Aftermarket handlebars

[IncrediblySlow]

I know there are a few threads on this general topic, but I couldn't find a definitive answer so sorry for starting another one...

 

I've had Protaper Contour Windham bend bars on a few previous bikes and like them, and I've always run Barkbusters mainly cos they are Australian but also strong.

 

I watched a youtube video of a tour company in Aus using T7s, and they were fitting this bar/guard combination to their bikes, so I happily dropped the cash on a set expecting it to fit.

 

Protaper Contour Windham, Barkbuster universal tapered bar kit, Barkbuster end weights, Barkbuster MX style grips, throttle tube cut back 15mm.  Bar clamp set in forward position.

 

Not so simple.  They do fit sort of but there isn't enough control area (180mm), the master cylinder mounts on the bend of the bars and sets the lever at a weird angle.  I could probably make it fit by threading the bar ends and using the oem bar weights (gives about another 10mm control area), but it would still be tight.

 

The Protaper Contour CR high bend is a very similar bend but has 200mm control area so should be enough.  Has anyone fit these bars with the above modifications and do they fit ok?

 

[AZJW]

Just in case you haven't seen this simulator,  it might help you out. Handlebars are such an individual and personal fit, it's hard to make recommendations for someone else, good luck with your search. 

 

https://www.tenere700.net/topic/5709-handlebar-simulator/#comment-85865

[Rider 101]

1 hour ago, IncrediblySlow said:

I know there are a few threads on this general topic, but I couldn't find a definitive answer so sorry for starting another one...

 

I've had Protaper Contour Windham bend bars on a few previous bikes and like them, and I've always run Barkbusters mainly cos they are Australian but also strong.

 

I watched a youtube video of a tour company in Aus using T7s, and they were fitting this bar/guard combination to their bikes, so I happily dropped the cash on a set expecting it to fit.

 

Protaper Contour Windham, Barkbuster universal tapered bar kit, Barkbuster end weights, Barkbuster MX style grips, throttle tube cut back 15mm.  Bar clamp set in forward position.

 

Not so simple.  They do fit sort of but there isn't enough control area (180mm), the master cylinder mounts on the bend of the bars and sets the lever at a weird angle.  I could probably make it fit by threading the bar ends and using the oem bar weights (gives about another 10mm control area), but it would still be tight.

 

The Protaper Contour CR high bend is a very similar bend but has 200mm control area so should be enough.  Has anyone fit these bars with the above modifications and do they fit ok?

 

From experience everything Greg uses works.

I have done quite a few rides with RideAdv and it is a professional outfit so everything must be spot on.

Have you tried sending Greg an email?

A quick look at the vid and it appears he is using the OEM bar weights.

I am pretty sure he sets the clutch and brake levers for the standing position.

[IncrediblySlow]

4 hours ago, Rider 101 said:

From experience everything Greg uses works.

I have done quite a few rides with RideAdv and it is a professional outfit so everything must be spot on.

Have you tried sending Greg an email?

A quick look at the vid and it appears he is using the OEM bar weights.

I am pretty sure he sets the clutch and brake levers for the standing position.

I didn't want to waste his time responding to some rando (me) on the internet, but I will ask him to clarify. 

 

Looks to me like he's using the Barkbuster bar weights which is why I bought them, will confirm.  They have a squared off outer edge, not tapered like oem.

 

 

Just from their youtube videos they look very professional - wouldn't surprise me if they turned up some spacers on the lathe or something to move the bar end out and make it all work perfectly.  I don't have a lathe but I do have a handful of washers, will have another play after work tonight.

Edited August 1 by IncrediblySlow

[Rider 101]

I dunno but the bar weights look the same as my OEMs and the Barkbusters are the same.

I'll get a closeup tomorrow and put a rule in for reference.

[IncrediblySlow]

Barkbuster bar weights on the bar end, oem weights in my hand:

 

 

[IncrediblySlow]

Put about 10mm of ss washers in behind the BB bar weight, so effectively made the bar 10mm longer - was able to move everything outboard 10mm and this solved the problem with brake lever angle.  Will try to locate a suitable alloy spacer, but the washers will probably do the job.

 

Edited August 1 by IncrediblySlow

[IncrediblySlow]

14 hours ago, AZJW said:

Just in case you haven't seen this simulator,  it might help you out. Handlebars are such an individual and personal fit, it's hard to make recommendations for someone else, good luck with your search. 

 

https://www.tenere700.net/topic/5709-handlebar-simulator/#comment-85865

Thanks, yes I found this on this forum, it was how I discovered the CR high bend is not that different to the Windham bend, except it has more control length.  It has less rise though which could affect tank clearance with the Barkbuster clamps.

[zimm]

Just for a data point- I fit all the controls, no bar end weights, and cycra hand guards on a Renthal fat bar high CR bend.  I had to grind the locating knobs on the insides of the Yamaha controls and it's a tight fit, but does work.

 

 

[IncrediblySlow]

8 hours ago, zimm said:

Just for a data point- I fit all the controls, no bar end weights, and cycra hand guards on a Renthal fat bar high CR bend.  I had to grind the locating knobs on the insides of the Yamaha controls and it's a tight fit, but does work.

 

The Renthal bar is listed as having 187mm control area

Renthal® : WorksFit™ Handlebar Comparison Tool

 

 

while the Protaper lists as 180mm: 

 

 

The Renthal is probably a better option for this bend.

 

The Barkbuster weights overlap the end of the bar a few mm, so removing the BB weights plus the extra 7mm on the Renthals that would give about 10mm which is what I had to add with  washers to get it to work.

 

I'll be sticking with the Windham now I have this sorted out but I'd still like to know how the CR High bend bar fits.

Edited August 1 by IncrediblySlow

[RiderEh]

I've been looking at other bars as well. I'm running barkbuster universals right now, and they don't fit with the OEM weights, which sucks. Right now I'm running 20mm risers. 

 

Renthal makes a Tenere 700 stock bend which is the 831-50-BK, and I'm also looking at the KTM Adventure bend which is 821-50-BK, and the 827-01 also has a really long control length which is the Villopoto/Stewart bar.

 

831-50-BK Tenere OE Dimensions

 

 

821-50-BK KTM Adventure

 

827-01 Villopoto/Stewart