Author Topic: Cafe handle bars (Read 21740 times)

hs2k007 · « **on:** January 31, 2009, 09:19:44 PM »

What cafe bars would you guys and gals recomend for a 1972 CB350F. Post up pics of your setup. I think I am ready to mod my bike. I was going to just restore it, as it belonged to my Grandfather, but now I love the cafe look.

Steven

kslrr · « **Reply #1 on:** January 31, 2009, 10:38:26 PM »

I have clubmans on my '72.

CrashBar · « **Reply #2 on:** February 01, 2009, 11:27:05 AM »

These are superbike style bars, similar to what came stock on the original CB400. They fit nice, but they were a PITA to install becaue I needed to drill the holes to run the wires inside the bar.

hs2k007 · « **Reply #3 on:** February 01, 2009, 02:43:43 PM »

I like both. Do you have to drill holes for the clubmans? I also like the drag bar look. Anyone have those with some pics?

jamesb · « **Reply #4 on:** February 01, 2009, 03:27:41 PM »

here are some of my 350f with just drag bars the clubmans are hard to get the wires trough i used alot of lube the stuff electricans use to run wire in conduit the drag bars are easy beings it's straight on and the clubmans when installed and riding, you use muscles in your arms you didn't even no exsisted.

bndgkmf · « **Reply #5 on:** February 01, 2009, 06:28:45 PM »

Dragbar:

Clubman:

A buddy of mine swears by the superbike bar.

jamesb · « **Reply #6 on:** February 01, 2009, 06:48:01 PM »

hey bndgkmf how do you like the bar end mirrors are they ant better than stock i was thinking about getting some for my bike

kslrr · « **Reply #7 on:** February 01, 2009, 07:38:44 PM »

I find that I like the "center of leverage" that the clubmans present. It's as though my hand were gripping the front axle directly.

bndgkmf · « **Reply #8 on:** February 01, 2009, 08:37:56 PM »

Quote from: jamesb on February 01, 2009, 06:48:01 PM

hey bndgkmf how do you like the bar end mirrors are they ant better than stock i was thinking about getting some for my bike

You see a whole lot less of your shoulder with them mounted lower like that. If you get some go for the napoleons. Mine are the Emgo copies they have a real jinky mounting system. If you have clip-ons or a clubman make sure and get the little blind spot mirrors. Hope this helps.

OakBehringer · « **Reply #9 on:** February 02, 2009, 08:32:30 AM »

I would not go with clubman or drag bars if you're not going to get rearsets, as well. Superbikes are nice for you.

Ryan 550k · « **Reply #10 on:** February 02, 2009, 08:44:29 AM »

I've ridden with both clubmans and drag bars. For long trips the cubmans are laborious and I switch to drag bars, lot easier on the body. For daily riding around the city I find clubmans are fine......and they're fun. I don't have rear sets but I've often thought it would be quite a bit more comfy riding clubmans with rear sets. I've heard the same thing that OakBehringer said about superbike bars, thinking about giving them a shot this spring. Oh, and I've never ran cables through the bars, seemed unnecessary but I think it's just a personal preference thing.

Caaveman82 · « **Reply #11 on:** February 02, 2009, 10:39:55 AM »

I've had clubmans but I switched to the drag bars. I prefer the wider grip.

hs2k007 · « **Reply #12 on:** February 02, 2009, 03:19:50 PM »

I think the drag bars are what I am looking for. I want the lower look, but I still want some comfort. Where can I get a set for a good price and do I need to drill holes to run the wires?

Ryan 550k · « **Reply #13 on:** February 02, 2009, 05:13:55 PM »

Quote from: hs2k007 on February 02, 2009, 03:19:50 PM

I think the drag bars are what I am looking for. I want the lower look, but I still want some comfort. Where can I get a set for a good price and do I need to drill holes to run the wires?

Drag bars are super common here in the NW. If you were in this neck of the woods I'd just say go to any motorcycle shop and you'd find some for $25 but, not sure how common they are in your area.

Mach-5(50) · « **Reply #14 on:** February 02, 2009, 09:31:54 PM »

here is an interesting alternative i hadn't seen before. has any ridden with theses?
also, not a bad site, although it is all triumph stuff. http://newbonneville.com/html/hyde_handlebars.html

KingCustomCycles.com · « **Reply #15 on:** February 03, 2009, 04:30:37 AM »

Clubmans are torture unless you lower the seat also. It is all about reaching out and up or level for comfort. Just extend your arms out naturally with your elbows bent while sitting on the bike. If your stomach muscles have to be tight to hold the position then the bars are too low and will place too much weight on your wrists. You will also notice your wrists/hands are angled down and back in this natural position. I agree with a previous post also in that I like a narrow bar to actually feel like I am turning the steering head at low speeds. Modern sport bikes and cruisers are set-up the way they are for a reason. Go to a showroom and study their bar and seat positions carefully. A vintage Honda with clubmans is a blast to ride, IF the seat is correct in height and length.

Geeto67 · « **Reply #16 on:** February 03, 2009, 04:50:09 AM »

don't forget the arch a set of clubmans can put in your spine as you have to rotate your pelvis around to put your feet on stock pegs with those bars. Just looking for spinal damage with a stock bike with clubmans. When building a bike you have to think of rider position as a whole, and it is your dimensions and position and not anyone elses that matter. Some guys can pull of stock pegs and clubmans and stock seat, those guys are usually 5'4", but really it isn't for everyone. Plus a stock bike with just clubmans looks kinda lame.

There is no one part that makes a bike "cafe" and that includes bars. Going from clipons to clubmans won't cure any of the low bar rider issues we have discussed and doesn't earn you extra cool points.

andy750 · « **Reply #17 on:** February 03, 2009, 05:47:18 AM »

Tomesslli bars on a CB750K2 - I am 6`4, 36`inseam and these bars with stock pegs are very comfortable for 300 mile day rides...seat is lower than stock.

cheers
Andy

Geeto67 · « **Reply #18 on:** February 03, 2009, 06:33:02 AM »

I am surprised you don't get leg cramps riding like that andy. That being said, all you are doing is illustrating my point, you set the bike up for your individual body type. I'm 6'5" with a 34 inch inseam and I don't think I could ride a long distance with that setup (and I know from expirence that cheap clubmans and a stock seat and pegs are a killer) but you have a bigger wingspan than I do so maybe it works for you.

like I said - play with it and set the bike up so you have good back posture and at least a 70-degree bend in yout knee and hip as a good starting place - don't be one of these guys that just throws a set of $15 clubmans and calls his stock bike cafe - ain't no amount of checkerboard stickers or clubman bars are going to give you what a well thought out and constructed bike will.

andy750 · « **Reply #19 on:** February 03, 2009, 07:05:53 AM »

I agree on the cheap clubmans Geeto - too severe angle for my wrists and that would hurt my back. The wider wingspan of the tomessellis make all the difference. Last summer I rode this bike several times on 300+ mile days. The seat after 200 miles becomes a little uncomfy and by 250 -280 miles its time to get off and have more breaks. But no problems on back or wrists.

cheers
Andy

Caaveman82 · « **Reply #20 on:** February 03, 2009, 07:37:59 AM »

Quote from: hs2k007 on February 02, 2009, 03:19:50 PM

I think the drag bars are what I am looking for. I want the lower look, but I still want some comfort. Where can I get a set for a good price and do I need to drill holes to run the wires?

E-bay my friend. I got a really good set powder coated black already for like 20 bucks with shipping.

Ryan 550k · « **Reply #21 on:** February 03, 2009, 07:55:02 AM »

Quote from: andy750 on February 03, 2009, 07:05:53 AM

I agree on the cheap clubmans Geeto - too severe angle for my wrists and that would hurt my back. The wider wingspan of the tomessellis make all the difference. Last summer I rode this bike several times on 300+ mile days. The seat after 200 miles becomes a little uncomfy and by 250 -280 miles its time to get off and have more breaks. But no problems on back or wrists.

So the Tomessellis clubmans are wider huh?

andy750 · « **Reply #22 on:** February 03, 2009, 08:37:45 AM »

Quote from: R550 on February 03, 2009, 07:55:02 AM

Quote from: andy750 on February 03, 2009, 07:05:53 AM
I agree on the cheap clubmans Geeto - too severe angle for my wrists and that would hurt my back. The wider wingspan of the tomessellis make all the difference. Last summer I rode this bike several times on 300+ mile days. The seat after 200 miles becomes a little uncomfy and by 250 -280 miles its time to get off and have more breaks. But no problems on back or wrists.

So the Tomessellis clubmans are wider huh?

Definitely - check out the photos and compare to clubmans. However they are also more expensive but hey get whats right for you.

cheers
Andy

hs2k007 · « **Reply #23 on:** February 03, 2009, 07:38:48 PM »

I understand that throwing bars on does not make a stocker a cafe. It is my starting point to see if i wan to go this route. This was my grandfathers bike purchased new in 1972. I still have the original title and warranty card as well as service records. I was leaning to not modify the bike, but now I think I want to. I have an extra seat that I may modify to go with the bars. I guess you can call my style a resto mod. As I update parts or look to rechrome, it is sometimes cheaper to replace and change the look. I am about 5-4 so I think the drag bars will work for me. I also would like to lower the entire bike. For the rear I can reposition the mounting locations of the shocks, but how do i lower the front?

KingCustomCycles.com · « **Reply #24 on:** February 04, 2009, 03:04:16 AM »

Loosen the triple tree clamps and slide the fork tubes up about an inch and a half. Much more and you will have fender issues. You can cut the springs also, or buy lowering springs but the fork slide will work well in moderation. Shorter shocks are available for the rear to avoid shackles also.

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Author Topic: Cafe handle bars (Read 21740 times)

bndgkmf

bndgkmf

Ryan 550k

Ryan 550k

KingCustomCycles.com

Ryan 550k

KingCustomCycles.com