Handlebar discussion

First time i sat on an XSR700 I thought the same thing i.e. handlebar position was too upright.

Stock position is definitely more relaxed, the LSL bars are slightly more fatiguing but I've been out for 2-3 hour rides and had no issues.

For me, look and bike handling is so much better with the LSL bars but don't think I would want to go as low as clip ons.

chop_juice said:

First time i sat on an XSR700 I thought the same thing i.e. handlebar position was too upright.

Stock position is definitely more relaxed, the LSL bars are slightly more fatiguing but I've been out for 2-3 hour rides and had no issues.

For me, look and bike handling is so much better with the LSL bars but don't think I would want to go as low as clip ons.

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+1 I'm with chop_juice on this topic. Clip ons might be overkill on a bike like the xsr, I know the 900 has clip on bars available and they are probably fine for an hour or so in the saddle, but the fat bars definitely transform the handling and flickability of the bike. I'm used to sports bikes and super nakeds and feel like the lower bars such as the LSL and Rizomas are a great compromise!

I went for Xsr900 handlebar and i think it was low enough. It was easy to install because you have the originale holes and it was not that expensive.

Installed the LSL superbike-flat bars recently. They look and feel great, but my cables are all now too long. The throttle cable in particular can bind on full left steering lock. Be prepared to shorten them if you can't re-arrange them to your satisfaction.

chop_juice said:

Stock position is definitely more relaxed, the LSL bars are slightly more fatiguing but I've been out for 2-3 hour rides and had no issues.

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I know this is going to be totally subjective, but when you say fatiguing, how bad is it? Arms, back, neck ache??

Really want to get these bars for the look and feel, but also do semi-regular 6-7 hour trips away and so appreciate the relaxed upright position for that.

However, also consider that I have done a trip from London to Cornwall on a CBR600 and managed to survive that distance in a super sport position!

nikj123 said:

chop_juice said:

Stock position is definitely more relaxed, the LSL bars are slightly more fatiguing but I've been out for 2-3 hour rides and had no issues.

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I know this is going to be totally subjective, but when you say fatiguing, how bad is it? Arms, back, neck ache??

Really want to get these bars for the look and feel, but also do semi-regular 6-7 hour trips away and so appreciate the relaxed upright position for that.

However, also consider that I have done a trip from London to Cornwall on a CBR600 and managed to survive that distance in a super sport position!

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I wouldnt consider the LSL's fatiguing at all. Just not as relaxed as stock. I dont get any ache and if you can survive that distance on super sport you'll have no problem with these.

Personally i prefer the position of LSL but its not as cruisy as stock. Was recently out for faster ride and i'm now thinking a lower riser would be better to improve position and keep out the wind more. Concern with this would be cable length and tank clearance at full lock. Will likely try a diff riser via a place with free returns.

Anyone have lower riser reccomendations?

Ok cool, sounds good - definitely considering the purchase now!

How did you get around the cable length issue, sounds like that a common problem lowering the bars. Did you shorten them yourself, or have you just lived with it?

nikj123 said:

Ok cool, sounds good - definitely considering the purchase now!

How did you get around the cable length issue, sounds like that a common problem lowering the bars. Did you shorten them yourself, or have you just lived with it?

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Do it!!! So much better for looks & handling.

Sounds like a common problem. I've lived with it and don't consider it a problem. Have just try to push the cables down through the handlebars slightly more. Only a few inches drop in height and may be more a problem for those who have changed for a lower riser.