SW-MOTECH Variable Bar Backs (Bar back variable)

[advrider]

I recently started riding a Husqvarna Norden 901 Expedition, having changed from Husky’s “standard” Norden 901. As you might expect, the differences between the two models are pretty significant. One of the things I noticed was that the Expedition’s riding triangle is far more aggressive, moving the machine’s bars forward and footpegs up.

Coming off the standard version, the Expedition had a more “Ready To Race” riding feel and position. But for this rider (5′ 9″ and 30-inch inseam), the standard Norden’s position is more comfortable and better suited for longer journeys, and I didn’t feel a need to change it at all.

While it is racier, the Expedition’s more aggressive attitude and riding position had me leaning and reaching forward much more. Not that it’s a bad thing, but for longer trips, it’s nice to have a more relaxed riding position.

SW-MOTECH’s variable bar backs (Bar Back Variable on the box and in their online catalog). Photo: Mike Botan

So it was nice when SW-MOTECH offered to send me a set of their variable bar backs for free to test and review. I gladly accepted.

SW-MOTECH Bar back variable

Enter SW-MOTECH’s Variable Bar Backs (or Bar back variable as posted on their website). They are CNC-milled aluminum alloy and come in three colors. You can choose from anthracite, black, and silver finishes. Each has been anodized to help prevent corrosion. They are not a model-specific design so that they can fit many different bikes and handlebar diameters (22 mm, 28mm, and 32mm). You can use SW-MOTECH’s website to determine if they will fit your machine.

Once installed, the bar backs provide a 25mm (~1 inch) rise in handlebar height and also allow you to move the bar back closer to you by 25 mm in 5 mm increments.

Allen key variable

While many types of bar backs are available, SW-MOTECH’s variable bar backs allow you to quickly and easily adjust the bar’s position with a small Allen key. The adjustment is made possible by a small Allen head set bolt that screws into the underside of the bar backs, locking the handlebar in the position you want.

The stock Norden 901 Expedition’s handlebar position is more aggressive than the standard Norden. Photo: Mike Botan

To move the handlebars, all you have to do is partially unscrew the set screws, and the handlebars can be moved either forward or backward to your desired position. In my case, I could move the bar back into the Expedition’s standard position for aggressive riding or quickly move it back for a more relaxed ride. But what makes it nice is that you can move the bars very easily and quickly when the mood or riding circumstances dictate a change.

Installation (summary)

Note: Use and follow the supplied SW-MOTECH installation instructions. The below is only a summary.

Installation is pretty straightforward. First, you unbolt and remove the top clamp of the stock handlebar mount. You then insert the SW-MOTECH variable bar base into the stock lower half of the bike’s handlebar mount, and using a thread locker, bolt them in loosely using the supplied bolts.

Next, slide on the SW-MOTECH variable bar base and, using a thread locker, insert the supplied Allen head set screws into the base, using the numbers on the base to ensure that the handlebars are parallel. Then hand tighten the set screws. Don’t worry if the bars are not at your desired setting; you will adjust them later.

The Norden’s handlebar has been removed, and the lower portion of the SW-MOTECH bar back has been bolted into place. Photo: Mike Botan

Then, insert and center your handlebars into the base and rotate them to your desired position. Place the SW-MOTECH upper clamps over the handlebars and loosely tighten the bolts. Don’t forget that you can adjust the reach to your handlebars by rotating them forward or back in their mount.

Now loosen the Allen head bolts and slide the handlebar all the way forward. Then, tighten the variable bar base lower rear mount bolts. Then, slide the handlebars in the opposite direction and tighten the front mounting bolts.

Finally, using the supplied Allen key, position your now variable position handlebars forward or back up to 25 mm. Once they are in the desired position, you can lock them into place using the Allen head set screws. As a final check, check that all bolts are tightened properly.

Note: Use and follow the supplied SW-MOTECH installation instructions. The above is only a summary.

During installation, you use these numbers to ensure that the handlebars are parallel. Later you will use them to adjust them to the desired bar reach. Below the number 15 us the Allen head set screw that you use to make adjustments to your handlebar’s position. Numbers are in millimeters.

Quick adjustment

If and when you want to reposition the bars, just loosen the set screws (you don’t need to take them out), slide your handlebar into your preferred position, and tighten the set screws again. You are done.

Fits multiple motorcycles

I note that depending on your moto make and model, you may or may not be able to use the full extent of the bar back’s adjustability. In my case, the Expedition did not have enough cable length to allow me to bring the bars back the full 25 mm, but then again, I was very comfortable with the 25mm upward and 15 mm rearward settings that I used.

Results

Once I adjusted my bars to my preferred location, it was immediately noticeable that the riding position’s comfort improved greatly. I was no longer leaning forward to the bars; I could comfortably sit in the saddle and reach the bars in a far more upright and relaxed position. My arms fell to a place that made riding longer distances less work. Ultimately, for such a small change, the SW-MOTECH’s variable bar backs greatly improved the Norden 901 Expedition’s comfort and my long-day riding endurance.

And for those times I know I will be on more aggressive terrain, I can quickly and easily move the bars to a more sporting position by loosening just two bolts with an Allen key and sliding them to where I want them. The convenience is excellent.

From my perspective, the SW-MOTECH Variable Bar Backs are worth the money in comfort, adjustability, and convenience.

Pricing

The SW-MOTECH variable bar backs (i.e., Bar Back Variable) have a suggested retail price of $217.95. That’s not an insignificant amount of money, but the additional comfort and quick change adjustability is, in my opinion, well worth the price.

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