How problematic is a bent bar?

[somegirl]

I've been riding (not a Ducati) my bike with slightly bend handlebars and clutch lever for some time now.
Didn't notice any difficulties with the bars and I've straightened the lever a bit so it's usable.

Is this stupid?
Should I change the parts that are not that expensive?

If you notice that your bike doesn't track straight, or that you are getting sore/uncomfortable from being in an asymmetrical position, then you might want to replace the bars.

[Jarvicious]

I bent my stock bars (and brake lever) the first time I dropped the Duc in a parking lot.

Did you push it over and stomp on it ??

[somegirl]

Did you push it over and stomp on it ??

Nope, I really just fell over, slow enough that I was able to jump out of the way.  It was a minor bend, I didn't notice it right way but once I did I replaced them.  IIRC the only damage was the bars and the brake lever and a scratch on the stock exhaust.

Funny story though, after I fell over that time, a girl that was bicycling by hopped off her bike, helped me lift up the Duc, split her pants in the process, then she hopped back on her bike and left.  It was a bit surreal.

[junior varsity]

hahaha.

That is a pretty good opportunity to upgrade to Rizoma Conical or Renthal bars. Something a little more robust and less prone to bending.

One advantage to clipons is that its quick to replace just one half-bar and swap controls than it is to do BOTH. That's just one of the reasons I switched (when I bent up my bars real, real good).

[Jarvicious]

hahaha.

That is a pretty good opportunity to upgrade to Rizoma Conical or Renthal bars. Something a little more robust and less prone to bending.

One advantage to clipons is that its quick to replace just one half-bar and swap controls than it is to do BOTH. That's just one of the reasons I switched (when I bent up my bars real, real good).

And even with a new set of riser bars being only 20 some odd dollars, a new clip on tube is like 15 and the difference in labor for repair is worth it.

Ms Inc, it still surprises me the stock bars are that weak.  Upgrade being considered.....

[somegirl]

Ms Inc, it still surprises me the stock bars are that weak.  Upgrade being considered.....

I should add that I have since put on bar end sliders, my bike has been over 3 times since and I haven't had any more issues with the bars bending.  Either I was very unlucky the first time or the sliders have helped.