I haven't searched for this but have been up for 24+ hours so am just going  to post it. What do clip ons do exactly? I am going to replace my handlebars soonish because I noticed a slight bent/ look to them (not enough to cause issues but I still want to replace. I  would like suggestions on what bars to use. Thanks!

Clipons are 2 individual bars that clamp directly onto your fork tubes. Instead of one longer bar positioned more upright, clipons are typically a little narrower, and then lower and more forward. It puts more of your weight over the front wheel. It's a little less comfortable for normal cruising around, but it makes the handling feel noticeably more stable. They're not hard to fit on the GS, but they're not usually a direct bolt on.

Not a direct bolt on unless you use  the USA 1989 ones or the Canadian/European ones sold 1989-2000. Replace the top place and move your controls to the clip on bars.

There are threads on them and photos in the gallery. Search for "aggressive" or "clip-ons".

Repainted them. Look really cool and fun to ride. Added R&G chrome steel bar end weights.


Also in another thread:
This shows riding position with European bars and overlay outline is with the stock bars.


This shows the difference in the 2 types of factory clip-ons sold in Canada and Europe through 2001.
What I call type 3 is the silver one. This fits on the newer bikes. Both fit on older bikes.
You can see the slight difference in angle down and back.

Those are the official clipons from the 89 and european models. I wasn't even thinking about those. They would be pretty easy to mount. I had different clipons on my bike for a while that came off of a different bike. I took the top triple, cut off the original handlebar clamps, replaced the stock headlight mount with a cheap one from ebay, put the clipons on the fork tubes under the triple clamps, and bolted it all back together. You can also slide the fork tubes up about an inch and a half and just slide the clipons on top of the triple clamps, which is easier but then you're changing the steering geometry.

None of these pics above are 89's. IMHO the ones to get.
Search on this site. There is a blue bike in the WOF with a big yellow sticker on the tank that says "warlock" That is mine.
Cool.
Buddha.

This is where it is - Wall of fame, old gallery, members bikes, page 12, left column 1 from the bottom. There is a pic on the right column just before this one that has bars I made.
Cool.
Buddha.

I have all 3 types of factory clip ons (I don't know of anyone else that does have all 3 types on hand).

The USA 1989 are very slightly different from the silver ones from Europe in the other photo I posted. The European ones are far easier to get since they were sold through 2000.

I have USA 89's on Trey and the shorter European ones on Suzi and Junior. I can't say I feel any difference in riding.

The taller European ones start taller, but have more down angle so the bar end is about the same place and actually a little closer to the tank (which is why they do not fit the 2001+ models with the larger tank).

If you want non-factory clip ons then others will tall you the stories of how to modify the forks and do other things to make them fit.

It comes down to what you want. If you want that cooler look with slightly more aggressive ride, then factory ones are the way to go. If you want to lay on the tank for that real crotch rocket type of ride, then do other clip ons where you modify the fork.

The factory ones with a Gimbel rear set gives a pretty aggressive ride that is fun but not stressful or fatiguing for long rides. (See photos of Junior - the red one).

Thanks for the replies! A lot of options and I will have to ponder it before I decide.

Quote from: adidasguy on March 03, 2011, 04:18:19 PM
If you want to lay on the tank for that real crotch rocket type of ride, then do other clip ons where you modify the fork.

This is true, mine were super low under the top clamp, and you had to be pretty serious about it, haha. They were find when you were really riding, and the front end was super stable, but it got uncomfortable pretty quick when you tried to just cruise around.

If you fit either style of the Euro market factory clip-ons and top yolk and you will have room for the equally desireable Euro market preload adjusters

Quote from: adidasguy on March 03, 2011, 04:18:19 PM
I have all 3 types of factory clip ons (I don't know of anyone else that does have all 3 types on hand).

Show off ...

I have had the tall euro and the 89's, yea about the angle, I forgot that, but IMHO, 89's were better. But then again ... YMMV ... I am fat and have long arms and legs.
Cool.
Buddha.