So here's the deal...the bike is getting more and more cafe racer. Next step is te bars. I have the stock 1200R bars that are a mile wide so the look and feel is all wrong. I'm totally into clip-ons with rearsets, BUT...the ol' lady needs to ride on the back now and again so the mid-sets have to stay.

I was thinking about using the handlebar from a 1200S, slightly lower, more forward and a lot more narrow. I'm just unsure if it will be enough of a difference. I remember hearing something about M-bars...it was an actual handlebar but it move down and forward and mimicked the position of clip-ons...how would these be with the factory mid-set foot controls???

Here is a thread I just started with the specs, pics and P/N for various black handlebars ... to include the 1200-S bars:

http://www.xlforum.net/forums/showthread.php?t=8340

Ron,

M bars can be found at Bellacorse.com (http://www.bellacorse.com/) . They make the Ace bars also (on my bike). Both are 1" and made for the Triumph Bonneville. They are not dimmpled for harley controls so they (or your controls) will need to be modified to accept the wires. If you get them please post pics. I'm thinking of these myself. My ace/clubman bars are just a little to low and forward.

Are 1200S bars really that different, I kinda think mine are too wide and tall as well.

1200S bars a considerably narrower, a little lower, and more forward. I haven't decided what I'm doing for certain yet...I have time since I won't be making the swap until this winter since I'm sure I'll have to run new brake lines...probably go braided. Anyways, they are different.

I installed the XL883 Standard bars on my XL1200R and ... they rock.
I was going to install a set of clipons but no need now. These standard handlebars give me an excellent forward profile which I find tremendously comfortable.

I just added a Corbin Classic Solo seat. With my forward controls, I can't imagine anything more comfortable for distance except a set of Storz rear pegs. I'm having so much fun, that may have to wait!


Here's a pic of my setup to date.
http://www.canadianmotorcyclist.com/images3/hcbike.jpg
Next step - completely remove the rear passenger pegs.

Okay, so after a lot of thinking and looking I've decided I'm going to go with the norman hyde m-bars found at Bella Course. At $65, the price is fair. I talked to the guy on the phone and told me that they were 28" wide with a 7/8-1" rise (or fall if you install them upside down). I'll get them and then I'll have to figure out what to do with my cables, wires and brake lines. I know they'll need to be shorter and the wires will get run internally. I'll keep you guys posted, but it may take a while.