So its not best to buy protapers, and a after market stem. Well then what would you do if you were me. I need handle bars and a stem. Should I buy a aftermarket stem, and then buy like some good but not too expensive aluminum bars like the ones I had (O'Neil Prolocks) They worked real nice and looked great and only cost like 50 0r 60 bucks . Please let me know what you would do. Thanks alot

 

Guys, I am looking to pick up my 400EX tomorrow. It seems well maintained but the left handlebar is bent down about an inch. How do you check for a bent steering stem?

 

okay guys my connection between the bars and bent stem is a theory, don't have proof but i have an assumption. the protapers and like bars are great they look and perform good, but from my past experience they seem to lack the ability to give out to save a more expensive peice. just ordered a 2+ lonestar stem with protaper mounts. we will see how it goes, if this one bends then im gonna buy some rethals and leave it at that. its easy to spot a bent stem. look at the bike head on and see if the stem leans one way or the other. they sometime bend back and you check that by looking from the side.

 

Well, 2 things to check for...

1.) Look at the small piece of red plastic that covers the gas tank, make sure that the under side of the handlebar mounts is not putting a groove in that plastic, there should be clearance when turned both ways.

2.)Look to see if the handlebars are straight, left to right when the wheels are straight.

If you can't tell, it really won't make a difference to you. I've been riding on a slightly bent stem now for nearly a year.