Bonneville America Forums Forums Technical Forums Accessories SM handlebar problem - Solved

After numerous attempts at adjusting my stock SM bars to make the ride more comfortable, I finally found a solution. I mounted stock Bonneville bars - same width as SM bars, but with about 4" rise & pullback. Mounts and cables fit perfectly - almost looks like my old '69 650, and the ride is great. I posted photo in my gallery - I think!
Palmer

comfy bars eh?

Chris,

I looked for your picture post. I couldn't find it. I've been looking for some comfort, too. What did a set cost you.

Barry

Barry:
I lucked out & found new Bonny bars on Ebay ($20 + shpg) - I think the ridiculous list is about $76 from Triumph! The added benefit of using stock Bonneville bars is everything fits: cables, riser clamps, holes for cable retaining "loops." Plus, I think it adds to the retro look - along with the different tank badges.
Look under "P" (Palmer) in the member photo gallery.

i'll be looking for a set of these.
great idea.

how do they feel?

cat

Cat:

They feel GREAT - no more back aches! - and handling is at least as good as stock drag bars.
I mounted mini bullets above the stock turn signal brackets, and they now just clear the horizontal brace of my 21" Fats windshield (same as yours.)

i wonder if those norman hyde m bars brent has are the same as the bonnie bars? they sure look close.

so i might have to give up the pumpkins to fit these bars w/ my fats?

i talked to a guy saturday who had some kurkyan turn sigs that bolted to a bracket under the yoke. looked great. what bullets do you have? how did they bolt up?

hate to ask so many questions.
my back gets used to the reach; it's my right shoulder that aches because of past injuries.

i'll be looking on ebay and rat.net for good offers.
i like the look, too.

thanks,

cat

btw, i added the lowers last week and really like the results. for such a small surface area, they sure make a difference.

Looks good. Any idea's how to get glued on kuryakin grips off without destroying them.

I like it. I'll have to keep my eyes open for a similar deal.
Barry

Cat:

I used Pro One mini smooth bullets front & rear just because I like them.
The stock pumpkins, etc. do clear the windshield due to the pullback (about 4+") of the Bonneville bars.

palmer,

i got a pair of bonnie bars off of ebay for 12 bucks. installation was pretty easy. the hardest part was figuring out the wire clips/holes.
the left grip came off easy w/ a squirt of wd40 at both ends and working the grip a bit.

you're right, the handling is better. i don't get that stop flop the drag bars have, where the steering wants fall full right or full left.

it changed the seating position so much i can't believe it. i have a leather jacket that has a tall zip up collar that used to pinch the back of my helmet, causing neck pain and restricting movement. the position even changed my feet position.

i now notice the pumpkins more, and i might think about some other turn signals.

you mounted your new signals to the old brackets?
do you have a pic of those?

thanks for the tip,
my neck. lower back, and bad rotator cuff thanks you.

cat

Cat:
Nice score on the bars! Hard to believe Triumph wants $76 for them. Glad you found them more comfortable - I know my back feels much better on long rides.
Re: turn signals - I went simple route - used stock brackets (just had to enlarge mounting holes.) And I avoided LED's due to wiring problems other members have encountered. Try to use lights with two wires (easier.) All four mini bullets now flash same as stock lights. I will attempt to post close-up photos this weekend.
Chris

Hi Cat,

Are they just standard Triumph manufactured New Bonneville bars or did you buy another manufacturers 1 inch bar?

Best wishes

Sid

Six inch pull back risers will work as well. You may have to modify your top triple tree to use bigger studs or bolts,but its a simple thing. The cables will reach. I used duece risers.

standard bonnie 1 inch bars. there was a set on ebay this week for 25 bucks or so. i see a set about every week.

also, post at the delphi new bonnie forum. they're always swapping out bars there.

for 20 bucks, if you don't like 'em, you can swap them back...

cat

phil,

sent you a pm.

cat

palmer,

since installing the bonnie bars, have you noticed more hand grip vibration? i sure have. unless it's because i've been down for a while because of winter.

harminics are a b&#@*

cat

Cat:

I never noticed any difference, and I have been riding almost daily since new bars installed. My Kuryakyn mirrors do vibrate some, but they did on the drag bars also.
Obviously, I would re-check that bars are tight and centered in your risers. Good luck.

Chris