GS500 Handlebars

[kensar]

Hello to all GS500 fans. Can anyone give me any help with the handlebars on my Suzuki. I want to bring the bars nearer to my body by approx 1". Any ideas gratefully received. I have a plate of 10mm alloy and am prepared to try and make a bracket to lift the bars but I did think there may be someone out there who has already done this job and maybe save me some time.
Thanks,Ken.

[DLW]

What year of GS do you have?  What is your handlebar setup now?

DLW

[RobTheTyrant]

buy new bars with 1 inch more pull back... you want 7/8" diameter, 3.5" height, 27.5" width, 6" center, 3"x4.75" clamp area and 8.5"(vs 7.5") pull back...

[DLW]

And what if he has an '89 or clip-ons??

DLW

[starwalt]

...Can anyone give me any help with the handlebars on my Suzuki. I want to bring the bars nearer to my body by approx 1". ..

As DLW mentions, we need to know if you have the 89 "clip on" style or the 90+ "bicycle bar" style.

Are you trying to move the bars back toward the rear or up vertically this 1"?

If 90+ and up, there is an aftermarket  block assembly that will lift the bars. It just attaches to the current mount.

89+ ...you are on your own. Some of our mad modders out there may have another solution for you.

[DrtRydr23]

Buying new bars would be cheaper, but you can get bar-clamp risers here:

http://www.zianet.com/GenMar/

They're made of billet aluminum and are of great quality.  Pricey though.

[kensar]

Really sorry about that guys!! I ought to have said which type of bar, The bike is UK spec 1999 with clip-on bars. Would it be an option to convert to a one piece bar?  I hope to bring the bars backwards to my body by about 1". Thanks for the replies. Ken

[ohgood]

ahh, thank you drtrydr23 

that's the first mention of 'billet' i've seen so far today.

i wondered if i could make it through lunch without it or not. weeeee

[starwalt]

...The bike is UK spec 1999 with clip-on bars. Would it be an option to convert to a one piece bar?...

I would think it would be best to convert the entire top plate to the bicycle type bar.

There are those of us here in the colonies that would LOVE to trade with you. 
That would be a far easier "stock" conversion that would not devalue the bike.

You would need to start with this:


This would allow many more options regarding bars. The factory bars sweep up and back from a slightly higher mounting point than your coveted "clip ons".

Here's a graphic of the OEM stuff below the top plate...

[kensar]

Hello and many thanks to you "starwalt". That is just what I was looking for. I have only had my GS for a month and I absolutely love it! I just feel a bit stretched through my upper arms and shoulders after about 20 miles. Your solution looks to be the perfect answer. Any idea where I could get the top plate from? Thanks again from your english cousin Ken.

[starwalt]

... Any idea where I could get the top plate from? Thanks again from your english cousin Ken.

  Well....that part is currently unemployed.  I'd make an even trade for your "89 style" (that's what we call them here) and include a new handlebar. But we would have to look into how much our respective governments would tarrif us to see if it would be cheaper to buy/obtain locally. Let's take this to the PM department.

My family grows daily!  Got a spare bed for your American cousin? 

[kensar]

 :laugh:Hya again"starwalt" What is the PM dept? You can have a bed here anytime (You must bring the bike with you though!!) Best wishes,Ken

[DrtRydr23]

ahh, thank you drtrydr23 

that's the first mention of 'billet' i've seen so far today.

i wondered if i could make it through lunch without it or not. weeeee

My bad.  I should have said they they were "milled from a billet of aluminum."  To be more precise, I guess I should say an alloy of metals that is mostly aluminum.  Either way, I'm glad I could pep up your lunch hour.