Handle bar position [Archive] - Kawasaki Vulcan 750 Forum : Kawasaki VN750 Forums

: Handle bar position


arkjeff
10-04-2006, 01:22 AM
I did a quick search and it appears it's been over 2 years since a Handle bar position thread and it was about lowering them, so here goes:

I rotated mine forward. It's hard to say exactly how far because I have adjusted them a time or two, but probably 2-3 inches forward. It allows my arms to be stretched out almost straight and seems much more comfortable, especially for long trips. At first it seemed awkward because it does change the feel of steering, but it also allows me to sit more upright and I feel like I'm planted a little deeper in the seat and further back. A little more stretched out.

The only negative I've seen so far and it ain't bad, is that my PFIII shield is also more upright and pushes more air. Hasn't affected my mpg though, so not sure what that means.

Anybody else tried this?

jeff
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hyperbuzzin
10-04-2006, 03:51 AM
I have mine so the vertical part of the bars are at the same angle as the fork tubes.
That's how I've always had the bars on my dirtbike, and just carried it over to the Vulcan.
As I've heard before, steering should be most responsive when set like that, but I don't know for sure if that's true or not.

2fas4u
10-08-2006, 08:12 AM
That was of the reasons I bought my bike. I have always required my bikes to have adjustable bars, as I like my arms to be stretched out also.

TrashLord
10-08-2006, 12:40 PM
if your arms are that much stretched out...how is it on slow motion turns?? do you have good grip and handling ability?

bulldog485
10-08-2006, 06:45 PM
I have the bars as far forward as I can get them without making the mirrors stick too far forward. I had to do this to attempt to match some of the riding position on my Nad. Doesn't seem to affect how I turn...

arkjeff
10-08-2006, 11:27 PM
well I can say that I've adjusted to the new position (as I'd hoped I would) and after a long trip this weekend I don't even notice the difference.

Before, my shoulders would get sore after a few hundred miles from slumping. With the stock bar location my elbows would be bent and after a while I'd just be hunkered over.

Now, I'm sitting more upright, my arms are stretched out more, and my back is much better after a long ride. For slow manuvering I guess I lean forward some-- I don't know--it works though.

It was a good adjustment for me and it seems natural now.

jeff
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GusPorterhouse
10-17-2006, 11:15 PM
The factory position is slightly forward of parallel to the forks (clearly seen in this picture (http://jarle.eltelevest.no/Kawasaki/Images/2004/Cru/2/vn750vulcan04c.jpg).) There's a tiny dot on the bars, just to the right of the right side handlebar clamp, that should be lined up with the opening in the clamp.