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Main Area => General GS500 Discussion => Topic started by: Mr.7 on August 28, 2006, 02:59:25 PM

Title: Aftermarket handle bars
Post by: Mr.7 on August 28, 2006, 02:59:25 PM
I was thinking about changing mine. Is there a good replacement bar with a more agressive rideing position for a good price.  I would really like to have clip-ons but they look really expensive
Title: Re: Aftermarket handle bars
Post by: brett on August 28, 2006, 03:15:01 PM
http://www.suburban-machinery.com/

The SM2 bars are quite popular. I've got them, and I love the riding position. If you have an E, you have to rotate the brake fluid reservoir to get them to fit, but other than that it's a piece of cake.
Title: Re: Aftermarket handle bars
Post by: LimaXray on August 28, 2006, 03:41:58 PM
clipons are cheaper than SM2s... you can get them for about $100 on eBay (http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/cb900-cb750-vf750-vfr750-cx650-clipons-handlebars-37mm_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ35587QQihZ002QQitemZ4563104016QQrdZ1QQsspagenameZWD1V), while the SM2 are over $150.  I am using all my will power to not buy clipons.

Do a search for clipons to see what's involved with installing them as they are probably the most difficult route.

The cheapest option would be bikemaster bars (http://store.azmusa.com/knclubhanbla.html).  I had the clubman bars, they were ok, but didn't fit well on the GS (I tried to make them fit better with my angle grinder and MIG welder, needless to say I using the stockers again)  I ordered some of the drag bars yesterday and hope they will be a little better.  They're not difficult to install, very similar to SM2s, but you need to drill 2 small holes in them for a tab on controls.

SM2s are the most popular and the easiest to install.
Title: Re: Aftermarket handle bars
Post by: ducati_nolan on August 28, 2006, 05:21:13 PM
If you can find clubman bars with a wide enough center section, that would be your best bet. The position would be about the same as clip ons but much cheaper. Drag bars would definately fit and would be about 2 inches lower than stock, and are really cheap.

I found these too, they look nice and at $110 not too bad
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/CLIPON-CLIP-ON-HANDLEBARS-Kawasaki-EX500-94-02-37mm_W0QQitemZ4598291447QQihZ002QQcategoryZ35587QQssPageNameZWD1VQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

Title: Re: Aftermarket handle bars
Post by: tussey on August 28, 2006, 05:39:10 PM
Quote from: Mr.7 on August 28, 2006, 02:59:25 PM
I was thinking about changing mine. Is there a good replacement bar with a more agressive rideing position for a good price.  I would really like to have clip-ons but they look really expensive

hope this helps
http://cgi.stanford.edu/~sanjayd/gs500/Upgrades/Handlebars
O0
Title: Re: Aftermarket handle bars
Post by: RVertigo on August 29, 2006, 11:10:28 AM
You can also get some cheapo bars to try out different positions...  Rather than dropping a bill on something you might not like.

Check just about any moto-shop or parts site...  $20...

Yes, the chrome sucks and they'll rust after a while...  But, once you know you like a certain bar style, you can get some good ones.
Title: Re: Aftermarket handle bars
Post by: CRXDrew on August 29, 2006, 11:15:58 AM
installed my bikemaster drag bars 2 days ago.

not bad at all. definitely a sportier feeling and come on... they were 10 bucks.