Clip-ons

[Adfalchius]

I've got 89 clip-ons, and love the look and the feel of them.  My bike initially had handlebars, but after riding/borrowing BaltimoreGS's 89 GS, I grew fond of the feel of 89 clipons.  I have had no wrist issues/pain with them- I'm 5'2" (if that matters at all).  I think it's just personal preference- you'll just have to test drive a few out.  I still have my handlebars and top plate, so I can always switch back if the need strikes me....but I haven't felt the need.

[comradeiggy]

Someone should move this to the tard farm, where those two belong.

[Big Rich]

Whoa Comrade, you're still new here. It takes a little more than this for a thread to get to the farm. And if you look at Adidas's "karma" points, you'll see right away that he is a good dude. If you want to see WHY his points are so high read thru some of his old threads before speaking up.

[KYRRNCO]

I've got clip-ons. I don't remember what brand I have though.  Clip-ons were the first mod I wanted to do to my bike. After riding OEM handlebars for a month, I couldn't take it anymore and made the upgrade. I haven't looked back since. More comfortable for me (6'0" 195lbs) and I can lean down better now with out feeling like I'm riding with ape hangers.

[adidasguy]

89 set for sale. See FS area.
May have another 89 set later. Looks like buying 1989 parts bike for $400. Though, if it runs good, may clean it up and flip it. Situation where guy moving and can't take it with him so super deal. Got Junior for good price similar way: had to sell because baby coming and grandmother moving from Japan to care for baby and said bike had to go.

[SAFE-T]

There is no functional purpose to clip-ons on the GS500 with it's pogo-stick suspension, budget quality parts, small tires, and small engine size.

I didn't realize you needed all that to appreciate the narrower, lower stance of the OEM "clipons". I will have to completely re-evaluate the past 26 years I've spent riding now.

One thing I have noticed is that the GS500 is appreciated mostly by people with a lot of riding experience who know what they do or do not want/need from a motorcycle.

[BaltimoreGS]

One thing I have noticed is that the GS500 is appreciated mostly by people with a lot of riding experience who know what they do or do not want/need from a motorcycle.

I never thought about it like that but it is a very true statement.  When I was a young punk I was all about the sport bikes; now that I'm older (and slower) I have grown to appreciate all kinds and sizes of motorcycles   

-Jessie

[SAFE-T]

If you look at Adidas's "karma" points, you'll see right away that he is a good dude. If you want to see WHY his points are so high read thru some of his old threads before speaking up.

Definitely a go-to guy on this forum ~ methinks Adidas is just tired of people bagging on a bike he is endeared to.

[jbanst]

Forget clip-ons.  If you want a more aggressive position for about 20 bucks, buy some drag bars.  Just need to drill holes for your controls.  Easy fix...

[ghostrider_23]

BaltimoreGS, I can relate to your statement. As a young no shirt, helmet or gear riding Harley snob I poop pooped anything that wasn't a Harley. Now that I am more mature & wiser I understand and can appreciate all types of things especially the GS500/sports touring bikes. I like the position more and have rode and enjoy this bike 10x more than a bike with 700 more CC

P.S. word of caution to leave adidas alone before you get flamed. He is very respected around here and is a wealth of knowledge let alone a very good friend let's just get along please 

[adidasguy]

Let's bring this back under  control.
Questions were posted about the OEM's.

Whatever you want or have for handle bars - it is perfectly OK. You ride is what you want it to be. If someone wants something you donot like - it is OK.

Me? I HATE those fugley all matt black bikes. So common, so ordinary and cheap looking. But if that's what you want, it is OK - just do a good job of it. I won't bash you for not liking purple or red or green or yellow. However, I will help you if you have questions about paint. Same with handle bars. I find it very uncomfortable to have those really low crotch rocket clip on bars. My damaged wrist, back and shoulder can't take it. I really love the OEMS - only slightly aggressive and I think they look really cool. The look of a crotch rocket without the pain. You may not like them nor what they are called. That's OK - you are not riding my bike and I'm not riding your bike.

Decide what you want and make your bike the best you can - even if someone else hates it. It is your ride. Just do a good job. If you want flat black (which I hate), at least do a good job. I can appreciate good work - even if it is not what I would do.

Here, we should help someone do what they want. Help them to do it correctly and as easy as possible.. We should not be bashing people because what they want is different that what we want to ride.

With that, I'll see you after Christmas.

Merry Christmas to all our bikes and to all, a good ride.

(PS: Belly pan, chain guard going out today. Clip-ons going out, too.)
And one last note - thanks to all regarding Trey. Lots of ideas - none guessing a flaky spark plug. In doing everything, Trey really did get a good going over as I did try everything suggested. Even rebuilt the carbs. He now runs sooooo well. People who knew Trey by sound don't recognize him because he runs so smooth. Thank you.