LSL Handlebar Install on Sprint ST 1050

[doodah man]

Well I went ahead with the LSL handlebar install on my Sprint.  Kit was $420 Cdn with shipping and I got the shop (Motorrad in Calgary) to install the kit for me.  Install time was 2.5 hours which seemed reasonable.

First the conversion details:  The kit uses the stock brake lines, clutch, and throttle cables.  My Triumph factory heated grips couldn't be salvaged so Motorrad installed a new heated grip set and vintage-style grips.  The technician rotated the handlebars very high as it was most comfortable for him.  I rode it home like that and it was like sitting on a barstool - bolt upright.  However, there was interference with the fairing when turned hard right and the steering was way too light.  So when I got home, I rotated the bars back down to where there was no interference.  At this point the bars can be turned lock-to-lock, although the clutch cable outer sleeve is stretched tight when turned full left.  However, the idle stays steady no matter where the bars are.  So from a functionality point of view, everything is the same.

The riser plate has a machined cutaway for the Triumph sticker that is on the stock triple clamp.  I guess the tech didn't notice it because he didn't move the sticker.  I will probably just order a new one.

The riser plate has some inconsistent machining patterns.  Overall though the kit seems well thought out, engineered, and constructed.

The new heated grips cost all of $46 and easily put out twice the heat of the Triumph grips.  Why did I pay $250+ for the factory grips?    I won't make that mistake again.

Finally, the stock aluminum bolts that hold on the bar end weights didn't fit the handlebars so Motorrad installed new black bolts instead.  I kind of like the look, especially given the black gasket material forms a ring around the bolt.

Second: how does it feel?  In a word, great!  I did 350 km two weeks ago and the wrist pain I got within a few minutes with the stock clip-ons is completely gone.  The rise is about the same as stock but the bars are closer to my body so I sit a little higher.  The best part is the bars are a good 2" wider on each side.  The wider spread really kicks ass!  I felt like a hooligan on my first ride, wanting to hit the throttle everywhere and using that leverage to bang it over in curves.  The steering feels lighter, probably due to a little less weight on the front end but I think more due to the wider bars amplifying my steering inputs.

Overall verdict: satisfied and highly recommended.  I may see if I can rotate the left switch housing to gain a little more clearance and raise them up just a bit more.

Finally, the pictures:

Overall shots - rise about same as stock, closer to rider however and a lot wider spread.









POST MODIFIED:  Etching is part of the logo.


Inconsistency in the machining, changes in pattern and light/dark areas.  Cut-out for Triumph logo/sticker on the left.


Black bolt on bar end replaces the stock aluminum one.  The black bolt actually works because of the black outer ring created by the bar end gasket/compression material.


Not much clearance at full lock to the right.  May try to see if switch housing can be rotated down so I can rotate the bars a bit higher.  Tried loosening the housing but it wouldn't rotate so the locating pin may still be intact and the handlebar drilled.








Plenty of clearance when going full lock to the left, but clutch cable sleeve is stretched to the limit.

[swimmer]

nice camera!

[caddydaddy]

That looks awesome!  

[Lakeguy556]

Beautiful bike but that tank bra has got to go.

[doodah man]

Beautiful bike but that tank bra has got to go.

Working on it, but it does double duty as a tank bag base and tank pad.  I'll probably get a Bags Connection tank bag to replace my current crappy setup but I don't know what to do for a tank pad yet.  I think they all look ugly.  The only tank protector I ever liked was this one on my 1996 Sprint.



It was about 1/2" thick rubber and had the Triumph logo embossed in the middle.  Very classy.  Maybe I'll see if I can find an NOS one.  I do have the Triumph carbon fiber protector but it doesn't fit very well, keeps coming off, and doesn't protect the bottom of the tank where my jacket button rubs.

[spaz_666]

Working on it, but it does double duty as a tank bag base and tank pad.  I'll probably get a Bags Connection tank bag to replace my current crappy setup but I don't know what to do for a tank pad yet.

Every look into clear paint protection film?
Most people won't even notice it's there unless you point it out to them.

[caddydaddy]

Every look into clear paint protection film?
Most people won't even notice it's there unless you point it out to them.

I have the Tank Slapper set on my '08 Sprint.  It works very well!

[doodah man]

Every look into clear paint protection film?
Most people won't even notice it's there unless you point it out to them.

I have the Tank Slapper set on my '08 Sprint.  It works very well!

Great idea!  I checked out their website and ordered the 3M kit!  

[Mojoguzzi]

It would be reat to see the pictures. Also, any thoughts/knowledge on whether the LSL system works on the new Sprint GT? It's in my sights as a second bike.

[Dan K]

Dead thread resurrection....

Interested tho.

-Dan

[Cricket1]

It would be reat to see the pictures. Also, any thoughts/knowledge on whether the LSL system works on the new Sprint GT? It's in my sights as a second bike.

The op had put the LSL kit on an '06 Sprint which had the lower factory bars. I think in '08 they went to the higher bars, and that the GT's are slightly higher than that. Ya might try the GT for awhile stock and find it's just perfect. (Although there are people who put big risers on C-14's  , so anything is possible) Or you could just get a Super Glide Glue! 

[Dan K]

They went taller in '07.  I have an '06, with the '07 bars installed by previous owner.

I rode a GT for a short test ride, less than 5 miles, and the front end felt exactly the same as my '06 with the taller bars (just a bit refined in the throttle and front brake).

I also think there are rider options short of putting on a new handlebar.

- Dan

[Cricket1]

They went taller in '07.  I have an '06, with the '07 bars installed by previous owner.

I rode a GT for a short test ride, less than 5 miles, and the front end felt exactly the same as my '06 with the taller bars (just a bit refined in the throttle and front brake).

I also think there are rider options short of putting on a new handlebar.

- Dan

Dan-

I've got Genmars on my '03 and it's perfect. Probably about the same as your '07 bars. Just the right amount of forward lean for cuttin' up the twisties, but still liveable around town and on the slab.

[yotes65]

My '08 had the Higher Stock Bars when I'd purchased it new... myself, I did not like them. A buddy had a pair of the Lower Bars from his '06 Sprint and sold them to me. I was back in heaven.  

I still have the Higher Stock Bars sitting in my garage. I should really post them up for sale...

[MadOzodi]

I'm about to switch to the lower bars myself.  

[KSTriple]

I went with convertibars on my Sprint when I had it. They were great, lots of adjustability.

[veefer800canuck]

Picture fail.

Oops!
    The photo you were looking for has been deleted.
You might like to ask Richard Selin about it!

 

 

[MadOzodi]

I went with convertibars on my Sprint when I had it. They were great, lots of adjustability.

I'd given them serious consideration in the past, but couldn't justify the cost at the time.  I'm going to see how I like the lower bars; hopefully it'll be enough of a change to relieve my wrist issues when doing a lot of twisties riding.