Britbike forum Forums British Motorcycle specific Brands Triumph bulletin board Handlebar recommendation - 1970 T120R

Hi,

My handlebars are way too wide for me - 32” measured end to end. I neither like the look or feel.

I am not sure how much more narrow would be right for me and am asking for any recommendations.

My riding style is is typically short rides of two hours or so. No high speed freeways or racing. Just bimbling about town and country.

Please specify width, rise and supplier if you can.

Thanks!

I don't know the manufacturer of the steel one on my 72 T120RV, but it's almost identical to the aluminum one that came with the LSL handlebar kit for my 06 Thruxton. After all kinds of bars, these are my favorites. I think they're called superbike bars, probably similar to a speed triple bar. The width is about 28", maybe 3" rise, 4-5" pullback. I don't think of using anything else. I could probably get a picture.

hi norton Commando bars are more narrow ...superbike or euro bars are lower you have stock triumph 'western' bars? ok i took the stock bars off my Commando and put on my 75 xs650 yamaha i put 'euro' or 'superbike' bars on the Commando on my 68 A65 BSA i removed stock 'cowhorn' bars and sawed 1 1/2" off each end of triumph western bars and put those on well... that's what suits me but it's yer bike!

Sounds like you have the western bars fitted, I like these, but as suggested above, cutting an inch or so off each end makes them more useable.

Have you considered the standard bars fitted to UK & General export models.

Part Number: 97-1871



Here's what they look like fitted:

I second the recommendation for the 97-1871 bars. The previous bars on my 1967 T120R were the high wide "western" style bars. It seemed like you had to push the bike over when cornering. With the lower bars the bike seems to fall into the corners without effort.

My 71 has the 97-1871 bars and I feel much more in control. The 68 has the "Western" bars and they aren't much fun. On my list of things to replace.

The previous owner of my bike had fitted some manner of ape-hangers. If I recall correctly, I think I removed them and cut them in half and binned them so they could do no further harm. My western/cowhorn bars were a big improvement. Now, I feel, with my arms spread wide, like a sail catching the wind. And, I don’t need all the leverage afforded by 32” bars.

Thanks for all your recommendations!

@ Notdoc – Since the bars you are referring to are your favorites, it would be good to see a picture. However, the 28” width gives me a pretty good idea of what works well for you.

@ raf940 – Another vote for something more narrow than my 32” western/cowhorn bars. 1.5” off both ends makes for 29” bars. I have actually considered chopping mine down to size too.

@ tiger_cub – Yet another vote for shorter bars.

@ shippy, wildbill and desco – 97-1871 bars look to be the ones I will fit.

It turns out to be more than I care to bother with right now to learn how to post a picture. Someday. The so-called superbike bars do require a bit of forward leaning stance that I find works well with rearsets. The thruxton had clipons which I just didn't like, but I discovered I love rearsets, and have them on my T120RV as well. No more sit up and beg. My back thanks me.

Henryanthony,

You will likely need to fit shorter cables to suit the narrower bars.

The control cables for the UK & General Export bars are shorter than the ones for Western Bars.

Clutch Cable Outer Length 46" - 6" shorter than for Western Bars.
Brake Cable Outer Length 31" - 5" shorter than for Western Bars.

Terry

Thanks Terry, for reminding me about the cables and providing dimensions.

Front brake and clutch need new cables anyway so new throttle cables will complete the set.

Original Gran Turismo grips are still in good shape but I see some NOS on eBay. Hmm...

P-Clamp mounting rubbers were recently replaced. Horn push wiring will probably need adjusting but should not be a problem.

Some new mirrors would be nice. New gloves?

I put stainless bars on both my triumphs, no rust ever. Cut them at 29in iirc, lots of grip choices on ebay and I'm trying several. I've heard don't shorten the cables just route them around the opposite side of the frame for even smoother bends? Very interested to know where you land on mirrors.

I have the K&N Superbike bars on most of my road bikes. I like them. I had the Home market bars on a Triumph years ago and did not like them. If they were in the position that was comfortable for my back and shoulders, my wrists hurt. If I turned it so my wrists were comfortable, my back and neck hurt.

Ed from NJ

Hi Ed, unfortunately I cannot find K&N Superbike bars anywhere online. I can find lots of Superbike bars of various shapes and sizes. "Superbike bars" seems to be a generic term for lots of different bars.


Hi Slofut, my remark about mirrors, gloves... goes to the inevitable chain of potential "improvements" that one update can cause. My current mirror is an old Bates clamp on. I would like to try Bumm mirrors as fitted in 1979 - 60-7249. I think they are the only ones that Triumph put on any motorcycle so in my mind are "correct" for the brand. Production of these seem to be discontinued but NOS may be available as well as "repop" and they tend to be pricey.



Bar ends are also attractive to me but that would require new grips as I will not cut my Gran Turismo grips. Since I have never tried any of these mirrors I am hesitant to make a choice so...?

I suspect that most of the "Superbike" bars have similar bends. I usually go with bar ends. I am too fat for most other mirrors!

Ed from NJ