Handle Bars or Clip ons?? & detailed instructions!

[Fausty0]

I want to put aftermarket bars or clip ons on the 06" GSF to make it more sporty and have a cleaner look. I am getting aggravated since I want clip-ons but they seem to be very difficult to install on the GSF considering all the prior post I read. So would handle bars be a batter option. I was really pulling for the clip-ons.

One last thing, If the clip-ons are plausible, where would I get good instructions so I don't screw anything up.

[jeffdodge]

I believe I have seen that drag bars work on the GSF.

[burning1]

If I were you, I'd look at various flavors of Renthal bars until I found one that was a little more sporty and comfortable.

[Fausty0]

I keep looking and I found this thread thats makes me think I can make Clip-Ons work on the 06" GSF. I am just not extremely savy on how to move the forks up an inch or so. http://gstwins.com/gsboard/index.php?topic=50672.0
What do you guys think?

[burning1]

Still don't understand why people install 'performance' upgrades without considering how their changes will affect the performance of the bike.

[jeffdodge]

Moving the forks up is not generally a good idea. It has been discussed before. It will make your bike much less stable at speed. Drag bars or clubmans will give you the stance you want without messing up your handling.

[ben2go]

I keep looking and I found this thread thats makes me think I can make Clip-Ons work on the 06" GSF. I am just not extremely savy on how to move the forks up an inch or so. http://gstwins.com/gsboard/index.php?topic=50672.0
What do you guys think?

First thing to do is get a service manual for your bike.

Sliding the forks up requires loosening a few bolts,installing the clip ons and torquing everything back to spec.There was a few threads around here that explained how to remove/install forks.

[Fausty0]

Still don't understand why people install 'performance' upgrades without considering how their changes will affect the performance of the bike.

This is why I ask. I assumed it was an unsat. modification that would probably end up with more issues, which brings me to the question, Considering clip-ons again, is it possible to purchase parts for the triple tree to give the required fork length for clip-ons? This is all a learning experience for me so please anything is helpful.

[jeffdodge]

is it possible to purchase parts for the triple tree to give the required fork length for clip-ons?

Not unless you get longer forks...The proper way to do clip ons is under the top triple clamp.. It sounds like 'clip ons' off an 89 would do what you are looking for perfectly. Otherwise drag bars.

[SAFE-T]

Older GS500's came with clip-ons; look for a pair of these. Top triple clamp, bar risers and bars ~ swap over from your '06 top triple with the tubular bar mounts and bar and you're good to go.

[SAFE-T]

http://gstwins.com/gsboard/index.php?topic=50672.0

Slide the forks up in the triple clamps; put in some heavier springs if you are worried about it. Put your clip-ons on. Ride.

It's good to ask questions, but don't overthink it especially when others have already shown it can be done. 

[GS500M]

http://gstwins.com/gsboard/index.php?topic=55923.20

It wasn't too hard to do. Just have to make a bracket for the instruments. I used Vortex clip-ons.

[adidasguy]

There are lots of ways to change the bars. But decide what you really want as you decide what to purchase:
1. Do you want irt for the "cool looking" factor?
2. Do you just want the grips in a lower, forward position?

You can get replacement bars that put the grips anywhere - even 2 feet up if you look at come choppers, or a foot down with "cafe" or other types of bars.

If you want it for appearance, then the 89 or European clip ons are really easy to do (see other threads on these and the 3 different types of which one will not fit well on a 2001+ bike due to tank size). You can change the forks. I saw one Seattle guy that just removed the top plate and that exposed enough of the fork for clip ons.

LSL makes clips that mount below the top tripple clamp and bend around and up for better bar position. So there are lots of options. Some easy, some hard, some cheap and some expensive. It all depends on what you want as the end result, why, how much time you want to spend and how much money you have,.



Keep in mind that bars more forward and down will put more pressure on the arms, wrists and shoulders. That makes it more tiring for long trips and commuting. Rear sets that put the feet back farther also make things more tiring and stressful for long trips. But they are fun for short rides. That's why you see people doing long trips on cruisers - a very relaxed sitting position.

[Fausty0]

Thanks for all of the suggestions and help. 1989 clip ons seem a little difficult to get from my web searches, so it mitnbe time to start thinking more practical and go with handlebars. I do want the bike to look a little more sporty and I don't want it to be completely uncomfortable with long rides. Any suggestions?

[jeffdodge]

Clubmans or dragbars will do what your wanting best. Buddah made awesome bars, but I havent seen them for sale ever. Simple Machine bars are pretty nice too but expensive. On the cheap, bikemaster clubmans, dragbars or if you dont want to be down as far, superbike or daytona bend.

[werase643]

90-98ish euro or canadian top clamp
there are 2-3 different designs for stock looking clipons
wait for sledge to chime in....or pm him
check fleabay.uk

[SAFE-T]

I still think the OEM GS500 clipons are the best way to go.

[werase643]

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/suzuki-gs500e-top-yoke-and-handlebars-/260780781397?pt=UK_Motorcycle_Parts&hash=item3cb7beef55

[ben2go]

I have the original set of clip ons for my 89 GS and I wouldn't part with them.I do agree that the original GS clip ons are the way to go.Those euro clip ons are pretty nice too.

[adidasguy]

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/suzuki-gs500e-top-yoke-and-handlebars-/260780781397?pt=UK_Motorcycle_Parts&hash=item3cb7beef55

These are the type that won't fit on the larger tank. These will only fit the 89-2000 size tanks.
There are 2 types of euro clip ons. The other ones fit. The clips are an inch shorter and have less rearward angle to them.