US handlebar types and comparison

Fast Eddie

Fast Eddie

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Does anyone know of a web site where I can see the different types of US spec handlebars fitted to Meriden Bonnies over the years?

The (I believe) correct OEM US bars on my 1980 T140E aren’t good, they have a strange wrist angle going on. I’m currently using Norton Commando US bars on it, but am looking for alternatives.

My normal favourite is the 60s western bar, which I believe is the same as the Hurricane.

But I’d like to know a little more about the different types used in the 70s and 80s.
 
I find that with handlebars it comes down to the rider because we are so many different sizes. Only real sticking point is whether or not your master cylinder will clear the forks or be able to be adjusted to suit you.
The USA export bars of the mid 70s were gigantic ape hangers for me. Domestic bars same era just right.
 
Onder said:
I find that with handlebars it comes down to the rider because we are so many different sizes. Only real sticking point is whether or not your master cylinder will clear the forks or be able to be adjusted to suit you.
The USA export bars of the mid 70s were gigantic ape hangers for me. Domestic bars same era just right.
Click to expand...

I had domestic bars on my first T140 when I was 18. But when I tried them recently I hated them! Thinking back, I didn’t like the U.K. bars on my T160 either.

But you’re probably right about the apes, and I’ll probably end up with the 60s westerns...
 
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I had the domestic bars on the Norton the Trident and the Enfield. Love them. Had to take them off the Norton when I went to the Interstate tank. Using Norton Euro bars now. I hate them.
Why? Simply because we are all different in arm length, height, seat choice, footrests, tank and posture.
 
xbacksideslider said:
Online retail has killed off the option of handling bars at the local bike shop
Click to expand...

A decent auto jumble stand wudda been my preferred ‘try out’ venue, not possible here currently though.

Got some 60s western bars arriving tomorrow, will see how they feel.
 
Ok, good ole 60s pattern ‘western’ bars arrived today from the good ole folk at Andover Norton (or should that be Andover Triumph)...

Another excuse to stop work (I’m really crap at this work from home lark) and into the shed, to fit them.

Ahh, that’s much better. I really do like these bars, they seem to compliment the relative forward position of the stock footrests perfectly. Lower bars need rear sets. Higher bars are just, well, too high.

Problem solved. Next....
 
xbacksideslider said:
Online retail has killed off the option of handling bars at the local bike shop
Click to expand...

Yes it has. Same issue with Helmets..
Back in the day, my 73 came with Euro bars. Didn't care for them, didn't like the Huge Western bars either.
Solution, House of Handlebars in Artesia. Had racks of handlebars. Pick a bar or two, take them out to parking lot for a psuedo fit.
Picked a bar, rode with it for 5 years. People would comment what bar is it. I dunno.... chrome.
I think I have found it, or one close it. 'Daytona Touring Bar.' Think Superbike bar with a little more rise and pull back for upright riding.
It sits between a Western bar and a Superbike/Euro bar. Works for me...
 
I like the Brit bars looks better but keep my US D all original. That said, they are very comfortable. At 8", Not exactly apes.
 
On the T140s bars, Meriden actually dropped the rise by about 2 inches sometime around '79, possibly when the T140E came out? The angle was similar, just less rise.
US spec T160v had a unique, weird mid rise bar but with the grips angled back towards you.
Best bar by far in terms of "Western" bars is the beautiful late 60s export bar used on the twins, early 70s triples and Hurricane. I have these on 3 Triumphs and an export Rocket, 3.
I trim 1 inch off each end on the faster bikes for an easier time above 70mph, and 1lb of lead shot and expanding foam mix inside each bar end on the twins. With dynamically balanced cranks there are no bar vibes up to 80mph plus!
 
wavey_davey said:
Best bar by far in terms of "Western" bars is the beautiful late 60s export bar used on the twins, early 70s triples and Hurricane.
Click to expand...

Yup, that’s what I ended up with. I really like the width of them, and the angle (see pic).

Still wanna try some up to ‘79 export bars one day though.

US handlebar types and comparison
 
robs ss said:
Do you plan to use any lead balls/inserts to reduce vibration?
I've been thinking about it.
Click to expand...
No, vibes aren’t a problem on this bike (rubber mounted bars etc).

If I were looking at it, I reckon I’d favour lead shot kept loose. Think lead shot filled cosh !
 
I have 2 pairs in storage U.S. Western type that came on my 2 MK 111 's.
I'm running European bars at the moment with the shorter cables .
I'll buy new cables and fit the Western bars next season. Posture and reach.
 
Torontonian said:
I have 2 pairs in storage U.S. Western type that came on my 2 MK 111 's.
I'm running European bars at the moment with the shorter cables .
I'll buy new cables and fit the Western bars next season. Posture and reach.
Click to expand...
Remember this is the Triumph forum! We’re talking 60s pattern Triumph western bars here. They’re different to the Commando Western bars which I had on the T140 prior... guess that made it a Triton!?
 
wavey_davey said:
On the T140s bars, Meriden actually dropped the rise by about 2 inches sometime around '79, possibly when the T140E came out? The angle was similar, just less rise.
US spec T160v had a unique, weird mid rise bar but with the grips angled back towards you.
Best bar by far in terms of "Western" bars is the beautiful late 60s export bar used on the twins, early 70s triples and Hurricane. I have these on 3 Triumphs and an export Rocket, 3.
I trim 1 inch off each end on the faster bikes for an easier time above 70mph, and 1lb of lead shot and expanding foam mix inside each bar end on the twins. With dynamically balanced cranks there are no bar vibes up to 80mph plus!
Click to expand...

I agree about the bars, when I order them I order Hurricane bars as there is no mixing up, they were all fitted with the same bars.
 
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