Handlebar Width

markusmaximus · 06-20-2008, 06:03 PM

In the latest issue of MC there is an article comparing several "light heavy-weight" cruisers (1600 Vulcan, Suzuki C90, Yamaha Road Star, Victory, and HD Bat Bob). The Vulcan was criticized because, in part, of its wide 35" handlebars, which happens to be the same bar width on my 05 Nad. Personally, I don't have a problem with the bar width, although I prefer to sit upright when I ride, ergo my 3" riser extensions. But this article got me to thinking; how does the Nad handlebar width compare to other dressed cruisers (this is my first big cruiser so I really don't know) and how many forum members have changed handlebars? If so, why and to what?

Yellow Jacket · 06-20-2008, 06:54 PM

Like you, I have added 3" risers. I never even thought about the width of the bars before. They fit me just fine.

I wonder if MC was just looking for anything they could criticize?

ruruson1 · 06-20-2008, 07:59 PM

I added the Areomach 3" risers and love it. width is not a issue to me except in a real tight turn they feel ackward. but on the highway I love them.

bigdave · 06-21-2008, 12:59 AM

i have no problem with the width and mine are still stock height

nighthawk11 · 06-21-2008, 08:48 AM

I use the Chuckster riser extensions I bought on Ebay, and swapped the bar for a Barons Starbar. I love the way it feels and handles.

bobzinger · 06-21-2008, 11:09 AM

Considering most of my friends put higher / wider bars on their bikes I think MC mag writers are mostly sport touring riders that are out of touch with the general cruiser riding public.

markusmaximus · 06-21-2008, 11:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bobzinger

Considering most of my friends put higher / wider bars on their bikes I think MC mag writers are mostly sport touring riders that are out of touch with the general cruiser riding public.

Good point. Funny thing, it was never an issue when they tested Nomads previously. So why now? You may very well be correct.

markusmaximus · 06-21-2008, 11:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bobzinger

Considering most of my friends put higher / wider bars on their bikes I think MC mag writers are mostly sport touring riders that are out of touch with the general cruiser riding public.

On the other hand...
They were testing 5 cruisers, 3 of which were classic style cruisers. For them to single out the Vulcan for its wide bars makes one wonder just how much wider they are compared to like rides. You still may be right, but then why are these guys testing and riding for Motorcycle Cruiser? ???

06-20-2008, 06:03 PM	#1
markusmaximus Advanced Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Central Indiana Posts: 603	Handlebar Width In the latest issue of MC there is an article comparing several "light heavy-weight" cruisers (1600 Vulcan, Suzuki C90, Yamaha Road Star, Victory, and HD Bat Bob). The Vulcan was criticized because, in part, of its wide 35" handlebars, which happens to be the same bar width on my 05 Nad. Personally, I don't have a problem with the bar width, although I prefer to sit upright when I ride, ergo my 3" riser extensions. But this article got me to thinking; how does the Nad handlebar width compare to other dressed cruisers (this is my first big cruiser so I really don't know) and how many forum members have changed handlebars? If so, why and to what? Login or Register to Remove Ads
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06-20-2008, 06:54 PM	#2
Yellow Jacket Top Contributor Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Fayetteville, Georgia Posts: 5,792	Handlebar Width Like you, I have added 3" risers. I never even thought about the width of the bars before. They fit me just fine. I wonder if MC was just looking for anything they could criticize? __________________ Bob KawaNOW/VBA 210 Green/Silver 2006 Patriot Guard Riders 2009
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06-20-2008, 07:59 PM	#3
ruruson1 Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Harrison, Arkansas Posts: 195	Handlebar Width I added the Areomach 3" risers and love it. width is not a issue to me except in a real tight turn they feel ackward. but on the highway I love them.
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06-21-2008, 12:59 AM	#4
bigdave Sr. Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Burnsville, NC Posts: 1,589	Handlebar Width i have no problem with the width and mine are still stock height __________________ David "BigDave" Hall Burnsville NC VBA #477 2007 Red and Silver Nomad (traded 4/10/2014) 2013 Blue and Black Voyager
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06-21-2008, 08:48 AM	#5
nighthawk11 Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Jacksonville, FL. Posts: 306	Handlebar Width I use the Chuckster riser extensions I bought on Ebay, and swapped the bar for a Barons Starbar. I love the way it feels and handles. Login or Register to Remove Ads
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06-21-2008, 11:09 AM	#6
bobzinger Sr. Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Livermore CA Posts: 1,334	Handlebar Width Considering most of my friends put higher / wider bars on their bikes I think MC mag writers are mostly sport touring riders that are out of touch with the general cruiser riding public. __________________ Life is Good! Eternal Life is better!
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