I got my newly made handlebars put on

[bscrive]

As some of you know, the handlebars on the new valk suck really badly.  Maybe it's just Mike and me. 

I looked high and low for a set of bars that I liked, but never found anything.  So, I made a set to my specs.  I extended the wiring, ordered longer brake and clutch lines, put on some Avon grips, and with the help of hubcapsc (Mike), ordered a set of extended throttle cables from Motion Pro.  The result is better than I imagined.  A much more relaxed seating, and my right elbow doesn't hurt anymore.  Now, I really need that backrest to stay on the bike when I punch it.

To top it off I put on a 250W Shark stereo/amplifier system with Bluetooth on the bike for some awesome tunes.  The stereo sounds great and is really loud.  The amplifier/stereo is only 2"x3"x1.5", so I was able to fit it in the little tool box on the side of the bike, and I still have lots of room for other stuff as well.  The system comes with a wired remote that mounts to the handlebar to adjust sound, next/previous song, change device & on/off.  You can hook up a SD card, USB drive, or use a device that has bluetooth like an ipod.  It even has am/fm, but I don't care for that.

I also, put on a center stand, man I love that thing.

Once I get my Russell Daylong seat, it will be the cats ass of bikes.

[_Sheffjs_]

Wow you are ahead of the game       I wish you weren't a half a world away I would like to see what it feels like.  Maybe I am the strange one who likes the stock h-bars or it is my motocross years. 

[hubcapsc]

Great follow through... and you made the handlebars...



-Mike

[_Sheffjs_]

Hey, can we get a pic from the back where you are hovering over the back fender to take the pic facing the new bars?? 

[havoc]

right on! nice work 

[Daniel Meyer]

Looks great!

[mrtappan]

Reminds me of stock Goldwing bars except round.

[14ValkyriePilot]

Nice work! I actually like the stock handlebars for myself. Of course the VTXc had drag bars which looked awesome but did stretch me out a bit for longer rides, so by comparison the stock bars on the Valk seem farther back already.

( I also like the stock seat...  )

[bscrive]

Hey, can we get a pic from the back where you are hovering over the back fender to take the pic facing the new bars?? 

Here you are.

[_Sheffjs_]

Hey, can we get a pic from the back where you are hovering over the back fender to take the pic facing the new bars?? 

Here you are.

I'm just going to say Awesome!!!!! 

[bscrive]

I got to finally take the bike out for a good two hour ride.  All I can say is holy crap what a difference.   The way it was before, my right elbow would be hurting after an hour, and I would have to stop for a break.  Not now!!!!!  I also sit further back against my backrest, and my arms are not stretched out.  I am now sitting like I did on my old I/S which is fantastic.  
If anyone is on the fence about changing the bars on their valk, don't hesitate.  It does take quite a bit of time taking the bike apart to extend the cables, hydaulic lines and wiring, but it is totally worth it.  
The longer bars also change the feel of the bike to more of a tourer than a cruiser/sport bike.  If you like the sport/cruiser bike feel than all the power too you.   I am getting too old for that feel.  
I have several long rides already slated for this summer, and I was not really looking forward to them with the way my valk was before.  Now, I am so looking forward to them it is ridiculous.  My first one is a 5 hour ride to Quebec City this weekend.  It is going to be fun.  

[_Sheffjs_]

That is awesome    Great work - and it looks awesome! 

[Bagger]

Nice work !  As someone who has done similar things with bikes to make them more comfy, I give you major kudos.  Nicely done.

[bscrive]

Well, after a 7 hour ride on Friday and a 6 hour ride back on Sunday (in the pouring rain).  I have to say that the bars are so freaking nice that you would think they were made for me.        What a joy to ride the bike now.  The handling characteristics did change a bit but I compensated pretty quickly.  I am at a more relaxed position and after a few hours the only thing that was hurting was my butt.  Even with an Air Hawk I needed a break.  I never had this problem with my original I/S seat. 
I was not really looking forward to the ride last weekeend when I had the old bars, but the new ones changed that.  Now I can't wait for our next trip to Penetanguishene in a few weeks.  That is another 6 hour drive in northern Ontario through Algonquin Park.  Great ride for those looking for great scenery.

[hubcapsc]

I got the throttle cables and the envelope stuffed with cash the other day...
glad your mods are working out...

-Mike

[bscrive]

I got the throttle cables and the envelope stuffed with cash the other day...
glad your mods are working out...

-Mike

Thanks again for your help Mike.   

[Robert]

Good job 

[f6gal]

I desperately need to change bars.  My hold out has been the windshield, which is handlebar mounted.  What windshield are you using and are the mounts adjustable?

[bscrive]

I desperately need to change bars.  My hold out has been the windshield, which is handlebar mounted.  What windshield are you using and are the mounts adjustable?

I was using the 18" Memphis Shades Hellcat windshield ,but I just bought an off brand 20" windshield on ebay and put that on.  Both mounted to the handlebars.  The windshield in the photos above are the Hellcat. 

I used the hardware off the Hellcat as well as the hardware that came with the new winshield, and everything is adjustable up, down, forward, back and angle.  The Memphis Shades hardware is really good quality and adjusts fully on it's own.

Since I only really extended the length of the bars, there is no difference to how a windshield is put on.  I just have more room to put other things on.  I am using the stock risers and I had the bars curved, so that I would not have issues with them hitting the tank when I turned.  The curved bars allowed me to have the grips lower.  The curve looks good too.

All in all, the bars cost me $100 to make them with the powder coating, longer hydrolic lines cost me @ $100 for both, and the throttle cables cost me @ $150 from Motion Pro.  Extending the wiring only took time, but I got it completed in a day.  I already had the wiring in my shop from another project.

Here is a picture to show you the difference between the new bars.