Any examples of GL1100 bars on an ST1100?

Steve_NW

Steve_NW

Joined
Dec 7, 2019
Messages
9
Location
Seattle, USA
Hi all. ST1100 newbie here.

Has anyone put GL1100 handlebars on their ST1100? There's a couple of unresolved threads about this here, but I can't find that anyone has actually done the swap.

My newly-acquired ST has Heli-Bars on top of big risers, and my wonky back likes them. My measurements say the GL1100 specs match my current configuration pretty closely in rise, but with a little more pullback, and they're 4" wider overall (based on EMGO's specs for its OEM GL1100 replacement bars). Close, but close enough?

I'm inclined to prefer a single solid piece rather than a stack of bolted-together bits, all things being equal.

I'm thinking that since the lines and cables are already sorted by the PO it should(?) be a reasonably easy swap.

Has anyone tried it?

Thanks!
 
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I used GL1100 bars on my Nighthawk 650. Loved them. They would be a good choice for an st1100 if they fit, but you would have to extend the brake and clutch hydraulic lines. I don't know if the wiring or is long enough or not. I think Helibars would sell you the extensions on they used on the Horizon Helibars. The Helibars you have are the first generation. The Horizon Helibars are very good but pricey. Your GL1100 idea would be a lot cheaper if it fits. I was looking back and saw I paid $30 for those bars. The extensions may cost $50. The Horizon costs almost $500.

HeliBars® Horizon™ multi-axis adjustable handlebars for Honda ST1100 - HELIBARS

LIMITED TO IN STOCK QUANTITIES. Once in stock units are sold this product will be discontinued. HeliBars® Horizon™ multi adjustable handlebars for Honda...
www.helibars.com www.helibars.com
 
He spent $250 on the bars, new throttle cable, hydraulic lines and splicing electric‘s. The Helibar Horizon costs $500. They use stock hydraulic lines with extensions, the stock throttle cable, and requires no wiring changes. I think I would spend $250 not to have to splice wiring. I did have to splice wiring on my Nighthawk.
 
I have the original double-jointed Helibars on top of 3" extended risers on my '01 ST1100 using (as far as I know) factory hoses and wiring, but I did have to re-route the hoses and cables to obtain the slack.
 
Thankfully the previous owner took care of the cables and lines with the original Helibars on top of big risers, putting them about where GL1100 bars would be.

I'm second-guessing this idea though. I've seen warnings about the peg holes in the bars not being in an optimal place for this swap. Seems like drilling more holes would weaken the bars, and I'm reluctant to cut the pegs off the ST controls.
 
This outfit has been around a long time and has just about any handlebar available. Click on each listing to see the specs for each handlebar.

Flanders Handlebars (good reference). Their A27 is suppose to match the GL1100 and their F34 matches a ST1100 bar.
 
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That website is a good indicator that they've been around a long time. Smart marketing.

They do have a great reputation for quality, but their GL1100 bars are pre-drilled also. If the holes aren't in the right place and I have to drill another hole to place the controls properly I'd still be concerned about weakening the bars.

For now I've decided to not fix what ain't broke, especially while I'm still getting used to the bike.

Thanks for all the feedback and suggestions.
 
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