Ok boys and girls... So I had a package when I got home tonight. I promptly of course opened it and went to work (I had this grand, master plan to video the install, etc, but that all went out the window when I got the parts... plus i was hoping to do it over a weekend) This is just initial thoughts, and impressions... just trying to throw it out as it comes to me, and don't have much time to really write anything nice up....
Install went uneventful... I have an AE, so didn't have to mess with the clutch cable/bracket thing. I had a little difficulty on the brake cable clamp, until I realized (after looking at the photo again) I was trying to install the bracket the wrong way... it went very easily once turned around... OooPS
Quality, finish, etc very good. Looked good with the bike, and seemed to match ok.
I particularly liked the bolt/screw covers they supply to hide those (seen in the MFG photo, the black plugs)
I didn't pay attention to the time, but approx 15-20min install, probably took a little longer since I was being an ***** with the brake line bracket. Very easy.
What I liked, was what I was expecting, ZERO permanent modification to the bike, and basically no modification, other than to re-route a couple lines by just moving them around. Anyone who can use a wrench can do this.
What I didn't like, was something I was expecting and prepared for... no real easy way to make sure both bars are at the same angle... though I feel fairly confident they are within .25-.5 degrees of each other or less. I found a couple of ways to visually check.
I did a couple short test rides with the bars in about 3 different positions. One with the bars out a good bit, it felt comfy in the shop, a "natural" hand/wrist angle... didn't like it much when ridding, it wasn't bad, but it was more like my scooter, and just didn't feel right... I could probably get used to it... but my shoulders actually didn't feel good, like I was reaching for the bars...
Position 2 was back slightly, but still forward of stock... pretty much kind of half way in between... it was better, but still felt off...
Postion 3 was back as far as they would come (stock) and felt good, partially as I think I've started to get used to the stock angle... but my right wrist doesn't feel right like that, I have to not fully grip the bar to keep my wrist from being angled funny and ultimately causing pain.
When I got back home, I tweaked them again, but didn't ride... pushed them forward from stock just a few degrees, just to where it felt a little more natural on the wrist, but not as far out as I'd previously had them.
Time will tell on that part, it will be an ongoing test... I'm hoping my seat guy can maybe shine some light on how to position them when we do the seat, or preferably before then.