Has anyone successfully modified their triple tree to mount aftermarket clip-ons? As in cutting out circles on the ends of the upper triple tree to mount aftermarket Clip-ons at stock height. This would enable the clip-ons to be mounted at the top of the forks, while maintaining the top triple tree at the stock location; hence, eliminating the need to mount clip-ons above or below the triple tree or lowering the suspension.

I searched the forum and did not find anyone who has successfully completed the conversion.

Please see this post for reference: http://gstwins.com/gsboard/index.php?topic=63006.0

Calling on Weedahoe.... 

I bought some clipons early in the spring/summer as well as an extra top plate to try and do something like what you're talking about... not exactly but similar...! But I haven't gotten to it yet 

The clipons I bought aren't exactly like the ones in the pics so I wouldn't need to need to take <that> much off the fork homes but thanks to the thread you shared (and of course the wonderful adidasguy still helping from Heaven) now I have another idea to go on when this experiment does get my time... so.. thanks Mr. BIGGZ !! And I'm hoping this thread will get some replies with more good info and ideas.

I got rid of the top silver plate on mine, which buys you about 3/4 inch more to play with.  Guess you just need it to mount the gauge on a stock bike?

I mounted my clip ons below the remaining black top triple clamp.  Makes the riding position quite aggressive, but dropping the fork legs to run level with the triple plate makes the rake a bit less steep and twitchy.  No problems at all with clearance.

Mounting the clip ons above the triple clamp will probably keep it fairly close to stock handlebar position I'm guessing.

Endo you are right, the top plate is what the stock gauges mount up to. When I was first thinking about this whole thing I was like well I can just ditch the whole top plate, easy peasy but then I realized ah crap I don't wanna be messing with my gauges so... yeah.

Aftermarket clipons will be lower than stock handlebars unless it's the stock... what was it... clipons that the '89 GS's came with?

I wanna head back over to your project thread Endo and see those bars of yours again  In that thread that Mr. BIGGZ linked to, it said something about a posture that low in the front makes for uncomfortable braking and the pegs... er, no I think it was rear sets should be changed out for more comfort... did you do that too? I can't remember lol

Edit: yep, just went and looked... you did. and they are purrrrrdy 

Back on topic, so sorry about that 

Endo - funny how you responded to this thread, as it was your creation that propelled me to researching this topic. I've been conducting research for my own build and I use your bike as the platform I want to begin with. In looking at different builds/bikes (I am on page 32 of 42 in the projects thread), I noticed how your Cafe-Fighter's clip-ons, gauges, master-cylinder and levers set your bike apart from other builds, in an appealing fashion. So thank you for getting me started on this journey, I think...   

Showbiz - I came across a few of your posts during my search. There was a thread back in March where you were first discussing how you wanted to pickup the extra parts and customize a triple tree for yourself. In the thread, Syntax posted pics of his build where he had Vortex clip-ons installed as a reference. I'm glad you were able to collect the parts and are working on creating a piece. I think we're on this journey together. 

The location of the clip-ons and suspension height adjustments are a pain point for me, literally. As my 6'2" frame and 38yr old lower back can't handle long rides in an extremely aggressive riding position. I save what I can for trackdays on my ZX6R. 

Thanks Biggz, you're doing my ego wonders! 

I love the way my bike looks, but will readily admit it's not the most comfortable to ride.  It requires a pretty aggressive forward lean, and the rear sets just demand even more of a tuck position.
More of a racey sportbike setup, rather than a comfortable cruiser.
At 50mph+ with the wind to hold you up, it's not so bad.  At slow speed it's kinda painful, but hey at least it looks good.

You're welcome to come over one of these days to try it out for size and comfort.

I'm 5'10".  At 6'2" your back is going to be very unhappy with me!

Has anybody tried Tarozzi low / high rise clipons?

http://www.fastfromthepast.com/clip-ons

I've had them on other bikes (not a GS500 obviously), and they did work..... but they can interfere with the top triple clamp depending how it is shaped.

Endo - once my bike is more presentable, I'm definitely coming by for a ride. I'm looking for a fabrication shop in the east bay to get my project going, will keep you posted.

Big Rich - I read a post from the Buddha stating these clip-ons were crap. I can't quite quote what he said, but it was something to the tune of he couldn't find someone to give them away. The one person he did find, ended up coming right back to install his stock bars because he couldn't ride with them. I've read a lot of posts and I'm almost certain these were the same brand Buddha had. I'm sure he'll pop up and clarify, after a few insults of why I want to ruin a perfectly good bike. 

Bumpity bump bump....

My bike has got standard clip-ons

They make raised clip ons.

Instead of going through all the bull crap of modding the top plate and/or changing steering geometry, just mount under the top triple clamp and have the bars come out near the top of the fork tubes.

Like with these:
http://www.apexmfg.com/all-products/apex-clip-ons/apex-3-riser-clip-on-set

But I'm sure there are cheaper options.  Those look well worth the money, but for the GS it's rather ridiculous.