Kawasaki Motorcycle Forums - View Single Post

dgci · 10-09-2006

I've got Cobra bars on my 900LT, and I'm not an aggressive rider. In fact, I'm a fairly NEW rider, and have yet to drag my boards.

But bottom line, if you straighten the bike up, get behind it down low and look, the floorboards are gonna reach the ground BEFORE the Cobra bars do. If you're grinding your boards, that's a warning that you've reached about the max lean angle for the bike. You shouldn't have a problem with the bars clearing, unless you lowside, in which case you'll be glad the bars are there.

Been there, done that, I've dropped my 900LT to the right side in a low-speed manuever. Only "damage" was the right-side mirror knocked out of alignment. Stepped off the bike, folded the kickstand down, butt-pushed it back up onto the stand, got back on and rode away with nothing damaged but my pride. Didn't even scratch the chrome on the bars.

Luckily, pride heals quickly.

Remember, the two top causes of motorcycle accidents are the cage turning left in front of you, and FAILURE TO NEGOTIATE A CURVE. If you're grinding boards on a regular basis, you're probably pushing the curve too hard. The 900 isn't a sport bike, don't try to ride it like one.

10-09-2006	#8 (permalink)
dgci Turtle Wax Taster BTK Intermediate Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Louisiana Posts: 152	I've got Cobra bars on my 900LT, and I'm not an aggressive rider. In fact, I'm a fairly NEW rider, and have yet to drag my boards. But bottom line, if you straighten the bike up, get behind it down low and look, the floorboards are gonna reach the ground BEFORE the Cobra bars do. If you're grinding your boards, that's a warning that you've reached about the max lean angle for the bike. You shouldn't have a problem with the bars clearing, unless you lowside, in which case you'll be glad the bars are there. Been there, done that, I've dropped my 900LT to the right side in a low-speed manuever. Only "damage" was the right-side mirror knocked out of alignment. Stepped off the bike, folded the kickstand down, butt-pushed it back up onto the stand, got back on and rode away with nothing damaged but my pride. Didn't even scratch the chrome on the bars. Luckily, pride heals quickly. Remember, the two top causes of motorcycle accidents are the cage turning left in front of you, and FAILURE TO NEGOTIATE A CURVE. If you're grinding boards on a regular basis, you're probably pushing the curve too hard. The 900 isn't a sport bike, don't try to ride it like one. Last edited by dgci : 10-09-2006 at 11:31 AM.