RSV vs. RSTD Handlebars

[Freebird]

On the '99 RSV, I had installed the Flanders bars. I later heard people talking about how the RSTD bars gave you the same effect as the Flanders. So, decided to try the RSTD bars on the '05 and bought a set off one of our members. He DID neglect to tell me that they did not come with the auto installation option.

 

So this morning I got up bright and early and did the swap. Another thing that has been discussed here at length is "do you need longer clutch and brake hoses and longer throttle cables. Some say that you do, others say that the stock lines work fine. When I installed the Flanders bars on the '99, I bought all new SS brake, clutch and throttle cables. I decided this time to see how they would work with the stock stuff.

 

So now I can honestly tell you that YES, the stock lines and throttle cables will indeed work. That being said, I do not recommend it. There is a big difference between something really working right and getting by with it. Now this bike already had the SS brake lines but I don't know if they were any longer than stock or not. I will say that you can get enough slack in the brake and clutch lines but the throttle cables are an issue. They were binding up so I decided to try and reroute them. I did manage to get them rerouted but they make a couple of bends that they really don't like. Everything is installed and I can ride the bike. but later today I will order now throttle cables and change them out ASAP. The problem is, no matter how I routed them, the throttle just won't return to idle like it should. It is not real tight but just tight enough that I can't get the throttle to return without helping it a bit and I don't like that.

 

As for the actual bars, I will say that yes, they pretty much give you the same affect as the Flanders. The only real negative is that they are a bit wider at the base so they block the 12V plug in the lower fairing a bit. I think it could still be used but haven't tried it.

 

The attached pictures give you some idea about the difference in the RSV and the RSTD bars. As you can see, the RSTD bars have a couple inches more pull back than the RSV bars and that is what I was wanting.

 

[bongobobny]

Darn!! Now we need a picture of the RSTD bars along with the Flander's bars...

[eusa1]

and the bar end weights are different and will only work on the bars they belong on. oh and by the way, you can Not put rsv bars on a rstd because the rstd speedo will not fit inside the bend of the rsv bars.

I have had the rstd bars and gen mar risers on my rsv for years.

[DblTrbl]

Freebird, Do you like the RSTD bars better than the Flanders?

 

Damn, another "winter" project... LOL

[Freebird]

Don't know yet. They are very similar but a bit wider. I think I'm going to like them but will have to put some miles on it first.

[gggGary]

New here, 99RSV, any one try longer risers on an RSV? Simpler install.

[bongobobny]

Yes, the Baron's 1 1/2" risers work without any major issues. You may have to yank on your throttle cables a little to get extra slack or reroute. The only issue with the throttle cables is with the handlebars hard left the cables may pull increasing your RPM's...

 

It all depends on what you are trying to accomplish. The Baron's risers will bring the handlebars up a little and back a slight tad. The Flanders bars, or the RSTD bars bring the handle grips back more, but then you get into the issue where you need longer clutch and brake hoses, and longer throttle cables. They are also a bit wider. Best bet is show up to a M&E and find someone who has already modified their bars and see if it does what you want it to!