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"Bar Backs" for the Norge

captshortfield

captshortfield

Tuned and Synch'ed
Joined
Dec 2, 2008
Messages
39
Love my Norge but, like my BMW Sport Tourer (abandoned for the Norge), I need some relief from the "lean over" required to ride the Norge. I tend to ride long distances (next planned trip is 9,000 miles) and need the grips to come back an inch or two and up an inch or so. I have heard rumors that these are "in the works" but need a more definitive answer......Anybody know if these are available? They will probably be a lot cheaper than having my arms lengthened............:S
 
Many thanks Draidt, I spoke with Greg as you suggested.....a knowledgeable fellow.....and he provided all the details. It appears that they are designed to raise the bars about 1 1/4" but there is no set back in their design. He indicated that the grips are set back by virtue of the angle of the steering head. At a $160 a whack what is your (or anyone's) feeling about the set back of these bar backs?
 
I would like to do a similar thing. I thought of using the bar clamps as fitted to the 1200S, and then finding a set of bars which gave the best position for me, if that is possible. I would be happy for the bars to be a bit narrower too.
 
Hello Brian UK, love your country! I drove about 3,000 miles in three weeks over there.....I think that is around the UK about 4 times.....I was looking for vintage MG parts and cars and shipped a full trailer load of stuff home to the US. At the time I was working for a company called Abingdon Spares, specializing in MG TC, TD & TF restoration parts......what a hoot! Anyway, there is a company in the US that might have something you will be interested in. The make all kinds of specialized handlebars. Take a look at their web site http://www.suburban-machinery.com . I inquired about the possibility of them producing bar backs for the Norge but they told me it wasn't going to be a priority for the near future..........Perhaps they have or will make handlebars that will do what you want. I didn't ask them about custom bars knowing that I wouldn't spend that kind of money for them. Anyway, give it a shot, you never know! Cheers
 
Because of the configuration of the Norge handlebars, it would be somewhat involved to make a (I will call it) set back riser. It would have to be machined from 2 blocks of Aluminum allowing the riser to mount to the forks and the bars to mount to the riser. Without really looking closely at this project, I can't say I have a solid idea, but that is not to say it couldn't be done.
 
In thinking about this, one would have to be concerned about the cable lengths when making a riser that sets the bars back toward the rider. That I think is a critical consideration as finding longer cables would be a task in itself. Not like the old days when the cables were always to long in the first place. I will look at my Norge, when i remove the tank for a valve adjustment and see what there is to work with.
 
Many thanks for your replies and offer to help, it is appreciated. The barbacks I mounted on my last BMW R1150RT with a similar handlebar set up did require a little "stretch" in the cables but the distance the grips were moved both upwards and rearwards was significant. The "block" that made this transformation possible was machined to bolt to the top of the triple tree and had offset holes to mount the handle bar back on to the block. I can see where the Guzzi has the fork adjustment mechanism in the way and I understand that there is a recess machined into the triple tree to accept the base of the handlebar to keep it securely in place. I guess if it was an easy thing to do this discussion would be a mute point. I am getting more and more tempted to purchase the "risers" offered by Moto International that Draidt introduced me to yesterday hoping that as the bars to up, the angle of the steering head will produce the setback that I need.
 
I have a Norge which I have added the MI risers to. I took a 11.5K mile trip around the US this last summer and thought they were quite comfortable. I rode it for the first 6K of owning the bike without them and then took the trip with them and it was quite a relief.

Just my $.02. By the way, I am 5' 10" with a 30" inseam.
 
cmgies, your $.02 is like music to my back, arms and butt. I just got off the phone with MI after purchasing both their bar backs and their adjustable foot pegs. You have the same dimensions as I do (my belly doesn't count) so your experience is credible and that's incredible! I'm jelous of your recent 11K ride. I got screwed out of my ride this past summer and the one I have planned for late spring is only 9K....assuming I follow the route I have laid out.....which means it will likely be 11K, hopefully. Thanks so much for your feedback, you have made my day!! :laugh:
 
Glad to be helpful. I didn't plan my trip as 11.5K, it just worked out that way when I went from Oregon to Oregon via Vermont and other destinations along the way.
 
I put 1 1/2 inch risers on my norge and it made a big difference in long haul comfort. Thats about all you can stretch the cables/hoses so any more would get spendy. I'm 5-9 and 30 inseam also.
 
Checked my Norge yesterday and deducted that setback risers are not really possible to do. I think the only solution is a straight up riser.
It does look though that if the bars are raised 1" or so, depending on cable length of course, that the riding position would be more upright and possibly not such a reach to the grips for those with shorter arms.
 
:eek:hmy: Bill, thanks for the insite on Greg Field. I had no idea what kind of celeb he really is. Some of his books on line IE: "Original Harley-Davidson Panhead: The Restorer's Guide 1948-1965 (Original Series)" are selling for over $700 and thats for a USED copy! All you Harley fans out there who have his books, go to Ebay. sell your copies and end this recession we are in. And he sounded like such a basic kind of guy on the phone too............ God Bless America, this could only happen here! Most importantly, THANK YOU GREG FOR BEING A GUZZI FAN, GLAD TO HAVE YOU ON THE TEAM! Rod
 
As we speak, Rob Dentico of Maine has his Norge at one of the major players in the bar business. Sorry, don't remember the name right now. CRS;)
He's normally on Wildguzzi, but I think the site is down right now.
 
Re:

Chuck in Indiana wrote:
As we speak, Rob Dentico of Maine has his Norge at one of the major players in the bar business. Sorry, don't remember the name right now. CRS;)
He's normally on Wildguzzi, but I think the site is down right now.
Click to expand...


Heli-Bars
 
Re:

Not sure Heli-bars are available for Norge as yet, but appears they are working on it. No telling how long it will take to get to market. Always considered a good product, though.
 
Re:

Hi guys...

Yup, Heli-Bars... http://helibars.com

They are working on the Norge at this time. Harry called about two weeks ago to chat about the ride, set-back, angle and all that. He has some great ideas however, I do not yet know whether the new design will require new brake lines or any other changes.
I'll post up what I know when I know.

I had a tour of the place when I dropped the Norge off, excellent facility and super people.

More later.

BTW, thanks Dan... did you get the replacement cover ...?

Best,
Rob
 
Re:

I can't imagine NOT having to get longer lines. On the B the riser from Mike were TIGHT on my lines. To the point of being too tight.
 
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