Categories: all aviation Building a Biplane bicycle gadgets misc motorcycle theater
Mon, 29 Jun 2009
New bars make all the difference
I installed new handlebars on the CL175 this weekend, as you can see above. I just came back from the first test-ride with them, and it is amazing the difference they make. The bike feels more solid, control feels more positive, my arms are much less stressed due to the levers finally being aimed right. It even felt faster, although that had to be 100% perception, because the bike's performance hasn't changed. Certainly more sporty.
So that's very positive news. The bars are the $25 Street Master bars you see at every motorcycle shop, the Drag model. I'll assume they mean drag racing, and not drag queens. I had to drill and mill the bars a bit to accomodate the internal wiring used by the CL175 -- the wires from the switch pods run through the handlebars, plus there's a locating pin in the switch pods to keep the wires from getting pinched due to pod rotation or sliding.
I would have been happier with the pods and grips further inboard, for a narrower profile, but as a practical matter, they had to be out that far for everything to fit. My knees are now a bit in the way for sharp turns out of driveways or other slow-speed maneuvers, but I think the peg relocation will solve that pretty easily, so that's probably the next step. I have all the pieces, just have to start making them.
I'm very pleased with this change, the CL175 is even more appealing to ride, now, and I think the new pegs and new seat I have planned will contribute even further. It's so nice when a change works the way you want it to!
Posted at 13:15 permanent link category: /motorcycle
Categories: all aviation Building a Biplane bicycle gadgets misc motorcycle theater