I found they were good because they gave you a number of hand positions, but really more suitable for on rather than off road.
I swapped mine originally for a set of USE bars with bolt on bar ends and there was quite a bit of difference after that as the front end was sooooo much lighter.
As you will see mine has changed beyond all recognition (only the frame is original although I still have the forks - painted to match of course!) Nice to see one that is very original and you will enjoy riding it, that I can tell you. Stick the rigids back on first and give it a go like that before changing anything although I have to say that stem has to go!!