Modern Buddy

This is yet another Canyon Dancer size question - but hopefully the last!

I'm interested in the "new" design (a.k.a. Bar-Harness II) which is the one with the hard cups on the ends. They come in three sizes, but based on what I've read in the forum the 28" or 32" sizes are good for the Buddy. So the big question is.... which one should I buy?

1. Canyon Dancer 28505 Black Short Bar-Harness II (28")
2. Canyon Dancer 32505 Black Standard Bar-Harness II (32")

Please share your experience!

Pretty sure either size will work; the larger definitely will, as they're adjustable. Surest way to know is to measure your bars!

Most people I know who haul scooters and motorcycles (mechanics, dealers) just have one size they bring along with them. So if in doubt, go with the larger one.

Thanks for your feedback. I think I'm leaning towards the larger size, just for flexibility's sake. My handlebars (Buddy 125) are 25" - 26" apart. So the 28" Canyon Dancer will definitely fit - I guess the only lingering doubt is; Can the 34" Canyon Dancer can be adjusted down to 25"?

This would be so much easier if I just had one in my hands!

Just a quick tip. My scooter dealer suggested slipping socks on the grips before putting the cups on. The hard cups can rough up your grips.

Eric wrote:Thanks for your feedback. I think I'm leaning towards the larger size, just for flexibility's sake. My handlebars (Buddy 125) are 25" - 26" apart. So the 28" Canyon Dancer will definitely fit - I guess the only lingering doubt is; Can the 34" Canyon Dancer can be adjusted down to 25"?

This would be so much easier if I just had one in my hands!

Yes; the cups just slide freely along the straps until they're secured. The Dancer is basically just two straps wrapped together in the middle. The straps then run through slots in the cups, so the cups can move back and forth to adjust width. Each cup is attached to the strap that secures on the opposite side, so when pulled tight and ratcheted down with another strap, they're secure.

21blackjack21 wrote:Just a quick tip. My scooter dealer suggested slipping socks on the grips before putting the cups on. The hard cups can rough up your grips.

Good one!

ericalm wrote:Yes; the cups just slide freely along the straps until they're secured. The Dancer is basically just two straps wrapped together in the middle. The straps then run through slots in the cups, so the cups can move back and forth to adjust width. Each cup is attached to the strap that secures on the opposite side, so when pulled tight and watched down with another strap, they're secure.

The best explanation of Canyon Dancers I've seen yet! Makes perfect sense, thanks.

I'll be ordering the 34", will throw some socks on the grips, and will report back with my experience.

ericalm wrote:… so when pulled tight and watched down with another strap, they're secure.

Should be "ratcheted down…"

21blackjack21 wrote:Just a quick tip. My scooter dealer suggested slipping socks on the grips before putting the cups on. The hard cups can rough up your grips.

Although I haven't tried it I've heard a short section of PVC pipe works good too if you can find a size that will fit over the grip but inside the cup. Any twisting action will take place between the PVC and cup.

The hard cups will definitely tear up your grips. I have tears on the grips of my Buddy and my Stella as proof. Socks will help.

Also, as with any similar device, if you tie it down TOO tightly, it is possible to bend your handle bars.

Howard

Eric wrote:I'll be ordering the 34", will throw some socks on the grips, and will report back with my experience.

Finally reporting back. I hauled my scoot 2.5K miles and arrived with no damage - yeah! I forgot to put socks inside the canyon dancer cups, but there was no damage to the Buddy's grips. Maybe I got lucky.

Here are some (not great) images of the setup: http://imgur.com/a/by8Cx

All in all I was very happy with the performance of this clever device. Thanks to everyone for their input!

Although I haven't tried it I've heard a short section of PVC pipe works good too if you can find a size that will fit over the grip but inside the cup. Any twisting action will take place between the PVC and cup.

I've done that several times - a section of 2 inch PVC pipe over the handlebars, with 1 ratchet line through each handlebar/ PVC pipe. At the end of the ratchet lines are hooks. I liked them together. When you tighten the ratchets, the ratchet lines tighten down on the PVC pipe and apply even pressure over the handlebars.

Only cost me 1.98 at the hardware store.

I'd like to see pictures of that setup. No Canyon Dancers used at all?

Here ya go -