How to install 89 clip-ons. MOD: please move to FAQ

[007brendan]

I know everyone here loves pictures.  So I thought I'd finally contribute some of me switching out the handlebars on my '98 GS500E for some '89 clip-ons.

Here are some of the parts I picked up from a guy parting out his '89.  I still have the instrument cluster and the top part of the triple-tree clamp, and both of the control clusters if anyone wants them, just pay for shipping.




After a little bit of cleaning.  You can see that the bars have seen better days.




My bike with the old handlebars.




I always knew those motherf%$kers were bent!!  It's hard to really tell unless you take them off.




I picked up a set of woodcraft clip-on bar replacements for $30.  I forgot to take a picture of it, but it took me about 2 minutes with a file to cut the grooves for the bolts that hold the bars in place.






Based off of how many times I fiddled with the placement of the clutch lever and front brake lever when I was putting them on, there was no way I was going to try and drill a hole in the bars for the nubs on the button clusters.  

With a little bit of elbow grease and a file... now you see them...




Now you don't...



They don't move around at all once they're tightened.

Almost done...








Just needs a set of bar end mirrors.




I'm pretty happy with it.  My left grip is pretty loose though.  I used the ones off the '89 because they were pro-grip gel superbike grips and mine were just stock.  Any ideas on what I can do about it?  They're only like $9 new, so maybe I'll just pick up a new one that isn't stretched out.

[tt_four]

Looks great, people will definitely appreciate the picture walk through.

As far as the left grip.... I'd just put a little bit of rubber cement in there. Just don't try anything too permanent or it'll be a hassle to get them off someday. My left grip slides a little too, but they need replaced anyway, so I'm just waiting until I get a new pair to deal with it.

[smaeda]

i spy a wrx.....good write up!

[007brendan]

i spy a wrx.....good write up!

Wow, good eyes!  It's my neighbor's.

[Junkie]

my method of choice for installing grips is spray paint. spray the inside of the grip, put it on, and it'll be good and solid pretty soon.