M50 handlebars too far? Any aftermarket ones that are closer to rider? - Motorcycle-Journal Forums

jet987 · 07-30-2006, 08:47 PM

Hi, I've searched thru the forums before I posted this. I'm a 5'6" male, prospective buyer of an M50, and when I sat on one, the handlebars seemed to be a bit of a reach compared to a V-star or S50. Does anyone my height or shorter experience any discomfort on longer rides because of the reach? And has anyone installed aftermarket handlebars to shorten the reach? I read the cables might have to be replaced and the speedometer placement might be an issue depending on the handlebar. Thanks!

Ext1jdh · 07-31-2006, 02:09 PM

Hey there Jet,
I'm 5'7" and from the tip of my middle finger to the middle of my shoulder is 27 inches. The reach does seem a little far but thats how I like it, and I can still bend my elbows a little to make the MSF instructor happy. I end up leaning forward a little bit to stay on the bars though. TMK, there is not a lot of play in the cables to allow you to pull the bars back very much, so depending on how far you want to pull em back, you may need to replace the cables.

May I suggest the C50? It has similar (though more cruiser than muscle) styling and the bars pull back a little more.

Xerses · 07-31-2006, 03:21 PM

I am 5'8" tall with the same (almost) arm length as Ext1jdh and when sitting on the M50 with my butt at the back of the seat I am slightly leaned forward but am still able to bend my elbows. I have put 3,500km on it since mid-April with 2 rides of 100+km straight no stopping and I don't find it uncomfortable, but I like the stretched out arm look. It all depends on personal comfort zone. If you have shorter arms then this might not be the bike for you. The best thing would be to ride one if you can.

RicoChet · 07-31-2006, 04:51 PM

Im 5'11 and I think the handlebars fit my build perfectly

jpwM50 · 07-31-2006, 05:57 PM

Don't forget that the show floor model has the bars set high, you can turn them down which brings them closer to you, it may be enough for you.

geoffsimpson · 07-31-2006, 06:27 PM

jpwM50 is right, you should be able to "roll" the bar towards you without problem, I actually pushed mine away when I first got it, but I'm 6'2, so I wanted a little more straight arm room

You know what tho'... i'd be interested to see a m50 with "ape hangers" you could try that also? HAHA

jet987 · 07-31-2006, 06:48 PM

geoffsimpson, if you roll the handlebars towards you, I read it's about a half inch difference? I'm looking to buy a used 2005 M50 anyway and hope for the best! I'm in Chicago, IL, hoping to find anyone who wants to sell theirs.

hammersfan · 07-31-2006, 06:55 PM

I was going to suggest the C50 bars as well. Also one rider told me that he had rolled his bars forward a little and it had alleviated a problem he was having with tendonitis in his elbows.

geoffsimpson · 07-31-2006, 07:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jet987

geoffsimpson, if you roll the handlebars towards you, I read it's about a half inch difference? I'm looking to buy a used 2005 M50 anyway and hope for the best! I'm in Chicago, IL, hoping to find anyone who wants to sell theirs.

I would guess that's about close, maybe closer to 3/4'...you've got some play so loosen 'em up and see if any of it feels any better as you move them back and forth...

option 2: Arm Stretcher

mbgraham2000 · 08-01-2006, 02:00 AM

I have the Baron customs star bar, but I haven't installed it yet. It has similar spec's to the stock bar but privides 2 inches more pull back.

J&P Cycles - Motorcycle exhausts, seats, mirrors, and more.

I hope to get it installed this week. I find I get some shoulder and back pain from the stretch to the stock bar. I hope this fixes it.

jet987 · 08-01-2006, 05:51 PM

mbgraham2000, hope to see pics of the bars when installed. Thanks.

mbgraham2000 · 08-01-2006, 08:36 PM

I'll get some pictures as soon as I am done

RedFifty · 08-01-2006, 11:45 PM

Jet, for what it's worth, I'm 5'6" and the stock setup fits me comfortably. I was very worried about buying the bike without actually trying it, but now I have 2,300 miles and no regrets. -Red

jet987 · 08-01-2006, 11:47 PM

RedFifty, thanks, I'm looking to buy a used 2005 M50 soon.

RedFifty · 08-02-2006, 12:15 AM

I had almost bought the S50, because it did not have the forward controls. I really wanted the M50 since it had all the features I wanted. I made the dealer hold up the bike by hand so I could try out the controls on the M50 - both hand and foot.
Later, when I drove the M50 home, I knew I made the right decision. -Red

rbrainard · 08-30-2008, 02:11 PM

I'm glad someone asked this question. I just bought and M50 and feel that it is a bit of a strecth but only a little. I'm 5'6, 130 lbs.

After riding back and forth from work each day which takes me about an hour and a half each way, I feel no pain in the buttocks or lower back. I do however feel a little stiffness in the neck and will try rotating the handle bars a little.

Other than that, I really love this thing!

burnchassis · 08-30-2008, 03:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rbrainard

I'm glad someone asked this question. I just bought and M50 and feel that it is a bit of a strecth but only a little. I'm 5'6, 130 lbs.

After riding back and forth from work each day which takes me about an hour and a half each way, I feel no pain in the buttocks or lower back. I do however feel a little stiffness in the neck and will try rotating the handle bars a little.

Other than that, I really love this thing!

to the Forum! Congrats on your new M!
CS

dreygun · 09-02-2008, 07:55 PM

lean forward

07M50zAllDaWay · 09-02-2008, 09:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jet987

Hi, I've searched thru the forums before I posted this. I'm a 5'6" male, prospective buyer of an M50, and when I sat on one, the handlebars seemed to be a bit of a reach compared to a V-star or S50. Does anyone my height or shorter experience any discomfort on longer rides because of the reach? And has anyone installed aftermarket handlebars to shorten the reach? I read the cables might have to be replaced and the speedometer placement might be an issue depending on the handlebar. Thanks!

I'm about 5'7" on a good day, and own an M50. I like the bar position for the type of riding I do. In city traffic, I can lean forward to get a nice bend in my elbows, and have that "on my haunches" feel. On the highway, where I don't have to maneuver as much, I can sit back in a classic cruiser position. I'll even put my heels up over the footpegs, and it rides just like having highway bars.

harryson · 09-04-2008, 12:33 AM

i put a c50 handlebar. only thing to do is to drill a hole on each side of the handlebar for the housing. some c50 doesn't require, dunno why. there was a thread about this matters.
and re route the throtle cable and all the housing between the tree.

here is a link that will show you the m50 handlebar measurement and you can compare it for your reference.

hope thiss will help.

http://www.sideroadcycles.com/Import...ckBarsOne.html

07-30-2006, 08:47 PM	#1 (permalink)
jet987 Seat Tester Joined: Jul 2006 Bike: 2005 Suzuki C50T black Location: Chicago, IL Posts: 58	M50 handlebars too far? Any aftermarket ones that are closer to rider? Hi, I've searched thru the forums before I posted this. I'm a 5'6" male, prospective buyer of an M50, and when I sat on one, the handlebars seemed to be a bit of a reach compared to a V-star or S50. Does anyone my height or shorter experience any discomfort on longer rides because of the reach? And has anyone installed aftermarket handlebars to shorten the reach? I read the cables might have to be replaced and the speedometer placement might be an issue depending on the handlebar. Thanks!

07-31-2006, 02:09 PM	#2 (permalink)
Ext1jdh Top Gear ! Full Throttle! Joined: Apr 2005 Bike: Sold Location: Elgin, IL, US Posts: 5,226	Hey there Jet, I'm 5'7" and from the tip of my middle finger to the middle of my shoulder is 27 inches. The reach does seem a little far but thats how I like it, and I can still bend my elbows a little to make the MSF instructor happy. I end up leaning forward a little bit to stay on the bars though. TMK, there is not a lot of play in the cables to allow you to pull the bars back very much, so depending on how far you want to pull em back, you may need to replace the cables. May I suggest the C50? It has similar (though more cruiser than muscle) styling and the bars pull back a little more. __________________ I am lurking. I am likely to be eaten by a grue.

07-31-2006, 03:21 PM	#3 (permalink)
Xerses Sprocket Pilot Joined: Jul 2006 Bike: '06 Black M50 Location: Montréal, Québec, Canada Posts: 807	I am 5'8" tall with the same (almost) arm length as Ext1jdh and when sitting on the M50 with my butt at the back of the seat I am slightly leaned forward but am still able to bend my elbows. I have put 3,500km on it since mid-April with 2 rides of 100+km straight no stopping and I don't find it uncomfortable, but I like the stretched out arm look. It all depends on personal comfort zone. If you have shorter arms then this might not be the bike for you. The best thing would be to ride one if you can. __________________ Black is still faster DAMN IT! Power Commander III USB Install Manual I Made *High quality debaffle video with drive by sound... coming as soon as someone can tell me how to digitally* blur out a plate in a video. Please PM me if you know how.**

07-31-2006, 05:57 PM	#5 (permalink)
jpwM50 Clutch Cadet Joined: Jul 2005 Bike: Blue M50 Location: Waterloo, Canada Posts: 944	Don't forget that the show floor model has the bars set high, you can turn them down which brings them closer to you, it may be enough for you. __________________

07-31-2006, 06:27 PM	#6 (permalink)
geoffsimpson Bridal Boutique Manager Joined: Jun 2006 Bike: Grey, not silver, GREY 2006 Suzuki Boulevard M50 Location: Prince George BC Posts: 3,077	jpwM50 is right, you should be able to "roll" the bar towards you without problem, I actually pushed mine away when I first got it, but I'm 6'2, so I wanted a little more straight arm room You know what tho'... i'd be interested to see a m50 with "ape hangers" you could try that also? HAHA __________________ Please Note: All opinions contained herein are worth exactly what you paid for them. It's true that every time you hear a bell ring, an angel gets its wings... But what they don't tell you is that every time you hear a mouse trap "snap", and Angel gets set on fire... Grey * De-badged * V & H Straightshots w/ Thunder-Monster Baffles and Billet Hot-Tips * POWAH COMMANDAH!! * Kury Wide Style Levers * Kury Zombie Pegs (what's left of them) * Johnskit Forward Controls * Johnskit 2.5" Lowering Kit * Carbon Fibre-esque Trim kit * your mom * Memphis Shades HellCat windshield * Passenger Backrest * Baddass MO-FO behind the bars * Metz 880's w/ lettering * Flamed Thunder MFG Teardrop Intake *

07-31-2006, 04:51 PM	#4 (permalink)
RicoChet Fender Buffer Joined: Jun 2006 Bike: 2005 Black M50 Location: Thornhill, Ontario Posts: 436	Im 5'11 and I think the handlebars fit my build perfectly

07-31-2006, 06:48 PM	#7 (permalink)
jet987 Seat Tester Joined: Jul 2006 Bike: 2005 Suzuki C50T black Location: Chicago, IL Posts: 58	handlebars roll towards rider geoffsimpson, if you roll the handlebars towards you, I read it's about a half inch difference? I'm looking to buy a used 2005 M50 anyway and hope for the best! I'm in Chicago, IL, hoping to find anyone who wants to sell theirs.

07-31-2006, 06:55 PM	#8 (permalink)
hammersfan U.B's LoveChild Joined: Jan 2006 Bike: 2008 C90 SE Location: Ajax ,Ontario ,Canada Posts: 1,214	I was going to suggest the C50 bars as well. Also one rider told me that he had rolled his bars forward a little and it had alleviated a problem he was having with tendonitis in his elbows. __________________ Ride Safe Hammersfan

08-01-2006, 02:00 AM	#10 (permalink)
mbgraham2000 Clunked into first gear Joined: Jul 2006 Bike: 2005 Custom M50 Location: Redondo Beach Ca. Posts: 245	I have the Baron customs star bar, but I haven't installed it yet. It has similar spec's to the stock bar but privides 2 inches more pull back. J&P Cycles - Motorcycle exhausts, seats, mirrors, and more. I hope to get it installed this week. I find I get some shoulder and back pain from the stretch to the stock bar. I hope this fixes it.

08-01-2006, 05:51 PM	#11 (permalink)
jet987 Seat Tester Joined: Jul 2006 Bike: 2005 Suzuki C50T black Location: Chicago, IL Posts: 58	mbgraham2000, hope to see pics of the bars when installed. Thanks.

08-01-2006, 08:36 PM	#12 (permalink)
mbgraham2000 Clunked into first gear Joined: Jul 2006 Bike: 2005 Custom M50 Location: Redondo Beach Ca. Posts: 245	I'll get some pictures as soon as I am done

08-01-2006, 11:45 PM	#13 (permalink)
RedFifty Seat Tester Joined: May 2006 Bike: Red 2005 Suzuki M50 Location: Scotia, New York Posts: 90	Jet, for what it's worth, I'm 5'6" and the stock setup fits me comfortably. I was very worried about buying the bike without actually trying it, but now I have 2,300 miles and no regrets. -Red __________________ Red Fifty - 2005 Red M50 \| No Badges on Tank \| Silverstar \| Alley Cat \| ..Awesome..

08-01-2006, 11:47 PM	#14 (permalink)
jet987 Seat Tester Joined: Jul 2006 Bike: 2005 Suzuki C50T black Location: Chicago, IL Posts: 58	thanks RedFifty, thanks, I'm looking to buy a used 2005 M50 soon.

08-02-2006, 12:15 AM	#15 (permalink)
RedFifty Seat Tester Joined: May 2006 Bike: Red 2005 Suzuki M50 Location: Scotia, New York Posts: 90	I had almost bought the S50, because it did not have the forward controls. I really wanted the M50 since it had all the features I wanted. I made the dealer hold up the bike by hand so I could try out the controls on the M50 - both hand and foot. Later, when I drove the M50 home, I knew I made the right decision. -Red __________________ Red Fifty - 2005 Red M50 \| No Badges on Tank \| Silverstar \| Alley Cat \| ..Awesome..

08-30-2008, 02:11 PM	#16 (permalink)
rbrainard Newbie Joined: Aug 2008 Bike: Suzuki Boulevard M50 Posts: 1	Handlebars for M50 I'm glad someone asked this question. I just bought and M50 and feel that it is a bit of a strecth but only a little. I'm 5'6, 130 lbs. After riding back and forth from work each day which takes me about an hour and a half each way, I feel no pain in the buttocks or lower back. I do however feel a little stiffness in the neck and will try rotating the handle bars a little. Other than that, I really love this thing!

09-02-2008, 07:55 PM	#18 (permalink)
dreygun Ditch Magnet Joined: Aug 2008 Bike: 2006 silver M50 Location: barrie, ontario, canada Posts: 196	lean forward __________________ Tom Poh @ Dreygunz Decalz Custom Stickers/ Banners 2006 silver debadged M50/ kury iso-grips ( with throttle boss, grip spikes, front & back pegs, clutch & brake covers)/ chrome accents (oil and brake cap)/ garmin Zumo 550 Gps/ Stock pipes (debaffled, demickey'd, blacked out header side)/ leather saddlebags & supports/ sissy bar & rack/ memphis fat 13" clear/ roadrunner cup holder/ HD fork pouch/ PC3/ 32" drag bar/ sidemount curved plate mount/ clear signals/ johnskit 3in lowering/ chrome rad cover/ Integrated signal back light kit/ removed OEM back signals and license housing/ Sickle Stem Lucifer Mirrors/ Granucci HB Long Seat Coming soon: johnskit forward controls, Hypercharger/ adaptor.

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)

09-04-2008, 12:33 AM	#20 (permalink)
harryson Where Am I ? Joined: Mar 2008 Bike: '07 m50 Location: lake oconee, ga Posts: 40	i put a c50 handlebar. only thing to do is to drill a hole on each side of the handlebar for the housing. some c50 doesn't require, dunno why. there was a thread about this matters. and re route the throtle cable and all the housing between the tree. here is a link that will show you the m50 handlebar measurement and you can compare it for your reference. hope thiss will help. http://www.sideroadcycles.com/Import...ckBarsOne.html Attached Thumbnails __________________ na na na na ride... sally... ride.... Last edited by harryson; 09-04-2008 at 12:27 PM.

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