New Tenere' handle bars

[Dallara]

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BTW, here's a dimensional diagram of the Trail-Tech *MEDIUM* X-Bar handlebars from the link above. I had requested specific information about their bars from Justin at Trail-Tech and he was helpful in sending this...

Hope it helps!

Dallara




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[wfopete]

When you look at the sweep and position of the handlebar for the Tenere’, it’s clear Yamaha designed the bar for street use. Even so, an average rider (say 5’8”- 5’11”) is found riding well forward in the seat with their arms outstretched to the point of being almost straight. This position is uncomfortable enough for the street and really uncomfortable off road. Back in the day to get in the ballpark for a correct off road/racing bar position I would put my bike on a crate and stand on the foot pegs. I would then sit straight down on the seat. With my eyes shut I would hold my arms up in a position that seemed natural to have the handlebars at. While keeping my arms in place I would open my eyes to see where my hands were in relation to where the handlebars were and adjust the bars as needed. This was a good way to get a baseline starting point for handlebar position. Also this method was good for transitioning from sitting to standing, as most off road racing will find riders doing this a lot. But different strokes for different folks and this ain’t no MX bike so a bit of comprise is in order. When you are dealing with big sized bikes like the Tenere’ using the above method you can easily see the off road ergo problems with the bike. Normally I like to set up my body where I have a little bit of weight forward with my arms flexed, but with the Tenere’ I can’t; my arms are almost straight and as it is I’m already way forward. Having your arms flexed a bit puts your body in a more relaxed position & better to absorb shock while riding.

An area that’s critical for off road riding comfort is easily/naturally transitioning from the sitting position to the standing position and visa versa. The Tenere’ bar position has way too much sweep. Less sweep is nice for pushing against the bar, which you need to do for getting in a standing position, and also is better for letting your arms absorb shock. So you need new bars, big deal, right? Well yes it is a big deal with the Tenere’. If Yamaha had made the bar straighter then riders would really get pulled forward trying to reach the controls. Most folks can’t have a bar with less sweep without getting it (the bars) closer to the rider first. Bar selection for this bike is further complicated because of all the components on the bars. Between the hand guards, dampers, street bike sized controls and switches Yamaha had to design a bar to accommodate all this stuff resulting in a somewhat unique bar and one that isn’t very popular to find if you are searching for a straighter (less sweep) bar. I think the dang steering head is just placed too far away from the rider resulting in a compromised riding position all the way around. For off road riding that is not an easy thing to correct & when added up it results in poor ergos for off road riding. I’m afraid that there is no easy answer for this issue. Rox Risers are a start & come closest to a cheap fix. But the poor engineers at Yamaha really didn’t have much choice as they handed a six-gallon fuel tank, street bike seating, frame, shaft drive and controls to deal with; you know Yamaha’s “Clean Sheet” design for the S10. And when they were done someone had cleaned their arse with the sheet. Lovely.

 

[tpak]

Per request I added the diameter and control plane as a separate column to my spreadsheet of handlebars and also a downloadable version in excel formet. I only have control plane for the stockers so far.

Here is the link to the excel version but hosted on Google Docs - it should just download. I added a column for diameter and control plane. The diameter is based on a parsing of the description.
https://docs.google.com/open?id=0By97B6meCngVcHR3ajlJanpkUGs

Here is the Google Doc version:
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0Ai97B6meCngVdFlvT0k0cmFBdHhYYngtSGlncXVuV0E

Send me updates/additions

 

[sail2xxs]

Dallara and Tpak - thanks for putting this together and doing the research! I'm not sure what the bend, etc. was on the bars of my 800GS, but that bike fit just right with 2" risers. I've toyed with getting a set of 800GS bars, but this is far better - I swore I'd never go back to a BMW dealer again, except to pick up or drop off friends!

Chris

 

[tpak]

Stock bars are fine with me. I never ride off road so can't comment there, but no problem for me on the street. I sure wouldn't raise the bars! That's for damn sure. Most my big trips back in the day I always had low bars. Much better than higher bars for long rides. Takes the weight off your rear. Worst thing you can do is sit up straight with all weight on your rear like a cruiser. Guys even complain of the goldwing bars being too low, it's a universal thing, all bikes are too low unless your arms are 6" up above your ears it seems. i stand up once in a while while going over speed bumps and such and the bars seem fine to me. All the manufacturers work hard to always fit too low bars, we all know that. They test 100 bars, find the right bar for most riders, then always go exactly 2" lower so the Rox risers must be added. Been this way since 1969 at least.

I would swear RonH just admitted that maybe messing with the ergonomics might be required under certain circumstances.

Nah. I'm seeing things, it's late.

 

[sail2xxs]

Quite a while ago, I was following Wasp's thread on ADVRider about the modificaitons he had made to his S10. In one of the posts, he mentioned a different handlebar, which was non-shock and very adjustable. It took a bit, but I found the link to the thread and the bar. Hopes this helps in some way.

http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?p=14097956&highlight=handlebar#post14097956

http://shop.sw-motech.com/en/by+products/Ergonomics/Nonshock+Endurance-Bar/index.htm

Chris

 

[switchback]

Any handlebar revelations in the last 2 months? I see the specs for the Flexx bars are on the website but not on the drop down for purchase. After last weeks trip I need a change. Risers, bars, what is the ticket?

 

[wfopete]

Below is some chat I had with Cole from Fasst Company just last week. Sorry it was too much hassle to get the pictures to load here but they didn't really show much.

Hello Pete,

Attached are some notes from testing with Cycle World’s Ryan Dudek and Blake Conner as well as Dirt Rider’s Jimmy Lewis...I don’t think I sent this to you yet.

We have a good set up for dirt oriented riders currently, road riders typically are more comfortable with a little more sweep than our current adventure bar offers at 62mm. We should be releasing a more traditional adventure bend in October, something with a sweep of between 75-80mm which will provide a good platform both on and off-road as well as on the highway. The stock Tenere bar has a massive 146mm of sweep which balls the rider up and limiting power and mobility.

Please let me know what questions or concerns you. Any input is welcome as well.




Thanks,

Cole Townsend
Fasst Company
O: 562) 219-4707
www.fasstco.com
Facebook.com/fasstcompany


Yamaha Super Tenere Ergonomic Notes

Stock Handlebar dimensions:
Width: 32.5”/825.5mm
Heigth: 4”/106mm
Sweep: 5.75”/146mm
Peg to bar: 36-38” Depending on how the bar is adjusted.

Flexx Handlebar Tenere dimensions:
Width: 32.5”/825.5
Height: 4.5”/116mm
Sweep: 2.4”/62mm
Peg to bar: 37-38” Depending on how the bar is adjusted.

From our research we have found riders would like a bar with less sweep, and more height while moving the bars closer to the rider. As the ergos sit stock riders feel the bars are to far away but also balled up on the bike with the massive amount of sweep the stock bars have. A bar with less sweep will put the rider in a more powerful position on the bike, broadening the shoulders, opening the elbows and squaring the wrist with the bar. Riders coming from an off-road background will much prefer these ergos as it feels similar to what they are used to. Most riders will also prefer the additional 10mm of height Flexx Handlebar provides. A large amount of riders will also benefit from using a mount or riser that moves the bars closer to the rider, some mounts will also raise the bar if desired
Installation of Flexx Handlebars is very straightforward for an adventure bike. The only additional parts needed are bar weight anchors. We prefer the threaded insert offered by several brands. With the addition of the bar weight anchors all of the stock components can be used.

Another option for our Tenere customers that would prefer a narrower bar would be our 15* Enduro High with a total length of 31” on it’s own the end result with the Tenere controls would be a bar width of 32”. All of the controls will fit on the Enduro model bar but space and adjustment is limited.

Cycle World Editor Ryan Dudek’s initial ergonomic impression of the Flexx Handlebars mounted on the stock bar clamps, “I really like the straighter bend of the bar, although I would like it to be closer to me, at 5’11” I’m reaching through the turns. To go up in height the bars overall position needs to come back. The bars did a great job of absorbing the abuse the big bikes throw off on the road or the dirt.” After his initial test we mounted a set of 2” Rox Risers, with a focus on bringing the overall bar location closer to the rider, although due to cable limitations we were unable to bring them as far back as he would prefer. With the addition of the 2” riser Dudek felt, “The addition of the Rox Riser improved the ergos and rider positioning. No longer was I reaching for the bar through the turn. Bringing the bars closer to me was much more comfortable, the extra height was ok. I am in a more powerful position due to less sweep of the bar and the bar positioning the risers offered. “

15* Tenere configuration on top of 2” Rox risers. Ideally we would like to position the Rox back farther but cable limitations only allowed them to pivot so far. The next time we have the Tenere we will work on re-routing the cables for more room then roll the Rox back further.


In our haste to get Dudek on the road I neglected to check the riser angle. Dudek ended up adjusting the bars to around 30* with the risers. He would prefer the riser pivoted flatter moving the bars closer to him.

 

[Psyduck]

I am in the market for a new handlebar. Just got back from a few days in the dirt (WABDR). I love my bike even more after that trip! ::012::

Even with a 1'' riser the stock bar is not cutting it for me standing up. I am 6'4''. The fact that I bent my stock bar kissing the dirt kinda forces me into looking into other options. ;D

Seems like Fasst has a good solution. Spendy though. I swear I was able to find the Supertenere bar on their website yesterday - now it is gone. What's up with that?

A new stock bar runs $72, a Fasst bar $350. Is it worth the difference? Any tall dirt rider out there that has a good solution? Any other companies that have a ready to go Supertenere compatible bar besides SW-Motech and Fasst?

 

[tinayafatlard]

I have been emailing Cole over at fast co.for a little while lately about a super tenere bar. They have it listed now on the website, but is not in the cart system to buy yet. He is hoping this week that will be updated. The tenere bar will be the 15 degree bend which is 62 mm pull back. they are 116 mm in rise and 32.5 inches wide. So they will fit all the controls just fine. They will be less back sweep, but a bit higher. This is great for those around the 6`2" mark like me and does a little standing off road. They are a bit spendy. But 100 percent American made in good old Utah! And from talking with him he seems like a real good guy too. I will have a pair as soon as they are available and post up some pics and opinions on them.

 

[tomatocity]

I have been emailing Cole over at fast co.for a little while lately about a super tenere bar. They have it listed now on the website, but is not in the cart system to buy yet. He is hoping this week that will be updated. The tenere bar will be the 15 degree bend which is 62 mm pull back. they are 116 mm in rise and 32.5 inches wide. So they will fit all the controls just fine. They will be less back sweep, but a bit higher. This is great for those around the 6`2" mark like me and does a little standing off road. They are a bit spendy. But 100 percent American made in good old Utah! And from talking with him he seems like a real good guy too. I will have a pair as soon as they are available and post up some pics and opinions on them.

Thanks for the information. Sounds good. The Control space can vary with width and the space between where the bar rises. I have an aftermarket bar and lost about 1/4" of Control space on each side. Not a problem if you are remounting the stock controls but if you are adding switches and such every 1/4" counts. I hope these bars have at least the same as the stock bar.

 

[racerdell]

I too am looking for handlebars for my Tenere. I do not want to go higher but instead towards me and perhaps a little lower. I have found that with the bars already high & away, when riding in heavy winds I have trouble getting my weight over the bars for control. I fought heavy crosswinds on a cross country trip and especially with my topbox on & I had my hands full. I am wondering if there is a lower and swept back bar or if I need to find/make a bracket to bring the bars back.
ANY THOUGHT?

 

[Kestrel]

From our research we have found riders would like a bar with less sweep, and more height while moving the bars closer to the rider. As the ergos sit stock riders feel the bars are to far away but also balled up on the bike with the massive amount of sweep the stock bars have.

As if the guys at Fast Company are reading my mind Sums up my critique of the bars perfectly.

 

[switchback]

Just bought a set of Rox risers with a set of Tusk CR High Chub bars and some screw in bar inserts from G1 for the handguards/bar ends. Bars are 0.25" lower and at least a half inch narrower. Will likely need to call Jaxon for some extended brake lines but the straighter bars, lower height and reduced width may give me a chance of success.

 

[switchback]

Have the bars and Rox Risers on. Pivoted around 3/4-1 inch back and that is about as far as I can take it without stressing the lines. Can anyone tell me if there is any harm in rotating the line off of the hard stop on the master cylinder? I think rotating the lines slightly at the bolt connecting them to the reservoir would take additional stress off. I still have the option of modifying bracket locations. On a side note, black bars look so much better.

 

[tinayafatlard]

I finally got some Fasst co. Flexx bars, and got them installed. And I have to agree with what I've read in my research prior to buying them...this is the best addition to my bike thus far!!! The feel, the sweep and rise, far exceeds the factory bars! And the first time standing they made it feel like a different machine off road. I love 'em! They came with three additional levels of elastimer bushing to fine tune the feel (blue-soft,yellow-medium,red-hard,black-stiff) and a cross bar pad. If your interesed in a pair then I say go for it! Especially if you are taller like I am, or off road some. Hope this helps anyone wondering about the options out there for new bars. Great job Cole!

 

[Psyduck]

I finally got some Fasst co. Flexx bars, and got them installed. And I have to agree with what I've read in my research prior to buying them...this is the best addition to my bike thus far!!! The feel, the sweep and rise, far exceeds the factory bars! And the first time standing they made it feel like a different machine off road. I love 'em! They came with three additional levels of elastimer bushing to fine tune the feel (blue-soft,yellow-medium,red-hard,black-stiff) and a cross bar pad. If your interesed in a pair then I say go for it! Especially if you are taller like I am, or off road some. Hope this helps anyone wondering about the options out there for new bars. Great job Cole!

Thank you so much for your pics. I have been mulling over buying them for a few weeks now. Lots of $$$. Your pics/review pushed me over. Did you have to buy any additional parts or did they include everything to install them?

 

[tinayafatlard]

Thank you so much for your pics. I have been mulling over buying them for a few weeks now. Lots of $$$. Your pics/review pushed me overI guess you could just use the kind that either have a wedge or expanding elastimer, but the don't hold as good. . Did you have to buy any additional earts or did they include everything to install them?

All I had to buy to install them was some grip glue for the left grip,and some thread in bar ends for the hand guard/bar weights. I used the ones from g2 ergonomics. Cole at Fasst co. recommended them to me.I ordered them from their website (g2ergo.com) for $14.99. I got them with the aluminum inserts instead of the nylon. And I included the 5/8 tap option since I didn't have one.It was easy,and worked out great. The only other thing to do(which you would have to do with any after market bar)is either cut the anti-rotation pins off the control housings that are on factory controls,or drill the small holes in the new bars to accept them. I am anal about that stuff,so I drilled the holes. But I will say that the pin on the kill switch/start button control broke off while unscrewing it,and it is holding just as tight as the rest. So either way will work. Hope that helps you. Shoot me any more questions.

 

[mcbrien]

Does the flexx bar stop all the vibration ?

 

[Psyduck]

One more question: I do have a vertical 1'' riser installed. Do you think I will need new break lines? How tight are they in your current setup without risers?