Modifying a stock handlebar

[IdahoMtnSpyder]

I have fun being innovative and when something does not work out exactly as I intended, I still try to have learned from the process.

I was just looking at the handlebar center piece. You mentioned putting your hands on the straight section inside of the controls but it's not completely comfortable. Is that because of how large those sections are? If you want to grip even closer to the center look at putting a piece of pipe between them. Cut the ends of the pipe at the proper angle and then bolt it to the handlebar. If the spread of hands gripping there is enough, I think you could fit a pipe piece in there without too much work. The only modification to the OEM handlebar would be a couple of holes for bolts.

 

[cruisinTX]

I was just looking at the handlebar center piece. You mentioned putting your hands on the straight section inside of the controls but it's not completely comfortable. Is that because of how large those sections are? If you want to grip even closer to the center look at putting a piece of pipe between them. Cut the ends of the pipe at the proper angle and then bolt it to the handlebar. If the spread of hands gripping there is enough, I think you could fit a pipe piece in there without too much work. The only modification to the OEM handlebar would be a couple of holes for bolts.

yeah, I've been eye-ballin' and old set of bicycle handle bars as an option for attaching sort of like you suggest. the way they are designed, it might be feasible to mount them in a way they would end up just about the way I have the horizontal part of my graphic above. I'm looking at a way to do it without drilling any holes though.

 

[IdahoMtnSpyder]

yeah, I've been eye-ballin' and old set of bicycle handle bars as an option for attaching sort of like you suggest. the way they are designed, it might be feasible to mount them in a way they would end up just about the way I have the horizontal part of my graphic above. I'm looking at a way to do it without drilling any holes though.

In my judgment a couple of 1/4" or 5/16" holes would be worth the improved comfort level! And whenever you get rid of the Spyder you can plug them with push in plastic plugs or seal them up with black silicone rubber. Besides, the way I look at such things, when it's time to get rid of the Spyder it will be old enough that a pristine condition will not be expected and won't improve selling or trade in value all that much anyway! But, that's just me. I live by the philosophy that I own my Spyder to ride, not show off! Whenever showing off interferes with riding enjoyment, showing off always loses! :clap:

 

[cruisinTX]

In my judgment a couple of 1/4" or 5/16" holes would be worth the improved comfort level! And whenever you get rid of the Spyder you can plug them with push in plastic plugs or seal them up with black silicone rubber. Besides, the way I look at such things, when it's time to get rid of the Spyder it will be old enough that a pristine condition will not be expected and won't improve selling or trade in value all that much anyway! But, that's just me. I live by the philosophy that I own my Spyder to ride, not show off! Whenever showing off interferes with riding enjoyment, showing off always loses! :clap:

I totally agree with the "it's my bike and I'll do what I want to it," philosophy. I'm just wanting to make sure there is absolutely nothing a dealer might use to say I voided the extended warranty. Have I mentioned I trust bike dealers about as much as I do used car salesmen, politicians and lawyers? :yikes: So far two out of three BRP/Can Am dealers I have dealt with have proven to me they have very little real concern for customer satisfaction or are totally heartless with price gouging.

I've actually formed a pretty good plan now that will allow very solid attachment without drilling holes in any part of the bike.

As for farkles and showing off; that's not my cup-O-tea. I am an old school BMW guy who's primary attitude about bikes is "function over form." Fancy lighting, colorful wraps, etc. mean absolutely nothing to me. On the resale end of the deal, I typically don't worry much about that either; case/s in point--I own a 1984 Jeep Scrambler that I bought new in September of 1983. It now has over 250K miles on it and needs just a little TLC to be running again. Also in the 4-wheeled stable is a 2006 VW Jetta TDI (also bought new) with over 300K on it. Gotta get your money's worth out of things ya know. :shocked:

 

[Easy Rider]

it's sort of a hobby of mine to fabricate things I need,

Good. That's quite different from expecting someone ELSE to fix everything that you don't like........and getting frustrated when that doesn't happen. :thumbup:

 

[Easy Rider]

I'm looking at a way to do it without drilling any holes though.

How about a couple of pieces of stout rope, one tied to each end of the bars........so then you could ride it like a horse. :shocked:

:joke:

(Sorry, couldn't resist.)

 

[cruisinTX]

How about a couple of pieces of stout rope, one tied to each end of the bars........so then you could ride it like a horse. :shocked:

:joke:

(Sorry, couldn't resist.)

oooooooh! mmmmmmmaybe nothyea:

 

[finless]

Ropes did you say?

Bob

 

[cruisinTX]

OR THIS

[video]https://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=ben+hur+chariot+race&view=detail&mid=07FA B7B752D5393B75FC07FAB7B752D5393B75FC&FORM=VIRE[/video]
:yes::spyder::yes:

 

[ahh-cool]

What about new grips?
I was thinking that might stop some of the stress in our shoulders and neck

 

[cruisinTX]

What about new grips?
I was thinking that might stop some of the stress in our shoulders and neck

not a grip problem. My motorcycles have similar grips, but they are closer together and I can ride 600 miles without any problem on them. It's the wide reach causing the problem and I don't think I can be retro-fitted with longer arms. :yikes: