Guest dmizer Posted July 10, 2016 Share Posted July 10, 2016 a lower, flatter bar ... is loads more affordable than a new suspension That really depends. If your bar mod is small and subtle, you're probably right. However, if you get too agressive, this will mean lots of expense on shorter brake lines, throttle cables, and rewiring. Depending on what you do, you could also need to replace switch gear, grips, and so on. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
xlxr Posted July 10, 2016 Share Posted July 10, 2016 Changing the chassis pitch by lowering the front of the bike by raising the forks in the triple clamps will make the bike turn in faster, also called counter-steer. Generally, you want to set chassis pitch so that the bike is stable in the average turn at average speeds, so you don't have to make a bunch of in-corner corrections. However, too low in front can cause instability at speeds. Sit on your bike, put you hands where you want them. Have someone measure handle bar height, pull bike, length and find a bar to match. Go to web sites that make handle bars and look up the dimensions and specs. There is one company that is know for adjustable handle bars, but I cannot remember the name. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stringman Posted July 13, 2016 Share Posted July 13, 2016 The stock handlebars are adjustable up to 1" forward from original setting in the stock clamps, but you probably have already done this right? Is this achieved by rotating the clamp or just twisting the bars forward? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
caferacer Posted July 13, 2016 Share Posted July 13, 2016 The stock handlebars are adjustable up to 1" forward from original setting in the stock clamps, but you probably have already done this right? Is this achieved by rotating the clamp or just twisting the bars forward? Yeah you rotate the clamp 180 degrees, read a detailed thread on that here: http://fj-09.org/thread/224/adjusted-handlebars Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stringman Posted July 26, 2016 Share Posted July 26, 2016 thanks Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zupatun Posted July 27, 2016 Share Posted July 27, 2016 As a VFR owner, I'm more used to the bar position he refers to than the FJ. For Twisties and trackday, the VFR position is probably the BEST compromise between the FJ and an R1 ... My trackday naked SV650 bars got swPped for clipons...very aggressive riding position. Not what you want. I would call And get numbers for the woodcraft, look up numbers on Sport rider website or motorcyclists for FJ and VFR and compare. OR, call Rental and ask for advice! Matt Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rhluisenrique Posted December 31, 2017 Share Posted December 31, 2017 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Premium Member 2and3cylinders Posted January 1, 2018 Premium Member Share Posted January 1, 2018 Check out my posts on handle bars. What I have now are no less wide but are 2"+ lower with more drop and sweep, think 1980s superbike bars with more rise to keep the touring quotient. Wider bars keep you lower than narrower bars but the drop and sweep are critical to wrist geometry Watch some 1980s US superbike racing, they went plenty fast with wider, higher bars which helped them wrestle those mishandling monsters. Raising the forks 6 mm will speed up turn-in, which IMO strikes an ideal balance with stability. My other sport tourer though is a 1998 VTR1000F. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nogirlsontheinternet Posted January 18, 2018 Share Posted January 18, 2018 Sorry to reanimate this post from the dead, but I'm looking for the same thing. A buddy of mine wrecked my FZ1 this past weekend beyond repair, and I MISS that riding position! The FJ is my sport-touring machine, but I don't melt around it like I did that FZ1 (my precious, beloved baby, the most comfortable/confident riding position I've ever had on a bike.) I would love to have a bit shaved off the width of the bars, and I do plan to flip around the risers to see if that helps a bit. Sitting ON the bike isn't as confidence-inspiring as sitting IN the bike, I find. Also going to swap out the POS Dunlop D222's in favor of PR4's, which may be enough unto itself to fix some of the lack of road-feel I'm experiencing. It's like having sex with the guy wearing 4 condoms - you know *something* is going on down there, but you're not quiiiiite sure what. At any rate, I'm curious if the OP found a solution he liked. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Supporting Member betoney Posted January 19, 2018 Supporting Member Share Posted January 19, 2018 Sorry to reanimate this post from the dead, but I'm looking for the same thing. A buddy of mine wrecked my FZ1 this past weekend beyond repair, and I MISS that riding position! The FJ is my sport-touring machine, but I don't melt around it like I did that FZ1 (my precious, beloved baby, the most comfortable/confident riding position I've ever had on a bike.) I would love to have a bit shaved off the width of the bars, and I do plan to flip around the risers to see if that helps a bit. Sitting ON the bike isn't as confidence-inspiring as sitting IN the bike, I find. Also going to swap out the POS Dunlop D222's in favor of PR4's, which may be enough unto itself to fix some of the lack of road-feel I'm experiencing. It's like having sex with the guy wearing 4 condoms - you know *something* is going on down there, but you're not quiiiiite sure what. At any rate, I'm curious if the OP found a solution he liked. I cant stand wide bars and found the stock bars on the ridiculous side, the handguards and handlebars were the first thing to go after I bought the bike. I also had (and crashed) an FZ1 prior to this FJ and miss it alot. On both bikes I used Rizoma bars and cut them almost a full 1.5" narrower on each side. I got a flat at 4,000 miles on my stock Dunlops and happily swapped them to Pirelli Angel GT's. I didn't find the D222's to be terrible but they weren't special in anyway either. The Angel GT's are a great tire in every way and I always have a fresh set waiting in the garage, too bad they are getting so damn expensive. ***2015 Candy Red FJ-09*** Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Supporting Member texscottyd Posted January 19, 2018 Supporting Member Share Posted January 19, 2018 @betoney - Which Rizzoma model bar did you end up using? I still have the stock bars - in the forward position - and am wanting to go with something a bit more on the sporting side. I’m ok with the bar width, but the height & pullback is more than I really want. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Supporting Member betoney Posted January 19, 2018 Supporting Member Share Posted January 19, 2018 I bought the MA005. Im not sure they are more "sporty" (I think thats subjective), but for me they are more comfortable. ***2015 Candy Red FJ-09*** Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Supporting Member texscottyd Posted January 19, 2018 Supporting Member Share Posted January 19, 2018 I bought the MA005. Im not sure they are more "sporty" (I think thats subjective), but for me they are more comfortable. Granted, what feels 'right' is very subjective from person to person. I'm looking for something with a little less rise than stock... That 30mm spec on your diagram. Courtesy of the recall, I have a couple of spare sets of risers, and have considered machining a bit off the bottom to play with different riser elevations; a different way to get the same net result. I have the seat in the high position, and the handlebars forward. It's an ergonomic step in the right direction for me, but I want just a bit more reach to the bars. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Supporting Member betoney Posted January 19, 2018 Supporting Member Share Posted January 19, 2018 Courtesy of the recall, I have a couple of spare sets of risers, and have considered machining a bit off the bottom to play with different riser elevations; a different way to get the same net result. I have the seat in the high position, and the handlebars forward. It's an ergonomic step in the right direction for me, but I want just a bit more reach to the bars. That would sure be something interesting to experiment with. Before making any drastic changes in lowering the bar, raise the front wheel off the ground and turn your bars side to side full lock and see how much clearance you have between the bar and the tank. ***2015 Candy Red FJ-09*** Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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