Handlebars differences

quawk

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Jan 1, 2024
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I see that there were several different handlebars available in the same year for the different models. Were the Euro spec bars mounted to bikes to be sold in the U.K., and the "western" bars for bikes destined for the U.S. market? Was it just a matter of general prefernce that the UK riders preferred the somewhat flatter and narrower bars? Any other real reason for the difference? I do realize the apehangers, like mine (ughh) and the interpol bars were also mounted on some bikes.
 
I remember back at that time that Triumph dealers found USA riders wanted high bars. How much was due to the
Easy Rider film I do not know. Also more fast longer distance riding over here, in USA it was 1/4 mile holeshots and
a blast to the local. Bars are like oil, many opinions. Think you should mount what fits you best. My preference
has always been low and narrow but then I am a smallish person so works for me.
 
The US spec bars give more upright riding position than the UK and Euro bends, likely to accomodate extended riding on long straight highways.
My bike had hirider bars, which i never rode with, going striaght to UK bend. But found those limited the rotation of the brake MC due to interfence of hose/pressure switch with top fork mount. I now think these bars are more suited for front drum setup bikes. Could not get it where i wanted for best comfort.
Went to Euro bend, lower and quite wide, MC now rotated where i liked. All good 'cept more load on my wrists from more forward leaning.
 
quawk said:
I see that there were several different handlebars available in the same year for the different models.
Click to expand...

Which 'year' as the handlebars changed.

quawk said:
Were the Euro spec bars mounted to bikes to be sold in the U.K., and the "western" bars for bikes destined for the U.S. market?
Click to expand...

Not necessarily.
 
I’m a tad over 6ft and, personally, I find that on Nortons and Triumphs, the ‘western’ type bars work really well with the stock footrests. Lower bars accentuate the issue of the footrests being too far forwards, but with western bars the rider ‘triangle’ is much improved, for me at least.
 
Interstate Europe had a lower bar as standard before Edit: 850 Mk2/2A.
Handlebars differences
 
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Tornado said:
The US spec bars give more upright riding position than the UK and Euro bends, likely to accomodate extended riding on long straight highways.
My bike had hirider bars, which i never rode with, going striaght to UK bend. But found those limited the rotation of the brake MC due to interfence of hose/pressure switch with top fork mount. I now think these bars are more suited for front drum setup bikes. Could not get it where i wanted for best comfort.
Went to Euro bend, lower and quite wide, MC now rotated where i liked. All good 'cept more load on my wrists from more forward leaning.
Click to expand...
I read
in a post a good time ago that the wider the bar the more likely hood of tank slappers occurring.True or false?
 
Ian James said:
Ash . What about those crazy bastards that raced around banked circuits with the handlebars cumming back to their knees ? How ballsy where they?Tank slappers be dammed.
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I broke a mirror on a kwak I used to own so I removed it and rode with just one mirror
When I got up to speed it started to weave
I thought no it can't be
So I turned the mirror edge on and the weaving stopped
 
Ian James said:
I read
in a post a good time ago that the wider the bar the more likely hood of tank slappers occurring.True or false?
Click to expand...
I find the wider the bars are the more you can throw the bike around, just give that bit more leverage on the bars compared to narrower bars, many years ago I had wide flat bars on my Norton and I could throw it around like a speedway/dirt bike was a lot easier to throw it around and easier on the muscles, a lot more work with shorter bars, some may disagree with me but riding dirt bikes and road bikes for 50+ years and riding with wide and short narrow bars I prefer wider bars above all others.

Ashley
 
Fast Eddie said:
I’m a tad over 6ft and, personally, I find that on Nortons and Triumphs, the ‘western’ type bars work really well with the stock footrests. Lower bars accentuate the issue of the footrests being too far forwards, but with western bars the rider ‘triangle’ is much improved, for me at least.
Click to expand...

I'm also a sniff over 6ft. I've been fine with the UK/Euro bars (065748) in Roadster guise, and was pretty convinced that translated over to the bike in Interstate set-up, alas after a 90 mile non stop ride the other weekend, my back was complaining.

Simulating a higher bar (by using fingertips on the grips - not very scientific I know) leads me to think that the semi western (061046) might be the way to go for me, I'm just not a fan of the look of the US bars.

Pity there isn't a just bar in between the Euro & semi western 🤔 EDIT. Maybe the Interpol?
 
Bonzo said:
I'm also a sniff over 6ft. I've been fine with the UK/Euro bars (065748) in Roadster guise, and was pretty convinced that translated over to the bike in Interstate set-up, alas after a 90 mile non stop ride the other weekend, my back was complaining.

Simulating a higher bar (by using fingertips on the grips - not very scientific I know) leads me to think that the semi western (061046) might be the way to go for me, I'm just not a fan of the look of the US bars.

Pity there isn't a just bar in between the Euro & semi western 🤔 EDIT. Maybe the Interpol?
Click to expand...
Daytona Touring Bars, been using them for years.
Should be available over there. Emgo product.

Emgo Black 7/8 in. Daytona Touring Handlebar - 23-12574 - Dennis Kirk

Find the Emgo Black 7/8 in. Daytona Touring Handlebar at Dennis Kirk. Shop our complete selection of Cruiser Motorcycle parts and accessories including the Emgo Black 7/8 in. Daytona Touring Handlebar.
www.denniskirk.com www.denniskirk.com
 
baz said:
I broke a mirror on a kwak I used to own so I removed it and rode with just one mirror
When I got up to speed it started to weave
I thought no it can't be
So I turned the mirror edge on and the weaving stopped
Click to expand...
Interesting....
Had a BIG tank slapper on a big Kwacker at a 100 plus.
Had recently put superbike bars and 1 flat mirror on it.
Needless to say it was, ah, um, oh, let's just say it was exhilarating.....:eek:
Never occured it could be the mirror cause it went away shortly after.
Didn't need any of THAT in my life....
 
Bonzo said:
I'm also a sniff over 6ft. I've been fine with the UK/Euro bars (065748) in Roadster guise, and was pretty convinced that translated over to the bike in Interstate set-up, alas after a 90 mile non stop ride the other weekend, my back was complaining.

Simulating a higher bar (by using fingertips on the grips - not very scientific I know) leads me to think that the semi western (061046) might be the way to go for me, I'm just not a fan of the look of the US bars.

Pity there isn't a just bar in between the Euro & semi western 🤔 EDIT. Maybe the Interpol?
Click to expand...
You could try the 60s Triumph western bars, I believe they are a tad lower, they’re a comfy set up that’s very popular with Triumph riders.

Of course, another alternative is to keep the low ish bars and fit some rear set footrests.
 
MichaelB said:
The bike weaves so violently your knees and other appendages slap the tank.
Once you experience it, you'll never have to ask what it is.
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That's kinda what I suspected it meant. My group of buddies called it the death wobble. I have expereinced it. On my old rider Goldwing. Had just slowed down from an 80mph blast (fast for me) for a fairly tight sweeper curve. Front tire went flat. Thought I was a goner. No matter how hard you hang onto and try to hold the bars straight, you get an instant and violent lesson in the laws of physics.
 
Not super scientific, but it might help…



Triumph Western bars:
Handlebars differences


Norton ‘western’ bars
Handlebars differences
 
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