Renthal Bar Ultra Low on ER6n

I had been considering to replace the stock handle bar of my ER6n 2009 for few weeks. Today I finally took the plunge.

What's wrong with the stock handle bar?

Nothing.. really. It is solid, does not vibe (not much considering it is mounted on twin parallel engine). I guess it is more of a preference. After riding the ER6n for 3 months on and off, I actually prefer a more aggressive riding position. I know.. I know, I should not have gotten an upright naked on the first place. What I meant is a slightly more aggressive position than the current "relax" upright position.

On the left is my ER6n with stock handle bar.

I did few searches on bike forums on internet and there is one particular brand name that get mentioned many times. It is Renthal Bar.

I am set for the Ultra Low renthal bar, promising a lower/aggresive riding style yet still comfortable.

How do I replace the handlebar?

1. Take off the stock handlebar

There are lots of tips and tricks out there in the world wide web. These are the one that works for me:

• Remove both mirrors
• Remove both bar ends
• Remove left hand side grip (the clutch side)


• I follow an instruction from vagabond35 youtube clip
• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sf-EKwyER74

• Dismantle left hand side switch cluster
• Unscrew the bar mount
• Loosen the screw on right hand side switch cluster (the throttle side)
• Warning: If possible try not to fully dismantle the throttle assembly. You will find a hard time to assemble them back to one piece.
• Slide the right hand side switch cluster off the bar
• Jobs done! Congratulation 

2. Drill locating pin hole for both left and right side of the bar

I quickly find that the stock bar has locating pin. I decided to drill 2 holes on the new renthal bar.
To mark the holes on the handlebar, I use my wife nail polish ink :) Dab some ink on the locating pin, then press it onto the bar on the position that feels right for you.
Once I get the ink mark on the bar, I measure the distance from the ink mark to the end of the bar and compare it with the stock handle bar. Both distance should be equal.

Use 5mm metal drill bits and drill away!

3. Mount the new handle bar

To mount the new handle bar I basically did step one in reverse order.

What about the bar end weight?

Unlike the stock bar, renthal bar ends are not threaded. There is no way I can screw in the stock bar end weight directly to renthal bar.
Renthal sells bar end weights but they are not as heavy as the stock, hence I am a bit skeptical on their effectiveness in preventing vibration.

I came across a brilliant idea coming from a motorcycle forum thread. Some of the aftermarket bar end weight use rubber plug to stuck them to the bar. This forum thread recommend automotive rubber fuel hose as a cheaper alternative.

So I went to SuperCheapAuto branch in Sydney and bought myself a fuel hose with 14mm diameter. With that rubber hose, I made myself cheap bar end weight with rubber plug. Check the pictures below.

The verdict

The Renthal Bar Ultra Low is awesome. The bar gives me a riding position that I prefer more. I notice that I squeeze the tank more to assist my lower back and wrist. I enjoy a ride on twisties even more with this bar. The wider sweep gives me more control on corners.