Are handlebars on the comeback?

[JimmyTheDriver]

A few years ago I felt like I was the only one around with handlebars still, so I switched to clip-ons with risers to give it a try.  Is it just me or are handlebars coming back?!  I swear every bike I see in motorcycle mags now is a naked/hooligan with handlebars.  New Super Duke, Naked BMW 1000rr, etc.  Not sure if its a bandwagon or not but all of a sudden, I want my handlebars back on.  For my riding style - around town cruising, some twisties, but admittedly mostly straits, maybe it make sense.

Brother just picked up a new Speed Triple and I'm jealous of the bars.

-Jim

[1.21GW]

My vote is yes.  Clip-ons generally look cooler and are essential to that hipster cafe racer CB350 look that has been popular in recent years.  But in the end, comfort wins out, so I can see why a reverse trend towards bars would happen.

For me though, I went to clip-ons because they are actually more comfortable than the bars on my Duc.  Just how my body is---it need to lean a little more than most people I guess.  That said, I haven't sold my aluminum bar yet just in case I want to switch back.

[Skybarney]

The first three bike I owned back in the early 80's were all handlebar bikes.  The next 20 years I only had bikes with clipons, Then I got a Z1000 with handlebars and actually liked it.  When I got the Duc I put taller bars on it than stock.

For me, unless on a racetrack handlebars are the way to go.  I still prefer the look of clipons though.

[ChrisK]

Clip-ons generally look cooler

I think that "cool" lies in the eyes of the beholder.

I love my handlebars for their looks and their function.

[1.21GW]

I think that "cool" lies in the eyes of the beholder.

Of course.  I was summarizing the gen pop view as I interpret it.

[Twizted]

I had bars. Then switched to clip ons. I found it made the monster tip in to quickly and they were no where near as comfy as bars. Switched back to a set of Rizoma bars and love them. I feel more confident on my Monster with bars. Each to his own I spose.

[JimmyTheDriver]

Come to think of it, I was also more confident with the bars.  For whatever reason, I feel wobbly with the clip-ons. I thought it was the suspension but have had two sag adjustments and both yielded the same results.

I think I am going to go back to the bars. 

It was never really about cool... but it kind of was haha.  I wanted the café racer style at the time, and still LOVE it, but my wrists don't.  Add in a grandmas back and it looks like I'm switching back. 

Not to side track the thread, but any grip recommendations?  I cut the stock set off when I was messing with the original bar.

-Jim

[Twizted]

Not to side track the thread, but any grip recommendations?  I cut the stock set off when I was messing with the original bar.

-Jim

http://www.monsterparts.com/pc/170755/Grips/170755.html

[JimmyTheDriver]

Nice Twizted, thanks!  I was in the local shop and pulled up the thread on my phone. Already had those exact grips in my hand, just wanted to see I anyone chimed in.

Appreciate it.

Going to throw the bars back on today.

-Jim

[lpgoldtop]

Bars give you more ergonomic options and more space to clamp shit on. Since nobody leaves the house these days without some sort of mobile device, they all need somewhere to mount  them. Bars are the cheapest(if you already have bars) and easiest way as far as I know. I ride daily and all year long, so I like LOTS of extra shit on my bike( in another year or so it will have turned into the first Ducati Goldwing/Tourglide)  and bar mounts give easy axcess. Risers, pullbacks, and different bar shapes give a larger variety of positions for someone who doesn't quite fit the bike from stock. Pure sport riders will probably always prefer clip-ons, but as more people use motorcycles for transport as well as sport, I think you'll see more bars and more stuff clamped to them(and more stuff flying thru the air when they wreck ).

[Grrrly]

I think it's a streetfighter thang.   

[ducpainter]

Bars give you more ergonomic options and more space to clamp shit on. Since nobody leaves the house these days without some sort of mobile device, they all need somewhere to mount  them. <snip>

Speak for yourself....

[JimmyTheDriver]

I got the bars back on, looking good.  Snow on the ground so I can't get out, but sitting on it felt nice.  Definitely looks more streetfighter, less café.  Are the Renthals that much better?

-Jim

[JimmyTheDriver]

Took a ride with the bars back on an my squirly feel in the corners was gone.  Hip or not... I am going to keep the bars.  My hands were cramping like crazy though, wonder if it was due to new position my muscles need to get used to.

-Jim

[SpikeC]

 Try eating some mustard before you ride. It is a folk remedy for muscle cramps that I have found effective.