Logged
-Rob

Hondas past/present:
SOHC1:'74 CB125, '78 XL125
DOHC2:'71 CB450K
SOHC4:'73 350F, '75 400F, '75 550K
DOHC4:'81 900F, '01 1100XX
V4:'85 VF1000R, '86 VF500F, '08 VFR800

Offline flybox1

  • My wife thinks I'm a
  • Really Old Timer ...
  • *******
  • Posts: 14,289
Re: Handle bar swap out options that make sense?
« Reply #9 on: May 08, 2012, 01:28:45 PM »
Quote from: chicagogreg on May 08, 2012, 11:11:28 AM
Any issues with handling or hitting your tank?

Any chance of posting a side and POV, seated pic of your 750?

Cheers!

Greg
its all in the angle you mount them. no handling issues, and yes, as i have them mounted, they hit my tank.  i'll be changing my stearing stop.
cant do pics right now.  my front end is off for bearings.
i'll see what i can come up with later for you...

IRA and others correct me if i'm wrong, but i think these are superbike bars....
http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=45183.msg1190796#msg1190796
« Last Edit: May 08, 2012, 01:45:00 PM by flybox1 »
Logged
'78 750K (F3 engine) PD42b's, Modified airbox w/K&N  filter, 40/110 jets, 1 needle shim, IMS@ 1 turn out. Kerker + Cone 18" QuietCore

Past Bikes
1974 550K0 (stock), 1973 CB350F (stock), 1983 Yamaha XS400K (POS)
77/78 cool 2 member #3
"Knowledge without mileage equals bullsh!t" - Henry Rollins

"This is my CB. There are many like it, but this one is mine…"

Offline Bailgang

  • Scott
  • Old Timer
  • ******
  • Posts: 2,699
  • Indiana
Re: Handle bar swap out options that make sense?
« Reply #10 on: May 08, 2012, 02:10:55 PM »
I put the old bars that came off my cb550 on my kids 750 because the original 750 bars were just a bit too tall for him. The ones on my 550 are the euro bars, pretty much similar in shape to the original bars but they're not as tall and don't sweep back as much. Best way to put it is they're a split between the factory bars and drag bars.
Logged
Scott


71 cb350 twin
77 cb750 F2
83 gl1100 Interstate

Offline seanbarney41

  • not really that much younger than an
  • Really Old Timer ...
  • *******
  • Posts: 10,915
Re: Handle bar swap out options that make sense?
« Reply #11 on: May 08, 2012, 02:21:38 PM »
Quote from: RFogelsong on May 08, 2012, 01:16:22 PM
Have fun (somewhat useful as you can mock up your own body to an extent) http://cycle-ergo.com/
man, what a cool link!  ...just needs a rearset button...
Logged
If it works good, it looks good...

Offline ChuckG750f1

  • Not your average, everyday, run-of-the-mill
  • Hot Shot
  • ***
  • Posts: 353
Re: Handle bar swap out options that make sense?
« Reply #12 on: May 08, 2012, 02:39:59 PM »
Norman Hyde M bars, I'm 6'3".
Logged
Life is hard; it's harder if you're stupid.
- John Wayne

1976 CB750 f1
1995 HD Softail Custom

Offline bert96

  • past ride
  • Expert
  • ****
  • Posts: 1,389
Re: Handle bar swap out options that make sense?
« Reply #13 on: May 08, 2012, 03:08:53 PM »
Logged
QA50 1969,ST-90 1974,mb5 1982,rz350 1983,shadow 1100 1985,vf1000f 1985,BMW K1 1990,shadow tourer 1100 2001,vfr 750 1994,vtr250 199?

Offline chicagogreg

  • Full Member
  • *
  • Posts: 9
  • 1975 CB750 K5 w/ 13K on the clock
Re: Handle bar swap out options that make sense?
« Reply #14 on: May 08, 2012, 09:20:28 PM »
Guys, I appreciate all of your opinions. The Norman Hyde M bars look like they might be a bit too aggressive for me, especially runnning stock everywhere else on the bike. I founnd this on a cafe racer blog and found it interesting:

you want a cheap performance bar? look for a set of used cb400F stock bars, already drilled for the wires, no internal harsh edges, and closer to what the europeans got stock on the cb750 anyway (which is where the superbike bar came from). new you can get these bars from honda, but I have bought $10 sets from local bike shops in the past and I don't think it is too hard to find that again.

Thoughts? Opinions?

Cheers, Greg
Logged
Sometimes the smartest person is the one who knows to ask for help...

Offline trueblue

  • A person who has had many interesting experiences, some of which are true, is known as an
  • Old Timer
  • ******
  • Posts: 3,124
Re: Handle bar swap out options that make sense?
« Reply #15 on: May 09, 2012, 05:07:53 AM »
I have what you call the european bars on my 650z, they came standard on it here, I stand 6'1" and they are really comfortable, I describe them as a perfect fit. ;D
Logged
1979 CB650Z
Nothing can be idiot proofed, the world keeps producing better idiots.
Electronic Guages for your SOHC 4

bollingball

  • Guest
Re: Handle bar swap out options that make sense?
« Reply #16 on: May 09, 2012, 06:04:22 AM »
 Quote from Lucky  Then you will have the measurements you need.
Width.
Pullback.
Rise.

Those are the three important measurements.

 Forgot one. Shoud we take a poll or give away a car to the winner?
Hint if it is wrong you can not mount them.
Ken

Logged

Offline Gordon

  • Global Moderator
  • Really Old Timer ...
  • *****
  • Posts: 12,114
  • 750K1, 550K2
Re: Handle bar swap out options that make sense?
« Reply #17 on: May 09, 2012, 06:11:18 AM »
Quote from: bollingball on May 09, 2012, 06:04:22 AM
Quote from Lucky  Then you will have the measurements you need.
Width.
Pullback.
Rise.

Those are the three important measurements.

 Forgot one. Shoud we take a poll or give away a car to the winner?
Hint if it is wrong you can not mount them.
Ken


7/8" ;)
Logged

Hinomaru

  • Guest
Re: Handle bar swap out options that make sense?
« Reply #18 on: May 09, 2012, 06:38:29 AM »
The CB750 K Euro bars (53100-300-610) are no longer available from Honda. :(

If you like the Honda Euro bars as seen in this sales ad, here’s the dimensions to look for:

Width: 29.50” or 748 mm
Center: 4.90” or 125 mm
Rise: 2.99” or 76 mm
Pullback: 3.81” or 97 mm



Another view of the CB750 K factory Euro bars:




Logged

Offline KCbarsos

  • Hot Shot
  • ***
  • Posts: 264
Re: Handle bar swap out options that make sense?
« Reply #19 on: May 09, 2012, 06:56:47 AM »
+1 euro bars on my k3 750. 6' tall and no problems  :)
Logged

Offline grcamna2

  • Not a
  • Really Old Timer ...
  • *******
  • Posts: 15,284
  • I love to restore & travel. Keep'em Going Strong !
Re: Handle bar swap out options that make sense?
« Reply #20 on: May 09, 2012, 06:58:49 AM »
Quote from: Hinomaru on May 09, 2012, 06:38:29 AM
The CB750 K Euro bars (53100-300-610) are no longer available from Honda. :(

If you like the Honda Euro bars as seen in this sales ad, here’s the dimensions to look for:

Width: 29.50” or 748 mm
Center: 4.90” or 125 mm
Rise: 2.99” or 76 mm
Pullback: 3.81” or 97 mm



Another view of the CB750 K factory Euro bars:


Hinomaru,
       Do you know the O.E. dimensions for the bars on the 75' CB400F ?
I'm trying my best to find an O.E. pr. after giving away a pair at the swap meet last Aug. The feel of them was Just Right  ::)  :).
Logged
75' CB400F/'bunch o' parts' & 81' CB125S modded to a 'CB200S'
  I love the small ones too !
Do your BEST...nobody can take that away from you.

Hinomaru

  • Guest
Re: Handle bar swap out options that make sense?
« Reply #21 on: May 09, 2012, 07:18:02 AM »
Quote from: grcamna2 on May 09, 2012, 06:58:49 AM
Hinomaru,
       Do you know the O.E. dimensions for the bars on the 75' CB400F ?
I'm trying my best to find an O.E. pr. after giving away a pair at the swap meet last Aug. The feel of them was Just Right  ::)  :).

Sorry, as I don’t have the 400F low bar dimensions. :(
 
I do remember test mounting a pair on my CB750 K. Seems that they were much too narrow (in width) by probably 2-3 inches. Otherwise I would have used them as the pullback and rise was to my liking.
 
Logged

Offline grcamna2

  • Not a
  • Really Old Timer ...
  • *******
  • Posts: 15,284
  • I love to restore & travel. Keep'em Going Strong !
Re: Handle bar swap out options that make sense?
« Reply #22 on: May 09, 2012, 07:41:13 AM »
I'm sure they'd be too narrow for leverage,etc. on the CB750K..but not for my CB400F,they sure are hard to find.I don't even mind if they need to be painted or re-chromed some day;I just need a pair of straight bars.
Logged
75' CB400F/'bunch o' parts' & 81' CB125S modded to a 'CB200S'
  I love the small ones too !
Do your BEST...nobody can take that away from you.

Offline kpier883

  • is quite the
  • Hot Shot
  • ***
  • Posts: 677
Re: Handle bar swap out options that make sense?
« Reply #23 on: May 09, 2012, 07:58:07 AM »
I like the Honda ST1100 handlebar bend.  I have a Flanders version of it but there are a few issues that you must deal with.  First you have to drill it for the wires.  Second it is "knurled" where our bikes are smooth.  This hasn't caused me any problems, but it might if I ever went back to stock. 

It is a nice sporty bar but not too low



Logged
74 CB750
80 CBX
82 KZ1000 K2 (LTD)
57 1/2 ton chevy

Offline chicagogreg

  • Full Member
  • *
  • Posts: 9
  • 1975 CB750 K5 w/ 13K on the clock
Re: Handle bar swap out options that make sense?
« Reply #24 on: May 09, 2012, 01:34:44 PM »
Hinomaru, this is great info- I really appreciate the pictures & the specific dimensions! ;D

I think the Honda Euro bars are a happy medium between stock and cafe type bars. The seem to effectively be the stock bar with reductions in rise and pull back, so they are still functional, comfortable & practical...

I have studied the pictures of the 400F bars and agree that they look too narrow for a CB750. Unless I am mistaken, there are a couple pairs on ebay at the moment. Check them out grcamna2!

Cheers, Greg
Logged
Sometimes the smartest person is the one who knows to ask for help...

Offline GoatBaSS

  • Could someone find an
  • Expert
  • ****
  • Posts: 760
  • To weird to live, to rare to die.
Re: Handle bar swap out options that make sense?
« Reply #25 on: May 09, 2012, 02:07:10 PM »
I have a similar drag type bar but I am smaller and they fit and handle well...then again I have a 75 goldwing front end on mine so there is a bit more pull back. Good luck...
Logged
Leethal # 3046?
1972 CB750K/900CC Red Headed Dunstall, 1975CB750FSS Gone BNF: 1974CB500T, 1976CB750K X 2

Offline grcamna2

  • Not a
  • Really Old Timer ...
  • *******
  • Posts: 15,284
  • I love to restore & travel. Keep'em Going Strong !
Re: Handle bar swap out options that make sense?
« Reply #26 on: May 09, 2012, 03:05:59 PM »
Quote from: chicagogreg on May 09, 2012, 01:34:44 PM
Hinomaru, this is great info- I really appreciate the pictures & the specific dimensions! ;D

I think the Honda Euro bars are a happy medium between stock and cafe type bars. The seem to effectively be the stock bar with reductions in rise and pull back, so they are still functional, comfortable & practical...

I have studied the pictures of the 400F bars and agree that they look too narrow for a CB750. Unless I am mistaken, there are a couple pairs on ebay at the moment. Check them out grcamna2!

Cheers, Greg
Greg,
  I looked on my saved search under CB400F parts and I don't see any stock O.E. low bars on Ebay in that area..,where did you see them ?
Logged
75' CB400F/'bunch o' parts' & 81' CB125S modded to a 'CB200S'
  I love the small ones too !
Do your BEST...nobody can take that away from you.

Offline chicagogreg

  • Full Member
  • *
  • Posts: 9
  • 1975 CB750 K5 w/ 13K on the clock
Re: Handle bar swap out options that make sense?
« Reply #27 on: May 09, 2012, 03:54:46 PM »
Logged
Sometimes the smartest person is the one who knows to ask for help...

Offline grcamna2

  • Not a
  • Really Old Timer ...
  • *******
  • Posts: 15,284
  • I love to restore & travel. Keep'em Going Strong !
Re: Handle bar swap out options that make sense?
« Reply #28 on: May 09, 2012, 08:22:54 PM »
No,I want the 1975'model low bars which have been so tough for me to find a pair that's straight..,I don't mind if they have rust on them as long as they're straight and that they're the O.E. low bars meant for my bike.
Logged
75' CB400F/'bunch o' parts' & 81' CB125S modded to a 'CB200S'
  I love the small ones too !
Do your BEST...nobody can take that away from you.

Offline flybox1

  • My wife thinks I'm a
  • Really Old Timer ...
  • *******
  • Posts: 14,289
Re: Handle bar swap out options that make sense?
« Reply #29 on: May 10, 2012, 06:53:51 AM »
Logged
'78 750K (F3 engine) PD42b's, Modified airbox w/K&N  filter, 40/110 jets, 1 needle shim, IMS@ 1 turn out. Kerker + Cone 18" QuietCore

Past Bikes
1974 550K0 (stock), 1973 CB350F (stock), 1983 Yamaha XS400K (POS)
77/78 cool 2 member #3
"Knowledge without mileage equals bullsh!t" - Henry Rollins

"This is my CB. There are many like it, but this one is mine…"

Offline LesterPiglet

  • Old Timer
  • ******
  • Posts: 4,045
  • 1977 CB550F2
Re: Handle bar swap out options that make sense?
« Reply #30 on: May 10, 2012, 07:04:51 AM »
« Last Edit: May 10, 2012, 07:08:05 AM by LesterPiglet »
Logged
'Then' and 'than' are completely different words and have completely different meanings. Same with 'of' and 'have'. Set and sit. There, their and they're. Draw and drawer. Could care less/couldn't care less. Bought/brought FFS.


Les Ross.            Certified by a Professional

Offline jj

  • Full Member
  • *
  • Posts: 6
Re: Handle bar swap out options that make sense?
« Reply #31 on: May 10, 2012, 01:49:02 PM »
just put these emgo euro bars on my 78 750f
Logged

Offline grcamna2

  • Not a
  • Really Old Timer ...
  • *******
  • Posts: 15,284
  • I love to restore & travel. Keep'em Going Strong !
Re: Handle bar swap out options that make sense?
« Reply #32 on: May 10, 2012, 01:52:55 PM »
Welcome jj  :)

I'll keep trying to find a used pair..,it'll take a good while for me to save the $ for the O.E. new Honda low bars;I want a used pair.
Logged
75' CB400F/'bunch o' parts' & 81' CB125S modded to a 'CB200S'
  I love the small ones too !
Do your BEST...nobody can take that away from you.
Pages: 1 2 [All]   Go Up
« previous next »