Handlebar ergonomics

[Jlq1969]

I've reposted my post from another thread earlier...

View attachment 102595

I replaced the stock bars today with a different bend and nearly 3 inches narrower. Initial feel is very positive. I've found the stock bars to have an uncomfortable hand placement and I've always felt they were far too wide. I feel that I have too much leverage at times and have to concentrate to be extremely gentle with steering input. After now going for a short ride, I am very happy with the change. I'm curious to see how it feels on the next day ride. I have long arms and due to back injuries, I prefer to lean forward just a bit. Now, the steering takes more effort and higher speed turns feel more stable. It doesn't "walk" when trying to hold a line in a high speed turn.
I felt the stock bars, even with risers, give a very vague feel of control on this bike. I don't know if that is due to the bend or because they are so absurdly wide but, for me, this was a welcome and positive change.

The switches on the grips don't touch the tank without the risers??

 

[KGaron]

I have risers so I don't know if the switches touch or not without.

These are Amazon specials....paid about $25USD for them. If I raced off road or FMX, I would use a different brand but for this application, they are very nice, feel the same as the expensive brands and at 25% of the cost of other name brands, it is definitely worth it.

 

[Axel]

Before you tell me there is a handle bar thread hear me out, it seems to only cover risers or bars that are higher ! I'm trying to find a set of bars that rake in a little bit more than the standard bars that come with the bike looking to get my hands more open than the standard bars. Anyone have any experience playing around with bars to improve their ergonomics ?

Yep. As I was riding my just- purchased Tenere, used '12, I realized that the "elbows out" OEM bars would not work for my intended riding, which was road touring.
Being old school (and cheap), I simply removed all bar attached devices, got out the torch, attached a strap "comealong" to each bar-end, heated each side, just enough, and brought them in to a point comfortable for me. A little Au spray paint on the two burned spots, and I now have comfortable "elbows-in" positioned bars.
Some might be concerned with the heat tempering the bars, but I haven't noticed any problem there.