Shorten handlebars- 2016 XR Has anybody tried this?

[Relayer1000]

Shorten handlebars- 2016 XR
It looks like 'about' an inch can be cut off each end, tap a new hole for the screw point, slide everything back on.
Has anybody tried this?
JL

[Ant]

Curios as to why would anyone want to do this?

[SimonUK]

I put a Rizoma bar on, about 2 inches shorter overall. For ma makes a huge difference, that was maybe my biggest gripe with the XR is why it had such wide bars(BMW must have thought so as well, since the new Gen is also narrower).

As to why would anyone do that - 'cos they can, and for me it feels much better!

[Ant]

Originally Posted by SimonUK

I put a Rizoma bar on, about 2 inches shorter overall. For ma makes a huge difference, that was maybe my biggest gripe with the XR is why it had such wide bars(BMW must have thought so as well, since the new Gen is also narrower).

As to why would anyone do that - 'cos they can, and for me it feels much better!

Difference in comfort, handling? Both?

[SimonUK]

I would guess a difference in comfort, but I guess with that comes a perceived difference in handling(for the better), I say perceived because it is more comfortable it seems easier. Of course this may not work for everyone, I did the same when I had my GS.

[Ant]

Originally Posted by SimonUK

I would guess a difference in comfort, but I guess with that comes a perceived difference in handling(for the better), I say perceived because it is more comfortable it seems easier. Of course this may not work for everyone, I did the same when I had my GS.

Thanks 

[Antares]

Actually in mountain biking bar size is a pretty important aspect to determine how a bike handles, pretty similar on motorbikes, the wider bars give more leverage therefore less effort is needed to initiate turns, and it's easier to keep the bike stable on rough ground and you get better feedback through the bars, on the other hand shorter bars provide more stability in your body as movement through the bars doesn't affect your body position as much, and it's also less responsive to your body bouncing around moving the bars and of course shorter bars mean less vibes. Unless you got reach issues I wouldn't shorten the bars at all, I've seen someone do it in person once, it's doable, they liked it but imo the wide bars are near essential for the XR to muscle it into corners and I think it's what makes this bike handle so insanely well.

[Relayer1000]

Thanks guys.

[SimonUK]

just an fyi, cutting an inch off each end probably cuts off the thread that is used to bolt on the bar ends, etc. You may want to check than and plan accordingly.