When you say "straight section" do you mean the section with the grips? That section is 8" long. Currently I have twist grips successfully mounted on this bar, just behind the bend (toward the rider).
The source of my confusion is that trigger shifters (which I've never had before) are mounted in front of you on a straight bar. On my bar they would be mounted on the "side" of the bar. Will my thumbs have free and natural access to the shifters in this position?