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Post by m40man on Nov 20, 2007 20:53:40 GMT
Was wondering if any of you Divvy or Fazer sorts had lower bars on your bike? After riding my VFR for a while now, I realise (contrary to what I'd always thought!) that the lower bars are much better on my arms / wrists than the Renthal 758 bars are on my Fazer. I've also been very impressed with the VFR's handling, & suspect it's much down to the weight distribution being pushed more forward due to the bars. So I plan to put lower bars on the Fazer. Any recommendations? I've got a pair of Reaper's excellent bar end weights which I really want to keep using, so does this limit me to Renthals? Or are most aftermarket bars the same at the ends?? Also, I gather I will need to drill the ends of new bars for the switchgear to locate properly? Tips on doing this? (Sounds a recipe for disaster - drilling onto a curved surface of hard metal  .) Advice / hints / fitting tips welcomed. Martin. |
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Post by General Gman on Nov 20, 2007 22:39:50 GMT
Sounds a recipe for disaster - drilling onto a curved surface of hard metal .)Eh? they're aluminium - not exactly hard.... Best way is to mark it out, pop a dimple into the surface with a punch and (making sure you're using a decent drill - I use TiN coated Dormer drills) drill the hole. Aluminium tends not to clear very well - you need to drill at a high speed with little pressure.I always use a bit of wd40 to lubricate the work if I'm drilling aluminium - you don't really need to with a decent coated drill, but I like the smell..... 
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Post by Fiasco on Nov 20, 2007 23:07:09 GMT
Hi Martin Not sure if it's any help but you are welcome to try my standard Fazer bars to see if that works for you ? If you like them you can look out for some on e-bay perhaps. I had fun drilling holes for my switch gear, but I was too lazy to take the bars off the bike once I realised the original holes were in the wrong place  Dave ;D |
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Post by m40man on Nov 20, 2007 23:22:25 GMT
Cheers Dave. I suspect the height of the standards are pretty much as the Renthals though. I've had the VFR for 8 weeks now. It's so nice to ride that I've only used the Fazer once since September - & then only because I felt she deserved a run to work one day. That day I got home with aching arms & a dodgy wrist. I don't think I rode that much more quickly on the Fazer to justify the arm strain . More fun & more comfy - I wanted to have one, but that came as a shock, I can tell you! |
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Post by Fiasco on Nov 20, 2007 23:39:46 GMT
Hmm yes, I knew it was a bad idea when I test rode the new VFR, have wanted one ever since, the handling is superb. However I have just got comfy with the Fazer over longer distances, and I am not sure the VFR would be kind on my dodgy back and neck. Always willing to test an older model though Dave ;D |
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Post by Ghoti on Nov 22, 2007 15:57:40 GMT
Martin,
(Please try this as I'm thinking about it, but want to know how it works first).
It was suggested to me to rotate the bar risers through 180 degrees to put the bars forwards more and then pull the bars towards you, thus lowering them.
Sounds good in principle, but I've not got around to trying it yet.
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Post by m40man on Nov 22, 2007 16:33:12 GMT
.. rotate the bar risers through 180 degrees .. Can you explain what you mean, please? I might be prepared to be your guinea pig [1]. [1]Overfeed me if you want, but no fondling. |
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Post by Fiasco on Nov 22, 2007 20:14:30 GMT
At a guess I would say he means the "L" shaped risers that lift the bars up and towards you, if you turn it round so it moves the bars away this would mean you have to lean further forward.
There again I may be totally wrong !!
Dave ;D
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Post by m40man on Nov 22, 2007 20:51:35 GMT
The riser parts on my bars look like they're vertical, same height front 'n back. Or are my eyes deceiving me??? (Fazer1000 for any confused Divvy owners ) Certainly no L shaped bit. |
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Post by neilmud Lord Protector on Nov 22, 2007 22:02:47 GMT
I was thinking of putting flatter bars on my Fazer as the standard bars seem higher than my Divy What needs drilling? as all bits seem to rotate on the bars.
Neil
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Post by m40man on Nov 22, 2007 22:45:14 GMT
What needs drilling? as all bits seem to rotate on the bars. Neil It's just a couple of holes (the switchgear has a couple of lugs, to stop them rotating, I guess). |
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Post by Fiasco on Nov 22, 2007 23:16:08 GMT
Not even holes, just dimples in the metal, the switchgear has plastic lugs as Martin says.
Dave ;D
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Post by Ghoti on Nov 23, 2007 11:08:04 GMT
Martin, You're right. The risers are straight. On the bike that I had the idea demonstarted on, they were leant back.
Forget that idea, but thanks for offering to be my guinea pig (gaffer tape at the ready!)
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Post by paulajayne on Nov 23, 2007 13:13:33 GMT
Drilling holes in bars WILL weaken them and so will be below design parameters.
This could have adverse effects in an accident or under very heavy breaking.
If you do drill a hole/holes drill the smallest size possible and ream the hole afterwards, this will greatly help in stopping crack propagation.
If it is just a dimple that is required to prevent switch rotation perhaps a blunt centre punch will create what is required or as I have done in the past wrap a quantity of electrical insulation tape around the bar and then fit the switch over it.
Paula
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Post by m40man on Nov 27, 2007 8:11:31 GMT
I have my suspicions that lower bars will contact the tank on full lock - I've got Renthal 758's (quite low) on it already & they are perilously close . |
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Post by Ghoti on Nov 27, 2007 14:05:17 GMT
Flatter bars with less sweep back may avoid the tank.
IMHO, the Fazer bars are too swept back for my liking, I'd prefer them a bit straighter.
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Post by Fiasco on Dec 23, 2007 15:24:15 GMT
Martin
Have you considered trying a cushion ?
I tried out the new Airhawk today, and it definitely pushes more of your weight forward.
Just a thought
Dave ;D
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Post by m40man on Dec 23, 2007 16:19:32 GMT
Martin Have you considered trying a cushion ? I tried out the new Airhawk today, and it definitely pushes more of your weight forward. Just a thought Dave ;D I'm certain this isn't a cruel 'heightist' comment  ! |
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Post by teejayexc on Dec 23, 2007 16:25:26 GMT
Martin Have you considered trying a cushion ? I tried out the new Airhawk today, and it definitely pushes more of your weight forward. Just a thought Dave ;D You'll be needing some little step ladders as well then? Martin, have you tried stilleto's? Just a thought (ugh!) Trev |
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Post by cam7777 on Dec 23, 2007 18:05:13 GMT
Always wanted a new Fazer 1000 up until now  Just got a new one delivered to my company, it only took one sitting to realise that the riding position is not for me....shame though as they look the mutts whatsits. Here it is, unregistered at the moment.  |
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Post by teejayexc on Dec 23, 2007 20:31:47 GMT
Back tyre looks a bit squared off, Fiasco been on it? I'll give you £500 for it Clive  |
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Post by Fiasco on Dec 23, 2007 20:40:10 GMT
I rode an 07 Fazer a few weeks back, and it is nowhere near as comfy as the pre 2005 version. It's far more sports bike orientated with harder suspension and seat and more revvy engine.
Welcome to have a go on mine sometime Clive
Dave ;D
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Post by cam7777 on Dec 23, 2007 21:59:51 GMT
Back tyre looks a bit squared off, Fiasco been on it? I'll give you £500 for it Clive Back tyre squared off? even though its not been on the road.... Dave, might take you up on that in the summer mate!  |
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Post by m40man on Feb 22, 2008 14:55:52 GMT
Replacement bars now fitted, well forward & lower:  |
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Post by beeblemaster on Feb 22, 2008 15:10:52 GMT
Just needs a Honda V-4 in it..... |
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Post by m40man on Mar 1, 2008 20:11:03 GMT
Had a good chance to test these bars out, last Sunday. About 360 miles & when I got home all was well. No pulled arm muscles. Reckon it's sorted . ........... apart from that V4 motor ;D. |
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