Handlebar conversion for the FJ

[boyitgobob]

I'm emailing Steve C on this but I'm posting on both lists to see if anyone else has any experience with handlebar conversions. My neck and back problems have really got the better of me riding the FJ for any length of time and I'm looking at trying to mount the highest bars I can. Currently running Helibars, looking at converting the top triple for bars or buying LSL kit. Anybody here have any experience with this other than Steve? Thinking of buying the LSL kit and adding 1 up and back risers on top. Also, would I have to wear colors with these ape hangers? 

Bob M

[Bob]

I have the LSL kit with medium bars.  My riding position is more neutral, for which my ageing lower back is very grateful.  It's a well made kit, looks good and does the job.  I had to tap out the bar so that I could fit the FJ1200 bar ends on it (Throttlemeisters actually) and I filled the bar with sand before I installed it.  Don't know if it makes a difference, but I get virtually no vibration. 

[EricB]

Might be a comparing apples to oranges sort of thing, but I have the LSL kit on my Ninja. So really all I can speak for is the workmanship and fit. Top notch.

[Bojax]

I'm curious about the LSL/Spiegler handlebars too. Can anyone with experience comment? Do they really make a significant difference? I guess I'm just a little wary about spending $300 for a slight difference. If I can't make the FJ appreciably more comfortable for long-haul touring, I think I need to sell it.

To Bob M: do you feel the Heli-Bars didn't make enough difference for you? Did they have any positive effect on vibrations over the stock bars?

The thing I like about the LSL setup is the bars are not only raised, but you can rotate them back a bit. I find I'm stretched too far forward on the stock bars, forcing me to lean up against the gas tank.

[Bob]

I'm curious about the LSL/Spiegler handlebars too. Can anyone with experience comment? Do they really make a significant difference?

A friend with a stock '93 FJ and I traded rides last season, and the difference was very noticeable.  My LSL setup felt like a different bike, with a much more neutral riding position.  And you have a choice of handlebars, so you can get what fits you.  Mine are the 'street bars high', I think.

http://www.spieglerusa.com/cfm/handlebars.cfm

[boyitgobob]

Bojax,
"To Bob M: do you feel the Heli-Bars didn't make enough difference for you? Did they have any positive effect on vibrations over the stock bars?"
Helibars: IIRC, they came up 1 3/4" and back something over an inch. They also drooped the bar ends down, which I found to be much more comfortable. All pretty significant. I bought my Helibars just before they stopped making them and have enjoyed them for years. Unfortunately, my neck kept getting worse and worse till  I had to put my FJ up for sale.
As far as vibration, they are the stock bars with an 1 3/4" extension welded into them, so I doubt there's any change. Try tuning/syncing your carbs and eliminating other sources of vibes. Don't have a death grip on the bars. Also, you can slide foam Grip Puppies over your stock grips if you don't mind fatter grips.

[Bojax]

Thanks guys! I actually synched the carbs yesterday and have had grip puppies for a while. The vibes are not terrible (as they were before the grip puppies), but still annoying. The carb synch made absolutely no difference to the vibrations. I have an '89 FJ, so it is pre-rubber mounts. I think I just have to live with the shakes. Once it gets around 65mph, the vibes are tolerable.

Bob N., thanks for posting about the different bar choices with Spiegler. I didn't know you had a choice. Could you possibly post a bigger pic of your FJ? I'd like to see what those bars look like on the FJ... also, it looks like you have a beautiful custom paint job on that thing!

[Arnie]

Bojax,

Do you still have the OEM bar end weights?  Without them or other HEAVY weights, you'll have much increased vibes.  You can also add some more weight inside the bars as this will also help a bit.

Cheers,
Arnie 

[Bob]

Bob N., thanks for posting about the different bar choices with Spiegler. I didn't know you had a choice. Could you possibly post a bigger pic of your FJ? I'd like to see what those bars look like on the FJ... also, it looks like you have a beautiful custom paint job on that thing!

I don't have any closeups of the handlebars.  My front end is from a GSXR, but the LSL kit looks stock.  It think the handlebars would look fine on any FJ.  Thanks for the comments on the paint job.  I had the color matched to the Givi lids. 



I added a picture to the gallery... I wonder if there is there a way to link the 'img' tag to a gallery image.

[Marsh White]

Yes, I just did it for you.  This is how I post photos here.  You have right click on the bigger image and go to "Properties".  Then paste the URL between the IMG tag.  Like this:

This is the URL:
-->http://fjowners.com/gallery/medium_102_31_03_09_8_28_34.jpeg<--

This is the Image tag:
-->[img$][/img]<--  Ignore the $ sign.

You put it between the ][ brackets.  You get the Image tag by clicking on the square button that is below the Italic "I" up above.  Second row, second button from the left.

[Marsh White]

Bob...you got the "Black Sunshine" front and rear ends didn't you?  Lucky bastard!!

[Bob]

Bob...you got the "Black Sunshine" front and rear ends didn't you?  Lucky bastard!!

Yup... Shadow of Black Sunshine 

And thanks for the tech tip.