Handlebar Hell

As indicated in an earlier post I did install a handful of new farkles on the pig. All of which I have thoroughly enjoyed. I especially love the new Pro-taper ATV high bars. It gives the KLR some personality with regard to hand positioning and posture for off-road. I find myself sitting more upright and getting as close to the front tank as I can. I also do not feel like I am acting out a scene from the Hunchback of Notre Dame when standing.

The Progrip gel grip 714 do feel more substantial and yet softer. They mold when squeezed constantly reminding me not to death grip the handlebars. A light touch will keep me upright further. There is the argument that larger grips cause more fatigue but the loosening of my grip and the sticky feel added to the substantial reduction of vibration do far more with giving longevity to my hands despite this argument.

The Tusk D-flex Bark busters with spoilers look really cool and complement that solid feel of the handlebars. I have yet to drop the bike since they were installed but they feel every bit as protecting as they are described.

The install of these items were not exactly a barrel of laughs however. My 2 hour job turned into more like a 5.5 hour job. I could not fully appreciate how all those mirrors, switches, brackets, cables and handles lined up until I had to do them all again from scratch...plus some. This required more cutting, pounding, tightening\untightening, removing and reattaching resulting in "oops I missed this piece" and "It does not line up right" than I would have liked. The results are worth it but barely at the time.

I pray to God that I never have to replace the handlebars again.