Well i am kinda sick of my handle bars being so high up. is it worth getting bars that are lower? and where can i find some?
I just want my bike to look more of a street bike then a touring bike. let me no thanks. :cheers:
run a search for clip-ons .
-M
clubman bars are cheap, SM2's are the best out there IMO, you can't go wrong with those...
Heres a vote for SM bars I have them and love it, they make the bike so much more aggressive. They are by far my most favorite mod I've done yet.
my '89 has clip-ons and i love them :thumb:
Lower bars are good, because it gets your body weight over the front wheel more for better traction.
Bikemaster Superbike bars are pretty much exact copies of the old K&N Superbike bars, though I haven't actually been able to get my hands on a pair yet to see if the quality is the same. Still, for about $20, they are more aggressive (lower) than the stock bars, and you have the choice of black or chrome, without being as extreme as clip-ons. Call your local shops to see if they have any in stock; less rise and less pullback than the stock bars.
Check this page for details; the Superbike bars are letter "E":
http://store.azmusa.com/knclubhanbla.html
You'll also see Bikemaster Clubman bars (only available in chrome) on that page (the "A" bars); you can see there is a major difference between the two types. I've used Clubman bars previously (never on my GS), and I prefer the Superbike bend for most riding, though if I were to do another trackday, I'd probably switch to the Clubman bend bars...
Quote from: kvgs on March 10, 2006, 10:19:40 AM
Heres a vote for SM bars I have them and love it, they make the bike so much more aggressive. They are by far my most favorite mod I've done yet.
+1
So are those just as easy to install as taking the controls and grips off, removing the old bars, putting the new ones in, and reinstalling the grips and controls? I may have to invest...
And those ones (letter e) are direct replacements for the stock bars on all GSs?
Quote from: Cal Amari on March 10, 2006, 01:35:41 PM
Bikemaster Superbike bars are pretty much exact copies of the old K&N Superbike bars, though I haven't actually been able to get my hands on a pair yet to see if the quality is the same. Still, for about $20, they are more aggressive (lower) than the stock bars, and you have the choice of black or chrome, without being as extreme as clip-ons. Call your local shops to see if they have any in stock; less rise and less pullback than the stock bars.
Check this page for details; the Superbike bars are letter "E":
http://store.azmusa.com/knclubhanbla.html
You'll also see Bikemaster Clubman bars (only available in chrome) on that page (the "A" bars); you can see there is a major difference between the two types. I've used Clubman bars previously (never on my GS), and I prefer the Superbike bend for most riding, though if I were to do another trackday, I'd probably switch to the Clubman bend bars...
Sure, for those that want them. The stock bar dimensions are 27.5" wide, 3.5" rise and 7.5" sweep (pullback).
Now, I just noticed that the superbike bars are 29" wide, and when I installed the letter "G." Daytona bars (also 29" wide), I had to trim off half an inch off each end (for a 28" width), because the stock cables weren't long enough. But, the Daytona bars are higher.
The closest to the stock bars are the letter "F." GP Touring bars @ 27.5" wide, 2.5" rise and 6.5" sweep. Of which, I have bought a set, but have not yet installed.
OK, scratch replied before I could...
As scratch has mentioned, the letter "F" bars ("GP Touring" model) are the ones which most closely match the stock OEM Suzuki bars; hard to tell the difference. The "E" bars ("Superbike" model) are lower, more aggressive, with less pullback, and help put more weight on the front wheel. I consider them the perfect compromise between stock (too upright) and Clubman bars (too much weight on the wrists for street / commuting duties)...
I trimmed the ends of the "E" bars, to make them narrower; I didn't mind the stock length, but wanted my hands just slightly closer together. I used a pipe-cutter to trim 3/4" off each end...
Oh yeah, I want more aggressive. By "direct replacement" I meant do you have to modify anything to get them to fit the stock controls and triples. And other than cutting them, it looks like the answer is "no".
I think Cycle Gear is gonna be a stop of mine as I head home...
Got a pair at Pro Caliber waiting for me. $14, thank you very much.
Vodka, straight up, thank yooooooooou!
Unless, you consider the little plastic location posts for the switchboxes and the holes in the stock bar. You'll either have to trim off the posts(easier, that's what I did), or drill holes (or slots) in the new bars.
Trimming the posts allows you easier placement of the controls where you want them for ease of comfort and (thumb)reach.
Ok, so there are holes in the stock bars and tabs on the controls that go into these holes?
Question: won't trimming these off make the controls more apt to slip and rotate? And if not, why are they thee to begin with?
Quote from: scratch on March 10, 2006, 04:17:34 PM
Unless, you consider the little plastic location posts for the switchboxes and the holes in the stock bar. You'll either have to trim off the posts(easier, that's what I did), or drill holes (or slots) in the new bars.
Trimming the posts allows you easier placement of the controls where you want them for ease of comfort and (thumb)reach.
Better to slip and rotate than break (in a crash). I haven't had mine slip at all. If you want, wrap some electical tape around the area of the bar that would be where the switchboxes would be. I didn't use electrical tape, because I've had bad experiences with rust forming under the tape for some reason.
OK, so I stuck them in my backpack and got them home. It looked like I had a mast on my back :laugh:
Anyways, I need to cut them first, and then do the install. I read a thread detailing how to remove and reinstall the controls, so do I need anything else? I'll probably get thicker grips, but nothing else. So anything else I need? Anything to get the grips off easier or get the new ones to stay? I read about hairspray on the R6 site, but that wasn't mentioned here.
Dave
To get the grips off (if you want to save them) stick a flat head screw driver underneath them and twirl it about to get them loose, then pull them off from the meaty part towards the center of the bike. Hairspray works to get grips on and sticking, but you can't use them for 24 hours.
I would use 3M spray adhesive over hairspray, it will last longer and probably stick better too.
-M
ProGrip 419 gel-filled grips help reduce vibration felt through the grips. They come in several colors, they're reasonably priced (OK, they're CHEAP), but they fit perfectly, they're more comfortable than the stock grips, and they look good (for those concerned about aesthetics).
Here's a LINK (http://www.chaparral-racing.com/Chaparral/product_family.asp?family%5Fid=1204&gift=False&mscssid=FDBDB718830E49738B9B6FB610B71271l) for you to check them out.
Here's a close-up:
http://12.158.74.10/product_images/PG719L.jpg
You can probably find them locally, which will save you the cost of shipping, and the delay in waiting for delivery.
One thing about the 719s that you'll have to deal with is the little lip on your throttle tube. You'll have to file it down so that the 719s will slide neatly over them, otherwise you'll end up with a bulge.
Quote from: Cal Amari on March 10, 2006, 07:59:47 PM
ProGrip 419 gel-filled grips help reduce vibration felt through the grips. They come in several colors, they're reasonably priced (OK, they're CHEAP), but they fit perfectly, they're more comfortable than the stock grips, and they look good (for those concerned about aesthetics).
Here's a LINK (http://www.chaparral-racing.com/Chaparral/product_family.asp?family%5Fid=1204&gift=False&mscssid=FDBDB718830E49738B9B6FB610B71271l) for you to check them out.
Here's a close-up:
http://12.158.74.10/product_images/PG719L.jpg
You can probably find them locally, which will save you the cost of shipping, and the delay in waiting for delivery.
Looks good, and the price is right. Do we want the open or closed-end version?
-M
You want the open ended 719s if you want to use your bar ends, otherwise you can get the closed ended ones.
I want to lower my bars too. I was thinking about getting the SM bars but I think i may go for a set of vortex type clip ons...
I want the most aggressive stance i can get :)
SM2 bars are the sht...easy swap with no modifications other than turning the front brake resivoir down. :thumb: :thumb:
(http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/12/web/576000-576999/576849_66_full.jpg)
what mellogs said.
Sweet!!!! :icon_lol:
I just finished installing the SM2 bars on my 05f and took it for a ride. What a difference!
The only downside now is that I'm going to be soooo much closer to getting booked. She just begs to be riden harder! Oh well :cheers:
:thumb:
Scratch and I were discussing how I get soreness in my lower back on long rides, and he said that putting on my Supersport bars may help the situation. Then again, it may make it worse. REGARDLESS, we need a little assistance on this issue:
My Q (from memory, so not verbatim): What's the best way to make the holes in the bars for the little nubs on the controls? I'm planning on drilling the holes rather than filing off the nubs because I may want to go back to the stock bars. Plus, I'd like the controls to stay in place and not shift forward or backwards.
His (exact) A: Drilling a round surface is going to be difficult (with ordinary tools, but...) we'll see what we can do (this question should be on the board so all who have done this can chime in); I'll continue with my suggestion - hacksaw a shallow line across the bar perpendicular; this'll give something for the drill bit to get started on, but it can still roll off the rounded sides.
Soooooo, what did you guys do?
Never done it but it sounds like a job for the dremel tool to me
Don't start with a groove. The drill bit will run along that for sure.
Take a center punch and whack it a good one where you wnat to locate the hole. Then start with a drill bit about half to two thirds the size of the final hole.
Quote from: MarkusN on April 12, 2006, 12:48:36 PM
Don't start with a groove. The drill bit will run along that for sure.
Take a center punch and whack it a good one where you wnat to locate the hole. Then start with a drill bit about half to two thirds the size of the final hole.
Yes, thank you! I totally forgot, but I now remember someone mentioning this once. Ok, cool. Thanks.
Dave
Quote from: MarkusN on April 12, 2006, 12:48:36 PM
Don't start with a groove. The drill bit will run along that for sure.
Take a center punch and whack it a good one where you wnat to locate the hole. Then start with a drill bit about half to two thirds the size of the final hole.
markusn is right!!! STAY AWAY FROM THE HACKSAW!!! The punch will give you a good ding to start with. Also, like markusn said, start with a small bit and work your way up. It wouldn't hurt to even take 2-3 different bits to get to the size hole you want. Then again I'm a perfectionist ... I'd rather spend tons of extra time doing something than ruin a project or have to do it again.
Secondly ... now that I've read this thread ... I think I'm going to order me a set of the SM2's. Nice ... very nice ... :thumb:
Why don't you just use a drill press with a vise? :dunno_white:
Keep it simple guys!
Quote from: joedude on April 12, 2006, 05:20:02 PM
Why don't you just use a drill press with a vise? :dunno_white:
Keep it simple guys!
Not many people have access to a drill press. A power drill, on the other hand, is much easier to come by.
Quote from: AlphaFire X5 on April 12, 2006, 05:21:10 PM
Quote from: joedude on April 12, 2006, 05:20:02 PM
Why don't you just use a drill press with a vise? :dunno_white:
Keep it simple guys!
Not many people have access to a drill press. A power drill, on the other hand, is much easier to come by.
One of those drill presses that you just put your power drill into it would work fine too if you don't want to invest the $$$ in a press. They're cheap, they're compact, and they do the job by using your existing drill. That's what I started out with! :thumb:
So I'm looking thru those clubman bars... and in the description for "A" (http://store.azmusa.com/knclubhanbla.html) it says that there's a drop of 5 1/2"!!! Isn't that a little excessive? to have your bar 5 1/2" lower than the clamps?!?
I like the way they look with the pull back and that they start off a little further forward than every other one... kinda like the SM2 bars... but the SM2's are too pricey for me...
Can anyone suggest a good place to find the SM bars? Thanks, Scott
Quote from: cyclin-scott on April 12, 2006, 05:48:22 PM
Can anyone suggest a good place to find the SM bars? Thanks, Scott
You'll sometimes find them on eBay or off SVRider.com, but both of those are a rare occurance. You'll probably have to order them new at www.suburban-machinery.com
Yeah, I just saw them there ... There's actually a pair of the SM1 on eBay .... the their website says that the bars fit '99s-03's. Did Suzuki switch clamps sizes?
Would these work for my '98GS?
Thanks, Scott
Quote from: cyclin-scott on April 12, 2006, 06:07:51 PM
Yeah, I just saw them there ... There's actually a pair of the SM1 on eBay .... the their website says that the bars fit '99s-03's. Did Suzuki switch clamps sizes?
Would these work for my '98GS?
Thanks, Scott
From what Pablo says the SM1s will work on the GS, but I haven't seen it done. They probably won't work on the '03+ SVs because of the different tank shape. I have no clue though, just making guesses.
So between the supersport and clubman what compares closest to the SM2 bars. Like the SM2 but they are really pricey(may as well get the vortex clipons for that price).
Quote from: Absolute Rescue on April 12, 2006, 07:00:02 PM
So between the supersport and clubman what compares closest to the SM2 bars. Like the SM2 but they are really pricey(may as well get the vortex clipons for that price).
If you want sporty go with the clubman. The SM2s are nice because they mount to the stock clamps. With the Vortex clip-ons you have to remove the top plate pretty much, and that top triple clamp ain't exactly pretty.
I like the way the SM1 /2's look .... they got a littl' bit of "nasty" in 'em!!! :icon_twisted:
Quote from: cyclin-scott on April 12, 2006, 08:28:12 PM
I like the way the SM1 /2's look .... they got a littl' bit of "nasty" in 'em!!! :icon_twisted:
Likewise. It's the clubmans, but modern.
Quote from: AlphaFire X5 on April 12, 2006, 08:36:11 PM
Quote from: cyclin-scott on April 12, 2006, 08:28:12 PM
I like the way the SM1 /2's look .... they got a littl' bit of "nasty" in 'em!!! :icon_twisted:
Likewise. It's the clubmans, but modern.
so then... Clubman is somewhat the old SM? same kind of stance... am I right?
I want something more aggressive than stock, but something comfortable for long hauls (not too much pressure on the wrists) so would the 'superbike' bar mentionned earlier be best for me?
Quote from: joedude on April 12, 2006, 08:46:01 PM
Quote from: AlphaFire X5 on April 12, 2006, 08:36:11 PM
Quote from: cyclin-scott on April 12, 2006, 08:28:12 PM
I like the way the SM1 /2's look .... they got a littl' bit of "nasty" in 'em!!! :icon_twisted:
Likewise. It's the clubmans, but modern.
so then... Clubman is somewhat the old SM? same kind of stance... am I right?
I want something more aggressive than stock, but something comfortable for long hauls (not too much pressure on the wrists) so would the 'superbike' bar mentionned earlier be best for me?
Clubmans have a super agressive drop, with classic round lines. SMs have a similar design, but straight bars with brushed aluminum instead of chromed.
Superbike bars are close to stock, just a little bit lower.
I recently did a 600 mile round trip (300 per day) with the SM2s and didn't feel any discomfort. They're comfy for me, but it could be differnt for you.
SM2s are awesome and are very strong...
Quote from: leo on March 10, 2006, 02:22:45 PM
Quote from: kvgs on March 10, 2006, 10:19:40 AM
Heres a vote for SM bars I have them and love it, they make the bike so much more aggressive. They are by far my most favorite mod I've done yet.
+1
+2 SM bars are the best. www.suburban-machinery.com. check my site for how easy they are to install (I did them at work during lunch).
Quote from: pantablo on April 12, 2006, 11:00:40 PM
Quote from: leo on March 10, 2006, 02:22:45 PM
Quote from: kvgs on March 10, 2006, 10:19:40 AM
Heres a vote for SM bars I have them and love it, they make the bike so much more aggressive. They are by far my most favorite mod I've done yet.
+1
+2 SM bars are the best. www.suburban-machinery.com. check my site for how easy they are to install (I did them at work during lunch).
I've checked your website :thumb:
the SM bars are just a little too $$$
I'm looking for a slightly cheaper alternative to 'better than stock' bars... semi-agressive/semi-comfortable
See here: http://gstwins.com/gsboard/index.php?topic=24653.msg254049#msg254049
Quote from: scratch on April 13, 2006, 07:06:46 AM
See here: http://gstwins.com/gsboard/index.php?topic=24653.msg254049#msg254049
Swish!
My vote is for the Superbike bend bars; mine are black. They are a good choice for a cheap all-around bar without breaking your wallet or killing your wrists...
Back in the day, some riders would flip their handlebars upside-down for a more agressive posture (known as "Poor-Man's Clubmans"); some of them worked well that way (I rode a friend's RD350 with PMCs while he rode my cafe racer with Superbike bars; it was an experience), but be sure to double-check clearance to the tank and every other component, or you could find some "custom" dents in the tank...