How to Install a Motorcycle Tandem Bar? Also, Popular Grab Bars and Sissy Bar Recommendations

What is a tandem bar? What's the difference between a grab bar, sissy bar, and tandem grip?

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A tandem bar is a metal bar that a passenger on the rear seat can hold onto.
The tandem bar is shaped to follow the seat at the rear of the passenger seat, allowing the passenger to grab it when getting on or to stabilize their body by holding it while riding.
It is called a tandem bar because it is a bar for the passenger (tandem), and is also referred to as a "grab bar" or "tandem grip." It is a welcome accessory for anyone riding in the back.
Holding the tandem bar helps stabilize the body, preventing the passenger from pressing against the rider.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Tandem Bars

Tandem bars are convenient for rear passengers, but they have both advantages and disadvantages.
Let's start with the advantages.

Advantages of Tandem Bars

The advantages of tandem bars are:
1. Provides an additional place for the passenger to hold onto.
2. Allows the passenger to change their posture.
3. Reduces the risk of the passenger falling off.
Having a tandem bar makes it easier for passengers to get on the rear seat and allows them to change their body posture while riding.
Since they don't have to stay in the same position, it helps reduce fatigue and lowers the risk of falling, which are the benefits of a tandem bar.
Next, let's look at the disadvantages of tandem bars.

Disadvantages of Tandem Bars

The disadvantages of tandem bars are:
1. Installation can be troublesome.
2. Changes the appearance of the motorcycle.
3. Makes it difficult to remove the seat cowl or fuel tank.
Installation requires removing the seat cowl, which can be somewhat cumbersome, and it can make it harder to remove the seat cowl or fuel tank.

While installing a tandem bar will change the look of your motorcycle, once it's installed, there aren't many downsides. For those who carry passengers, a tandem bar offers greater benefits, such as making it easier for passengers to get on and off and reducing the risk of falling.

How to use tandem bars, grab bars, and tandem grips?

Tandem bars (also known as grab bars or tandem grips) primarily allow a passenger to grasp them when getting on the seat or while riding, enabling them to change their body posture. If you only hold the tandem bar, your arms will be stretched backward, and you might lean back during acceleration. It's best to only hold it when changing your body posture and avoid riding while only holding the tandem bar. Especially when riding with another man, the passenger might prefer not to hug the rider. In such cases, holding the rider with one hand and the tandem bar with the other can help avoid close contact with the rider and make it easier to brace against acceleration and deceleration. Additionally, when backing into a garage or turning the motorcycle, holding the handlebars and the tandem bar can help stabilize the vehicle.

How to Install a Tandem Bar!

There are two cases for tandem bar installation: replacing an existing genuine tandem bar with a custom one, or installing a new one on a bike that doesn't have one.
If your bike already has one, replacing the tandem bar isn't too difficult, but the mounting holes on the custom part might not align with the original bolt positions.
In such cases, you can try inserting metal fittings (sold at hardware stores) between the tandem bar and the bike frame, or if it seems too difficult, it's best to ask a bike shop.
Since it's a part that bears a person's weight, it's a good idea to ask a bike shop if you're unsure about the installation.
Here are the steps to install a tandem bar yourself.

Things to prepare/needed

The following are required for tandem bar installation:
1. New tandem bar
2. Mounting hardware
3. Wrench for bolt replacement (box-end wrench, socket wrench, etc.)
Let's look at the installation procedure.

1. Remove the seat

First, remove the seat.
Depending on the motorcycle, naked bikes often have seats that can be easily removed by inserting and turning a key, while others are secured with screws.

2. If a tandem bar is attached, remove it.

Remove the bolts securing the attached tandem bar.
Most are secured with two bolts, one on each side, or four bolts, so remove them all.
Once the bolts are removed, the tandem bar can be detached.

3. Check if the tandem bar fits and temporarily fasten it with bolts.

Align the replacement tandem bar with the mounting holes and, if it seems to fit, temporarily fasten it with the removed bolts.
If the hole spacing (pitch) doesn't match, or if the holes match but the tandem bar interferes with the seat or other parts, do not install it and revert to the original.
If the pitch doesn't match, you can install the tandem bar by attaching metal fittings (sold at hardware stores) between the bolt holes and the tandem bar holes.
Remember to also prepare bolts for securing the metal fittings.

4. If the installation is okay, tighten the bolts firmly.

If the pitch of the new tandem bar matches and it can be installed as is, or if it can be secured with mounting hardware and there are no installation issues, tighten the bolts firmly.
When tightening the bolts securely, avoid using excessive force as it can cause the bolt to break or strip the threads, preventing proper fastening. Tighten them to about 80% of their maximum tightness.

5. Check for looseness in the tandem bar.

Once the tandem bar is installed, put the seat back on.
Check for any wobbling in the tandem bar by grasping it.
If there is any wobbling, it means it's not securely fastened, and there's a risk of it coming off during riding. In that case, remove the seat and refasten it.

How much does it cost to have a bike shop or professional install it?

Tandem bars are relatively easy to install, but if you're unsure about the installation or don't have the necessary tools, it's best to ask a motorcycle shop or motorcycle parts dealer.
The installation fee, depending on the motorcycle model, typically ranges from 3,000 to 6,000 yen.
If the seat removal is complex or if processing is required for installation, the labor cost may increase further.

Top 10 Recommended Tandem Bars, Grab Bars, and Sissy Bars!

1. [For BALIUS 250] VERTEX Tandem Bar

Product details here: https://bikeman.jp/products/vari-tandem

This is a bolt-on tandem bar for Kawasaki Balius I (1991-1996 models).
The bar is made of steel with chrome plating.
It can be easily bolted on by utilizing the genuine cargo hooks, but please note that it cannot be installed on Balius II ('97~) models.

2. [For GS400] VERTEX Tandem Bar

Product details here: https://bikeman.jp/products/vari-tandem

This is a bolt-on tandem bar for Suzuki GS400.
It is made of steel with chrome plating and can be installed simply by tightening the genuine bolts.

3. [For Balius I] VERTEX Rubber-Wrapped Tandem Bar

Product details here: https://bikeman.jp/products/vari-tandem

This is a rubber-wrapped tandem bar for Kawasaki Balius I (models from 1991 to 1996).
The bar is made of steel with chrome plating, and only the grip section is wrapped in rubber.
The rubber-wrapped grip provides a less cold metallic feel and offers anti-slip properties, making it safer.
Installation is a simple bolt-on process using the genuine cargo hooks.

4. [For XJR400R] VERTEX Tandem Bar

Product details here: https://bikeman.jp/products/vari-tandem

This is a tandem bar with rubber for the Yamaha XJR400R (models from 1998 to 2008).
The grip section is wrapped in rubber, which also provides anti-slip properties.
The bar is made of steel with chrome plating, and the grip section features a high-quality black coating made of a special material.
It can be easily bolted on by utilizing the genuine cargo hooks.

5. [For ZRX400] VERTEX Tandem Bar

Product details here: https://bikeman.jp/products/vari-tandem

This is a tandem bar with a baked black finish for the Kawasaki ZRX400/2 (models from 1994 to 2008).
The paint is a semi-gloss black baked finish, making it resistant to peeling.
Installation is a bolt-on process using the genuine holes and bolts.
The black finish gives the tandem bar a sharp appearance.

6. [For CB400SF/R/S] DAYTONA Tandem Bar

Product details here: https://bikeman.jp/

This is a black-painted tandem bar for Honda CB400SF, CB400R, and CB400S.
Please note that it cannot be installed on models manufactured after 1997.
The grip features extensive PV coating, making it more stable and easier to grasp.
This tandem bar allows the use of the genuine cargo hooks.

7. [For LEAD 110] KITACO Tandem Bar

Product details here: https://bikeman.jp/products/kt-652-1421900

This is a tandem bar for the Honda Lead 110.
It is made of steel with chrome plating, and the pipe diameter is φ25.4mm, making it a comfortable size to grip.
It is designed to be used simultaneously with the normal carrier.

8. [For Zephyr] DAYTONA Tandem Bar

Product details here: https://bikeman.jp/
This is a tandem bar for the Kawasaki Zephyr. Please note that it cannot be installed on 1989 models or models from 1990 to 1995 due to frame strength differences.
It can be easily bolted on using the genuine holes and bolts, and the main body is made of steel with chrome plating.
This tandem bar allows the genuine cargo hooks to be used without being crushed.

9. [For Monkey] VERTEX Custom Seat Tandem Bar

Product details here: https://bikeman.jp/products/vari-tandem

This is a custom seat tandem bar for the Honda Monkey.
It is made of steel with chrome plating and can be bolted on using the genuine cargo hooks.
A point to note is that if your model has a V-lock holder on the genuine rear carrier, this tandem bar cannot be installed as it will interfere with the carrier.
It can be installed by replacing it with an older carrier that does not have a V-lock holder.
Please be aware of this when purchasing.

10. [For Zephyr-Kai] VERTEX Z2 Type Tandem Bar

Product details here: https://bikeman.jp/products/vari-tandem

This is a "Z2 type" tandem bar for the Kawasaki Zephyr.
It is made of steel and available in two finishes: chrome plating and semi-gloss baked paint.
The chrome plating offers a luxurious, glossy finish, while the semi-gloss black baked paint provides high durability for the painted surface.
It can be easily bolted on using the genuine holes and bolts.

Summary

Tandem bars (grab bars, tandem grips) make it easier for passengers to get on and off, and while riding, they allow the passenger to hold onto the rider and the tandem bar, eliminating the need to cling to the rider.
Furthermore, when pushing the motorcycle off, holding the handlebars and the tandem bar makes it easier to move the vehicle backward. So, it's a part that offers benefits beyond just carrying a passenger.
Installation is also relatively easy, so if you carry passengers or are currently holding onto the seat strap when pushing your bike, considering a tandem bar might be a good idea as it will greatly improve stability.