Replacing stock handlebars on a 1985 Honda Shadow?

Question

I'm restoring/modifying a 1985 Honda Shadow VT700C. It was laid down by a previous owner, then left outside for years. I got it running strong (it's WAY faster than most modern cruisers, even at twice the displacement because this lacks a lot of the weight they pack on these days) but visually it's really lacking. In particular the handlebars give it a very dated look, as do the instrument clusters.

I want to replace the bars but my local shops only stock a couple sizes and shapes, and I can find dozens of options online. But I can't figure out what the existing bars are (how do you measure them?) or what size and shape would make sense as a replacement.

I'm looking for best-bang-for-the-buck with the upgrade because I need more money for the big air kit and a few other modifications. Any suggestions will be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

- Jon

Answer 1

checkout flanders they have been making handle bars longer then i have been riding

Answer 2

i ran a set of dirtbike bars $20 or so for a while on an XJ650 it gave it a much more agressive look and it felt like it handled better. even if it didnt.... it was way more fun to ride afterwards

Answer 3

the bars are measred for "rise" which means the measurement from the middle of the bar between the risers (where it attaches to the bike) to the area where it curves out to the grips. The you measure it for "pull back" which is the distance from the place where you stopped the previous measurement out to the grip area. Then you have to decide what style bars you want. I'd recomend checking with "cyclesmith" online, they make great bars, and they have a diagram to explain the measurements better.

Answer 4

what is the OD size of the stock bars on the 85 shadow VT700??