Changing California handlebars

[Ken the rider]

Hi guys, I have recently bought a 2010 California 1100. It has what I would call buckhorn bars, I think they are the standard bars. I would prefer bars that are rather lower. I have seen a set of Stone bars on the Harpers website but they are very expensive, particularly considering that I would have to have them shipped to where I live in New Zealand. Also the existing bars appear to be 30mm in diameter, which will make sourcing alternative bars more difficult. Has anyone else had to deal with this issue and how was it resolved.

The current bars do have the controls mounted on what appears to be a 22.2mm extensions. So I am wondering if there available handlebar clamp spacers that would allow a conventional 22.2 mm bar to be mounted. Any comments would be helpful.

Cheers, Ken

 

[Amboman]

Changing 'bars was recently discussed here.

Looking for advice on 2011 Black Eagle

Recently, a friend and I each bought a NOS 2011 Cali Black Eagle from a friend who closed his dealership. Mine had 150 miles, friend's zero - he may be listing it soon. They were both gone through by the seller, a damn good mechanic, and run fine. This will be my fourth Guzzi since 1979 (V-7...

www.guzzitech.com

 

[Nordicnorm]

I think you should check out "Pro Taper" and other brands of tapered bars. I ran "Superbike" style 7/8" bars on my 2000 Jackal (with rear-sets) for the 13 years I owned it. The aftermarket also offers handlebar clamps to bolt to your upper triple clamp. I use them on my Breva, which is fitted with Aprilia "Mana" bars. These are tapered, but clamps for 7/8" bars are commonly available.
Factory bars are expensive simply because they have a parts number on them, and they are only available from the dealer network.
They are also drilled to locate your switch clusters, and have fittings for bar end weights.
Many motorcycle stores carry a good selection of handlebars.

 

[Ken the rider]

Hi guys, thanks for your comments, I hadn’t thought about getting new handlebar mounts. That seems to be the easiest solution.
Cheers, Ken

 

[rhip]

I am still looking to replace my bars on my 2011 Black Eagle. Another option is Renthal's fat bars. I like their products, and unlike Protaper, which looks like a continuous tube, the Renthals share the same design as the factory handles, almost like the 7/8" is inserted into the 1" bar. I know the setup is very subjective, bit with the number of options out there, I'd like to hear from someone who's done the swap -it would be nice to get it right the first time..