Help me plan for the down-time mods please.

[Ken aka Oil Burner]

I have been researching, probably too much, about what I plan to do once the salt trucks poison the roads here, and the bikes are nestled away for the winter. Yes, I've done many searches here, but most of the links are broken, or take you to sites with products that no longer exist. All those old Photobucket pics are mostly invisible now, too. Aside from the normal maintenance and the double row rear bearing mod, I've been thinking about some mods for comfort and convenience.

Handlebars: I have no problem with the current height and style, but the ends are just a bit too angled in for me. I end up holding the grips at an angle rather than straight on. Looking through a Flanders catalog will make your head spin, with all of the options and styles. Not looking to hide the wiring or anything; just a more comfortable grip angle. I'd prefer to stick with a known brand. I've seen a couple videos where bars have snapped. I like a little excitement in my life, but not like that. Thoughts?

I'd like to add lockable saddlebags. I currently have Honda soft bags with the three buckles. Seems that using the current brackets would be easiest, but other mounting methods aren't out of the question. Since I have the Ultimate seats which are wider than stock seats, I'd think that bags that open toward the outside would be better than forward or inside swinging lids. I keep going back to Viking bags or Harley bags (all over Craigslist). The Harley bags look pretty good, and they're actually very good quality bags. But, the inside surface is not too flat, as they're bumped in in the middle for shock clearance. I know they've been done on Valks, but I couldn't find any info on how they accomplished it cleanly.

Other than that, I've got some plans for minor stuff, and I've done a reasonable amount of work on it already. Getting there.

Thanks for any info and/or pictures.

[Kokomo Kevin]

On Bags if you are patient and look long enough I would suggest you get a set of Valkyrie Interstate bags and supports. They are the best looking at are engineered to fit your bike. Get a mismatched set, just paint them a Honda color. I have the Ultimate King seat with Tourer bags, they are tight but workable.

[Ken aka Oil Burner]

I do like the Honda bags, but I swear you could buy an Interstate, sell all three bags, and you'd have paid for the whole bike. Every set I've seen with the mounting kit is $800-$1000. I can get HD bags or Viking bags for under $500.

[h13man]

I put a set of Baron Starbars . They are predrilled for a Yamaha Vstar but I was able to use them with my own set of holes. Virtually the same look/style.

https://www.baronscustom.com/images/products/20090501170420.jpg

•Dimensions:  Starbar, Diameter: 1", Width: 36", Rise: 4", Pullback: 12-1/2"

                     Honda, Diameter: 1", Width: 33", 4", Pullback: 14"

As far bag mounting, I used Edge/Ghost brackets for my Saddlemans. I did make bottom supports that attached to the brackets and fully reinforced the back panels with 1/4" Lexan making them pretty much non sagging.

[Kokomo Kevin]

Yes they are gold plated, but they are engineered to bolt on and work great, look better than anything I have seen in aftermarket. Keep looking asking the folks here you might be surprised especially if you have anything to barter. You could be money ahead if you just buy a part out bike and take off what you want and sell the rest.... Keep an eye on Ebay there are quite few on there, granted you may need to mix and match to get what you want, Paint is cheap.

[..]

Handlebars.

You can loosen and rotate them for and aft.

If you loosen them DO NOT LET THEM FLOP onto the tank. BE WARNED.

[Ken aka Oil Burner]

I tried adjusting the bars, but the ends are just in at too much of an angle, no matter how they are positioned.

[..]

I tried adjusting the bars, but the ends are just in at too much of an angle, no matter how they are positioned.

 

[CleoBen]

Also consider taking a look at some of the other Honda branded bikes. Most of the Hondas from the mid-90s and newer have 1" diameter bars.  I have a 2001 Spirit 1100 that came with buckhorn style bars.  A bit too tall and too much pullback for me, so I swapped them out for VLX bars with taller risers.  Perfect angle, height, and pullback for my typical riding position.  

Click here for a website with dimensions for multiple brands and models of bikes.

You may also have to consider the impact on cable length if you significantly alter the bar design.

CB

[Ken aka Oil Burner]

Thanks. That does help. I read somewhere that somebody swapped their bars for Shadow 1100 bars. I started looking, only to find a bunch of Shadow 1100 models with a bunch of different bars. 

I was hoping to find a workable set of Honda bars. At least you know they're quality parts.

[Ken aka Oil Burner]

I looked at the link to Sideroad cycles, and watched a bunch of Youtube videos. I think I'm going with Shadow Saber 1100 bars. I may need taller risers, but the wrist angle looks perfect. Thanks again.

[h13man]

OOPS!

[gordonv]

Thanks. That does help. I read somewhere that somebody swapped their bars for Shadow 1100 bars. I started looking, only to find a bunch of Shadow 1100 models with a bunch of different bars. 

I was hoping to find a workable set of Honda bars. At least you know they're quality parts.

I have my IS parked beside my old Shadow ACE Tourer that my brother now rides. I thought they also where 1" dia bars.

[Ken aka Oil Burner]

Thanks. That does help. I read somewhere that somebody swapped their bars for Shadow 1100 bars. I started looking, only to find a bunch of Shadow 1100 models with a bunch of different bars. 

I was hoping to find a workable set of Honda bars. At least you know they're quality parts.

I have my IS parked beside my old Shadow ACE Tourer that my brother now rides. I thought they also where 1" dia bars.

The link that CleoBen shared was very helpful, and you are right. Says that they are 1" bars.