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CB650R New Handlebar?

fnr

2020
CB650R ABS
Jun 11, 2025
Riding Since
2023
Hello guys,

I'm new to this forum and I'm a cb650r owner since august 2024 :)

I wanted to ask whether anyone is using another handlebar which is wider? I've testdriven the CB1000 Hornet and the handlebar is wider. I pretty much like that! Does anyone use a wider handlebar on his cb650r? If yes, which one?
 

JZA

2022
CB650R
Feb 7, 2024
Riding Since
2006
G'day, did you manage to work this out? I've been wanting a wider/flatter handlebar for my CB650R since I got it but I was told that if I get an aftermarket bar, it would need to be drilled for the switchgear which makes me wonder about durability.
I wonder if the stock CB1000R handlebar would fit on the 650R?
 

miweber929

2014
CBR650F
650 Alumnus
Staff
Feb 13, 2015
Woodbury, MN
Riding Since
1975
G'day, did you manage to work this out? I've been wanting a wider/flatter handlebar for my CB650R since I got it but I was told that if I get an aftermarket bar, it would need to be drilled for the switchgear which makes me wonder about durability.
I wonder if the stock CB1000R handlebar would fit on the 650R?
You have 2 choices: drill the bar or remove the peg from the switchgear and just use friction to hold in place, either work just fine and the small hole for the pins do not affect durability at all. Swapped bars multiple times on multiple bikes with the locating pins putting in holes without issue.
 

JZA

2022
CB650R
Feb 7, 2024
Riding Since
2006
You have 2 choices: drill the bar or remove the peg from the switchgear and just use friction to hold in place, either work just fine and the small hole for the pins do not affect durability at all. Swapped bars multiple times on multiple bikes with the locating pins putting in holes without issue.
I'd be a bit weary about mounting the throttle with just friction. And drilling holes in a handlebar seems dodgy to me. I have seen plenty of mountain bike bars snap or bend. But a road motorcycle handlebar is getting a lot less abuse than a mountain bike handlebar so it might be fine. I think they are also much thicker. Maybe I will bite the bullet and just buy the Renthal bar that I was looking at.
 

miweber929

2014
CBR650F
650 Alumnus
Staff
Feb 13, 2015
Woodbury, MN
Riding Since
1975
I'd be a bit weary about mounting the throttle with just friction. And drilling holes in a handlebar seems dodgy to me. I have seen plenty of mountain bike bars snap or bend. But a road motorcycle handlebar is getting a lot less abuse than a mountain bike handlebar so it might be fine. I think they are also much thicker. Maybe I will bite the bullet and just buy the Renthal bar that I was looking at.
Throttle tubes have been held in place by friction for around 100 years, it’s only in the last 20 or so they’ve been pinned. My ‘22 500 EXC-F throttle, as well as most dirt bikes in general, is friction held. Stays perfect, wben when bouncing around on a trail.

It’s a streetbike, not a mountain bike, and their construction is not based on being as light as possible like an MTB part is. I’ve broken and bent MTB bars in the past, totally different animal. If you read the instructions that come with most handlebars they will tell you to drill the locating pin holes, the manufacturers are aware this needs to happen and build them accordingly.

You’re way overthinking a few small locating holes and their strength changes. If you're currently riding a bar with holes in it and not concerned, why would a new bar change those thoughts?
 

JZA

2022
CB650R
Feb 7, 2024
Riding Since
2006
Throttle tubes have been held in place by friction for around 100 years, it’s only in the last 20 or so they’ve been pinned. My ‘22 500 EXC-F throttle, as well as most dirt bikes in general, is friction held. Stays perfect, wben when bouncing around on a trail.

It’s a streetbike, not a mountain bike, and their construction is not based on being as light as possible like an MTB part is. I’ve broken and bent MTB bars in the past, totally different animal. If you read the instructions that come with most handlebars they will tell you to drill the locating pin holes, the manufacturers are aware this needs to happen and build them accordingly.

You’re way overthinking a few small locating holes and their strength changes. If you're currently riding a bar with holes in it and not concerned, why would a new bar change those thoughts?
Well if the instructions says to drill the holes then that is a different story compared to just drilling a hole in any bar....

I am a structural engineer and I understand how stress fractures can occur around openings, especially if that opening was drilled by a muppet at home in their garage. The stock parts are probably drilled by a precision machine to ensure no imperfections that can propagate cracks and also designed to be drilled i.e. thicker walls at that location etc.
 
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