Merlin Posted October 6, 2011 Posted October 6, 2011 I have searched the forum - so forgive me if I have missed this question being asked already!I have a Suzuki GS 125 ES and want to replace the handebars with something that is less 'flat' and comes to meet me (if that makes any sense?) I have spondylitis in my spine and widespread arthritis and find the sitting position really uncomfortable so want a more "sit up and beg" handlebar. At 42 I want to go a bit longer before I give in to a mobility scooter! I have seen some custom bars and also some other Suzuki ones that the dealer says will fit - but he pointed out that the cables might not be long enough - which I hadn't thought of. (Doh!)I am happy and comfortable with the mechanics, but a bit freaked out with the electrics and can see myself ending up with a box of bits! (and looking at mobility scooters).Has anyone any experience of this? Is it straight forward? I am happy to learn if it isn't too complicated! I have rebuilt a car from scratch before (but hate driving hence I want to keep riding).I hope eventually to get a cruiser, but if I can get comfy on this am equally happy pootling round on it as I have spent a bit on it - it is black and sourcing black parts has been a nightmare - looks like they only made about 10 or something and all the rest are red and blue, lol!!I have a Haynes - but can't find anything helpful in it about replacing the handlebars! I am off work next week and thought I might tackle it then.Thanks for reading and any advice anyone can offer. Quote
megawatt Posted October 6, 2011 Posted October 6, 2011 Easy to replace handlebars mate. Sometimes you need to drill a small hole in em to take the anti rotation pin in the switchblock. Depends how high they are and how much pullback, whether you need longer throttle n clutch cables. Venhill will make these for ya. Rare to need longer electric cables , but this is an easy job. PM yer number for a chat??? Quote
Merlin Posted October 6, 2011 Author Posted October 6, 2011 Hi Megawatt, thank you for the quick reply. I am happy to support anyone who can help me out with any parts to make them fit! Thank you too for the offer of talking me through it.The ones I have found are:Custom chopper Motorcycle Handlebar Chrome 7/8", 8" Rise Pull Back, Chrome, Centre width 7", Overall width 28.5". But I have measured my clocks width and this would seem to fit. My bars are 26", these are a bit wider. They are "W" shaped with a flat middle.The one I contacted the supplier about is:SUZUKI GN125 handlebars. These are used and have a few rust spots, but look okay and should polish out. Both cost about £35 including shipping which seemed okay (?) I think the Suzuki ones will make it stand out less, but as I am trying to prolong my riding the custom ones look more comfy - and are new!I think I will order them (any suggestions on the best fit?) and once they arrive contact you for advice if that is okay? I really thought I was onto a non-starter after messaging the supplier. I am quiet excited now! Quote
megawatt Posted October 6, 2011 Posted October 6, 2011 "I think I will order them (any suggestions on the best fit?)" Not sure what this bit means mate??? 7/8" bars are standard, but an 8" rise will probably mean extended cables and electrics. Is this the minimum you can manage with? You are welcome to bell me when you are ready to fit them and I'll talk you through the mods I have several pairs of Renthals and Bandit bars that you are welcome to try, but none have an 8" rise . Quote
Merlin Posted October 6, 2011 Author Posted October 6, 2011 "I think I will order them (any suggestions on the best fit?)" Not sure what this bit means mate??? 7/8" bars are standard, but an 8" rise will probably mean extended cables and electrics. Is this the minimum you can manage with? You are welcome to bell me when you are ready to fit them and I'll talk you through the mods I have several pairs of Renthals and Bandit bars that you are welcome to try, but none have an 8" rise . Sorry - I just wondered if you'd recommend one over the other. Looking at them again the custom chopper bars would make it look like a Harley - and it ain't never gonna be one of those! The dealer of the GN 125 bars did say that they would bring the seating position up and back which is what I am trying to achieve - but then raised the query over cable length. Therefore with the offer of phone help I have bought the GN 125 bars. They do look like they will give me what I am after. Hopefully they will be posted tomorrow and be with me early next week. Thank you for all the advice and help you are offering. I'll message you when they arrive for some telephone advice on the mods. Quote
megawatt Posted October 6, 2011 Posted October 6, 2011 No probs mate, as long as the bars do what you want. The main prob is cable length . Fit em to the risers, and look at your switchgear. If there are anti rotation pins on them, you will need to drill holes in the bars or if you're lucky , they will already be there , in the right position.Once fitted, you can check the cable lengths. Sometimes you can reroute them to suit post pix of bars and inside of switchgear??? Quote
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