ryk.... If you are coming from street to dirt, then I would take the approach to off road like I did... start by saying "I ride all wrong".... then think about the physics of the bike. Stay on your pegs... not your butt. Keep the bike "floating" between your legs and maneuver it around the obsticles. If your hands and arms are getting tired, your not using your legs enough for weight distribution to "steer" the bike.
Managing the controls as a "system" is very important too! I usully only keep two fingers over the clch and brake and use the rear brake with tke ball of my foot.

Go check out some observed trials training videos. The "oh my, how did they do that" videos are cool to watch, but ones that go over basic controls and balance are the most useful. They used to have them here http://www.gasgas.com/videos.htm, but I do not seem them now. There is a place that has text and photos here: http://www.trialstrainingcenter.com/...w_to_ride.html

Most if this stuff is specific for bikes that have the ability to do so, However, the tips for controls, balance, weight distribution, acceleration..etc. apply to most all riding.

Have fun and keep the rubber side down!

 

It sounds like a dumb way, but if the racer that's endorsing the bars is tall, than chances are you will be OK too. I'm 6'1 and the stock bars feel fine while sitting, but standing is sort of a struggle, not comfortable at all. Just ordered some Tusk D Flex guards, don't wanna mess around with tapping the stock ends.

What should us "tall" 6' plus guys be looking for in handlebars?

 

Some bar raisers. Just get the ones suitable for your bar diameter.

 

These look cool. Made for snowmobiles. A little bit exxy though.
http://www.throttleup.ca/store-produ...ail.asp?ID=696

 

Ha ha is that your other bike Westoz? RY If you plan on cutting your bars, make sure you will still have room for all the stuff that gets bolted on them. They look long with nothing on them, but once you start putting grips mirrors clutch and brakes on you eat up alot of real estae. I learned the hard way along time ago. I got new Renthal bars for my old KLR and I cut too much off, no room for all my stuff, soulution go buy a second set of bars, ouch!
I just put on a FMF Q4 slip on, and love it. It's loud, but not too loud. It has a nice low toned thump. I really don't think you can go wrong with any of them. Dan

 

Will the ProTaper SE Contour bars fit OK?

I think the KX high might be good for me, I'm tall and have longish arms. I used to be lanky before I started drinking beer.

KX High width 31.50 (800) height 4.25 (108) pullback 2.21 (56)

edit: nevermind, I think they require a special mount

 

i had the kx high bend.... dont forget that kx high bend is different from manufacturer to manufacturer..... slightly.... im 6'1" and they seemed ok for me, i just bent them, and ordered tusk CR high bend they were on clearance from 34 to 14....

 

I saw that, great deal there. Will those be much higher than stock?

 

I saw that, great deal there. Will those be much higher height than stock?

 

the ones i got, cr high bend, seem really close to the kx high bend, just a tad wider.