Introduction....

[Cookie Monster]

Yeah, I think I should too, or I'll end up looking like I'm in the rodeo. 

Cookie

[Dr Eti]

Hey Maz,

Sorry for such a late reply... been out of the country for a while. Thanks so much for posting the pics. Haven't fully decided what I'm going to do yet with the bars. The touring seat has helped a lot so far, and thinking or taking that a stage further and having it sculpted to fit me perfectly before I mess with the bars. That said, i think I'll still do the bars, but not such a big change as you have done. I've racked up about 1,300 miles now and am getting much more used to the riding position. I still want them a little more swept back, but think i only need a subtle change.

Anyway, thanks again for posting the pics. Really helped me figure things out. I'll post pics when I figure it out 

Happy riding!

Dave

[NekkedChic]

  I had the dealership put on different bars - higher and a little more swept back - they added a spacer so the bars would clear the tank and very slightly reduced the steering lock.  The front forks were dropped about an inch and I set the preload to soft.

AH HA!  I KNEW, from ur pic, ur bars were diff...having some difficulties with my stock ones and hubbi pestering to let him put his stock Speed Triple bars on it...even HE says it is too far forward with stock bars and levers at "wrong angle"...I AM ok with bars, but NOT on our dirt/sand road-jus cannot get fine, fine throttle control/comfort down enuff to keep all steady on slippy sand-SUX actually ad kinda scarey honestly...oh and frustrating cus I am ALWAYS one to do thing on own, determined, bull-headed, but have had to give in and have hubbi ride bike to end for me AND come get bike/ride back up road AAARRRGG!  I got it on my Ninja, but jus not "happenin" on Monster-really feel it is bars-HOPE...got Pazzo Shorties and BRILLIANT-a MUST I think.

Let me know what YOU think-you seem to have quite afew more miles and experience-thank you and CONGRATS!!!!!

[MAZ]

Dave - glad I could help  .  Def. post pictures of any mods you make!

[MAZ]

I usually do whatever it takes to get a bike to fit me - OTOH, I do think that a person should ride a bike for a while before making a bunch of changes.  That way they will have a better idea of what they think needs changing.  I changed the bars right away because my arms were stretched all the way just trying to get to the bars  - turning the bike would have forced me to get out of my seat so my short arms could turn the bars.  I can't imagine riding on sand with this bike  .  If you feel  totally comfortable with the bars during street riding I wouldn't change them just to get a bit more comfortable on the sand driveway.  I  am sure getting bars a bit higher and swept back would help on the sand - maybe try to find bars not so radical as mine?  I have about 3,000 miles on the bike  now and feel comfortable with all the changes I made.