Handlebar cross brace bar is in the way to accommodate tank bag.......

[Bounce]

I currently have a cross brace bar on my handlebars, and I'm looking to use a SW motech tank ring/tank bag.

The challenge that I have is that the tank bag I intend to buy won't fit properly whilst the cross brace bar is in situ!!!!

Current scenario:

> My handlebars are in the perfect position so I'm reluctant to rotate them to create more space
> The cross brace has been in situ since I've owned the bike so I've no experience of riding it without the bar (Not riding it currently as I'm playing on the EXC through winter)

So.....my thoughts are:

> Remove the cross brace bar
> Source a shorter bar to sit lower down on the handlebars

Therefore my questions to the wider audience is:

> Does the cross brace bar contribute significantly to riding stability (I only ride the GSA on the road) that I should leave it in situ, or is this just personal preference to have a cross brace bar in situ to accommodate a bag/roll cover
> Has anyone fitted a shorter cross brace bar to a 1200 in place of the 'standard' one, and if so can you tell me where you sourced it




Thx

 

[Deleted account 200123001]

Is yours the hexhead or WC Keith?

 

[Bounce]

Is yours the hexhead or WC Keith?

Hexhead....

 

[Bendy toy]

On my bike the cross bar did marginally reduce vibration at the grips.

 

[Deleted account 200123001]

I believe the cross bar was not fitted as standard to OEM bars therefore the cross brace is not required for structural integrity. Probably there for mounting accessories or just aesthetics.

Would ROX risers help to give you a 3rd option?

 

[Bounce]

I believe the cross bar was not fitted as standard to OEM bars therefore the cross brace is not required for structural integrity. Probably there for mounting accessories or just aesthetics.

Funny you should say that BR, as library images of my year of bike show a mix of with/without the cross brace.....on the OEM fiche image it does show the handlebar with the cross brace....

I shall see if there are any more replies forthcoming and may just have to have a trial without the cross brace

I appreciate your reply

 

[Bounce]

On my bike the cross bar did marginally reduce vibration at the grips.

Cheers.....

May need to have trial w/out the cross brace.

 

[Bendy toy]

I never liked the OEM bars sweep angle (caused pain in the thumb joints) and also wanting some anti vibration. Fitted Rox anti vibe risers with low rise Renthal fatbars. The McGrath bend is comfortable and with risers the same height as standard. There are other bends that do the job without needed risers.

 

[Deleted account 200123001]

Funny you should say that BR, as library images of my year of bike show a mix of with/without the cross brace.....on the OEM fiche image it does show the handlebar with the cross brace....

I shall see if there are any more replies forthcoming and may just have to have a trial without the cross brace

I appreciate your reply

My mates old Single Cam didn't have one, having done a quick search, I've noticed twin cams that do...perhaps Bendy might have a point. A cross brace would certainly have an vibration reducing effect. If yours is a twin cam then perhaps fitting single cam bars might be an option?

Would also add, providing you can abstain from 'hoikin' mingers, I doubt it would cause a problem for road riding.

 

[Bounce]

My mates old Single Cam didn't have one, having done a quick search, I've noticed twin cams that do...perhaps Bendy might have a point. A cross brace would certainly have an vibration reducing effect. If yours is a twin cam then perhaps fitting single cam bars might be an option?

Mine is a single cam so maybe I might be lucky

 

[Deleted account 200123001]

If its any help his was an 08'

 

[Bounce]

If its any help his was an 08'

Mine's a late 07, so could be a winner.....thx v much mate

 

[Deleted account 200123001]

Mine's a late 07, so could be a winner.....thx v much mate

YW.

Well have to get another Salisbury Plain meet set up in the new year, I enjoyed the last one.

 

[Bounce]

YW.

Well have to get another Salisbury Plain meet set up in the new year, I enjoyed the last one.

Defo.....love riding on the plain......I'll be getting a tow bar fitted to my car in March 17 (change of job) so I'll be good to go

Might have to opt for a weekend & camp etc......invite a few along and lodge behind the Bell Inn

 

[Deleted account 200123001]

Might have to opt for a weekend & camp etc......invite a few along and lodge behind the Bell Inn

Plan right there!

Date...hmmm herding cats.

 

[Bounce]

Plan right there!

Date...hmmm herding cats.

True....but one can try

 

[MattW]

Take the cross bar off - it's cosmetic tat and is in no way required for structural reasons.

 

[Bounce]

Take the cross bar off - it's cosmetic tat and is in no way required for structural reasons.

Cheers Matt....

 

[Bendy toy]

Take the cross bar off - it's cosmetic tat and is in no way required for structural reasons.

I borrowed one. It definitely reduced vibration at the grips.

 

[MattW]

I borrowed one. It definitely reduced vibration at the grips.

I bought a used one (for my TC) - made no difference at all apart from getting in the way of the tank bag. I sold it on.
They certainly aren't needed for structural reasons - vibration might be another issue but I think thats more to do with valve clearances and TB balance. Mine's silky smooth.