New track

[iansoady]

Didn't somebody used to do XBR specific handlebar risers, or am I dreaming that? At any event, a friend in the KNMCC had an XBR, and one of the more talented metal bashers in the club made him some risers out of billet aluminium. I can't remember the details unfortunately, but could probably find out if it's any help?

Hi Pete, if you could find out details that would probably help although still waiting for the bike to fill the empty space now the little Honda has gone......

[Moto63]

Afternoon Ian. LSL do two types of handlebar converstion. They do a full new top yoke with bar mounts or they do two separate clamps which have the bar mounts machined into them that bolt to the top of the forks. Sorry I’m not techno savvy enough to post any links up. I could defo make a tank fit the XBR but techno is defo NOT on my radar 🤦
Cheers, Michael

[themoudie]

Aye Ian,

Have a wee looksee through this companies website: Moto-CNC.com_streetfighter-bar-conversions

I purchased a pair of universal aluminium alloy handlebar risers for the BROS, 41mm OD stanchions. Despatch was quick and the risers were very well finished/packed and I fitted them in 10 minutes. Raising the bars by 20mm doesn't semm much, but it made the motorcycle much more comfortable to ride.

Hope this helps and that you get to see the beastie soon.

Good health, Bill

[iansoady]

Thanks both. Trawling ebay came up with these: https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/351109003241 and https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/311002137329

Checking specs, the VF400 has a 35mm fork stanchion the same as the XBR. What does the team think?

Just rang Ecosse Motorcycles who're waiting on fork seals but tell me the bike should be ready this week. TBH rather they did seals MoT etc then I can hit the ground (running or not - if the Truss reference is allowed!)

I've been mulling over tank options which seem to me the main problem with my project. I have had a thought - I don't want to make irreversible changes to the frame. However, one of the problems will be the location of the bobbins on the sides. If I can find a tank which is close, I could perhaps make new eccentric bobbins to mate up with the cups and secure them with another screw into a tapped hole. But I need to see what's what first.

As far as the seat is concerned what I may do is get another XBR seat and rebuild the base with a forward extension to meet what will be a shorter tank, and maybe chop off a bit at the back. Then possibly give it to Leightons to make foam and cover - or do it myself.

For both these I need to bear in mind Sherlock Holmes' maxim - it is a capital error to theorise in advance of the facts.

[themoudie]

Could have gone to WeMoto! In stock and £16-40 for the pair. 

[iansoady]

Yes, but they are a Honda main dealer......

[CrazyFrog]

Didn't somebody used to do XBR specific handlebar risers, or am I dreaming that? At any event, a friend in the KNMCC had an XBR, and one of the more talented metal bashers in the club made him some risers out of billet aluminium. I can't remember the details unfortunately, but could probably find out if it's any help?

Hi Pete, if you could find out details that would probably help although still waiting for the bike to fill the empty space now the little Honda has gone......

Hi Ian,
I'll see what I can find out at club night on Thursday, though the owner of the bike is sadly in hospital at the moment, the guy who made them may be there.

[iansoady]

That's a shame to hear Pete, hope he recovers soon. If you happen across the maker I'd be interested although the VF400 bars are loooking good. I could probably make something myself but handlebars are a critical item!

[themoudie]

Aye Ian,

Yes, but they are a Honda main dealer......

I understand that Ian, I also know people who have not received "Honda main dealer" or "Royal Enfield main dealer" service from the Dundee branch and have had to have their machines taken to the Aberdeen branch, before problems have been rectified!    I just hope that they are not swinging the lead.

Good health, Bill

[iansoady]

Yes, it does seem a bit weird that the fork seals are hard to get especially as the salesman did mention them when I first enquired about the bike last week. I do hope I have a better experience than your friends as it's a long way to take it back.

[RonXBR]

Hello Ian, Managed to track down an image of the VF400F bars on the bike. Will give you an idea of how they will look fitted.

Ron.

[CrazyFrog]

I'll see what I can find out Ian. Richard who posts on here, also has normal bars on his high mileage (90,000 miles plus IIRC) daily rider XBR. I think he achieved this by somehow fitting two top yokes, but I'm sure hell be able to give you the full SP when he reads this.

[iansoady]

Thanks both. I'm waiting till I have the bike before making any (more) impulsive purchases.

[iansoady]

Well, had a somewhat unsettling conversation yesterday with the MD of Ecosse who said they'd had the bike for some time and that "if the service turned up any major faults he'd let me know" (approximate words). So after mulling it over rang them this morning and cancelled the deal which I think is safest.

However, I've been having a look on facebook market place (which I usually avoid although that's how I sold the Honda) and found a couple of excellent candidates - one in Ashbourne which is close enough to go and have a look. https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/1210641619506848 Seems very tidy and £400 cheaper....

Also a bit of a rat even cheaper: https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/803216704210206 which may be a better basis for my plan.

Although having looked at XBRs till I'm dizzy their strange looks are starting to grow on me. A bit like my old Triumph Tiger 955i which had a certain odd charm:

[mthee]

Ashbourne all the way! Appears well cared for. Pleased to hear the looks are growing on you. Despite changing mine,  I really like them in standard trim with the seat cowl.