Aftermarket bars vs stock

[tshaw]

Aftermarket bars vs stock 96xp

Just looking for some input on handlebars wasnt really in the market for any but can get a brand new set of protapers new grips kill switch and finger throttle for $75. I love the way they look but have never rode with them. When I thought I could stunt ride motorcycles I had dirtbike bars and rear brake setup on handlebars so I liked the way it felt but never on water. Since ive only rode my xp once and have stock sponsons I doubt there will be any agressive turning for a while so should I stick with stock or switch it out.
Thanks

 

[Matt Braley]

The padding on the stock bars comes in handy when you start horsing around. That is a good deal on those bars though because the switch and finger throttle can add up.

 

[SabrToothSqrl]

I prefer the stock look. Without the cover and "padding" they look cheap / abused to me.

But some may like them.

 

[WhiskeyD]

The stock stem doesnt look good exposed. If you want to go with aftermarket bars, a complete UMI setup is the only way IMO.

 

[Minnetonka4me]

Im with Whiskey...the stock stem looks like crap.

 

[1995hx]

I prefer the stock look. Without the cover and "padding" they look cheap / abused to me.

But some may like them.

Umi or stock is the only way

Sent from my C771 using Tapatalk 2

 

[Spimothy Leary]

i'm willing to go against the grain here

I have no issues with aftermarket bars on the stock stem, I think it looks just fine. I'm not a fan of the big pad

stock steering, aftermarket bars below. I think it looks fine.

 

[Matt Braley]

You can paint the original stem black and cover up the beeper bolt holes. It just still feels/looks sloppy compared to the UMI stem.

In Spims defense though, I guess you could move the rider's position more forward with "bike bars" and this is a main purpose of the UMI.

 

[Spimothy Leary]

not saying that UMI doesn't look better, or that its not tighter, it is... its also $300+ . On a ski that's worth $1500. IMO you spend money on UMI when you've already modded the engine, added sponsons, and still have money to burn.

I have absolutely no issues riding aftermarket bars with the stock stem on my ski, but i'm a long way away from pushing the threshold of my ski's capabilities, i'm just a rec rider and not out to improve my lap times, and i actually like a little play in the steering when i'm cruising on the water.

 

[tshaw]

Thanks for the input I still havent decided everyone has good points. I cant see spending 300 for a complete umi system on a stock ski espically since im just a rec rider. Since it would be mainly for looks some play in steering would be ok. The only other person that would ride it would be gf and thats only if gsxl breaks and Im riding stand up

 

[KyleB]

not saying that UMI doesn't look better, or that its not tighter, it is... its also $300+ . On a ski that's worth $1500. IMO you spend money on UMI when you've already modded the engine, added sponsons, and still have money to burn.

I have absolutely no issues riding aftermarket bars with the stock stem on my ski, but i'm a long way away from pushing the threshold of my ski's capabilities, i'm just a rec rider and not out to improve my lap times, and i actually like a little play in the steering when i'm cruising on the water.

I agree with Spim. I took the stock pad off. welded 1/2 bar stock across the stock bars and made a pad using some yellow vinyl and it may not look or perform as good as a umi but I literally had about a buck in the whole mod. The kids at least like it and makes the ski bad a$$ looking if not really bad a$$ ;-) :cheers: