First impressions

[CrazyFrog]

Another vote for the GS500 here too. Great bikes. I had one for a couple of years, but in the end reluctantly sold it on as I just couldn't get a comfortable riding position. I removed the clip-ons and fitted 2" bar risers and then experimented with different bars, and though it was bearable for an hour or so, more than that was just too much for my knackered back and wrists. 

[mthee]

Thanks for the offer, Propeller, but having reviewed finances and prioritised new rubber up front, I think the very cheapest way forward is going to be for me to purchase aftermarket 35mm clip-ons of sufficient length to mount my decompression lever on.
There are loads online, but, not knowing quality were it to drive past on a Brough Superior and slap me in the face with a pair of Joanna Lumley's best underwear, I'd be pleased to get recommendations!

Like these for their full adjustability;
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Adjustable-35mm-CNC-Motorcycle-Bikes-Fork-Tube-Clip-On-Ons-High-Lift-Handlebars-/272150690169?hash=item3f5d71f979:g:jZwAAOSwys5WUCuP

Are the XBR clip-ons in one piece, or can I remove the bar itself and replace with a slightly longer bar?

[Propellor]

Thanks for the offer, Propeller, but having reviewed finances and prioritised new rubber up front, I think the very cheapest way forward is going to be for me to purchase aftermarket 35mm clip-ons of sufficient length to mount my decompression lever on.
There are loads online, but, not knowing quality were it to drive past on a Brough Superior and slap me in the face with a pair of Joanna Lumley's best underwear, I'd be pleased to get recommendations!

Like these for their full adjustability;
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Adjustable-35mm-CNC-Motorcycle-Bikes-Fork-Tube-Clip-On-Ons-High-Lift-Handlebars-/272150690169?hash=item3f5d71f979:g:jZwAAOSwys5WUCuP

Are the XBR clip-ons in one piece, or can I remove the bar itself and replace with a slightly longer bar?

No worries. Mick knows the e mail address if you need it. You might find the major issue dissappear's once you get a matched tyre on there anyway. Forks might turn out to be fine. Fresh oil perhaps. Anyhow, good luck.

Cheers

Andy.

[Moto63]

Morning Matt, yes like Prop says got e mail address of of cnc yoke guys, do you a top yoke for approx £120

[mthee]

Is this, "cool n comfy" www.topyokes.uk? I'm a bit put off by some negative reviews. Also, I thought that it being a one-off, it would be more pricey than £120. The LSL kit manxie sourced is already in production, although it means my cash would go abroad 😬
Anyone used http://www.topyokes.uk ?

Oooh- just spotted these risers with offset;
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/ALUMINUM-Riser-Increase-handlebar-22-mm-7-8-with-Offset-KTM-/361548551019?hash=item542df9136b:g:0RsAAOSws65TqYnc

But again from Germany!

[Propellor]

Matt, you can get risers that just go straight up too. Not sure what height bars you got but renthal ultra lows are..... well.... ultra low! 

[mthee]

Inspired! Get some spacers to take mine up to provide space for tubes underneath, then compensate for this by using flatter bars. Off to take measurements...

[SteveC#222]

Those bar raisers are damn expensive - £115. Wouldn't it be better to get a pair of CBX550 bars from Ebay they'll go straight on as they fit the same as the original clip ons and the cables fit too.  Also I'd reinstate the original decompressor set up from the kickstart if you can - can't quite see why he put the lever on the handlebars.

[mthee]

Thanks, another option. I'm currently on my uppers, so have been looking at machining an angle on the 20mm spacer that sits beneath the riser proper. Just need 12mm clearance.  The original site for the decompressor is blanked off and I don't know what is/isn't inside the casing without removing it, so I'm going to leave it on the bar for now and maybe look this winter. Looking over her, I just found 3 of the 4 bolts that hold the headlight brackets on were missing! Sorted now.😀

[Propellor]

You can get cnc riser kits for 25 quid. There are no moving parts and no rubber components so the Chinese just about cope with them. 

I've used some "q tech" brand ones twice and taken the raised semi circle off the bottom and they are sound as an English pound.

Renthal ultra low bars 30 quid.

[Propellor]

Maybe a bit radical this but could you go for clip ons and to make space for the decompressor lever use old Brit style switchgear? Just thinking out loud.

End of the day, Matt, maybe simply getting the right tyre on there solves all your steering issues. The bt45's are great road tyres. I swear by them on my gpz500 job.

One of the pleasures of running older stuff and /or  custom stuff is the head scratching and the satisfaction of solving a problem. Imo.

[mthee]

One of the pleasures of running older stuff and /or  custom stuff is the head scratching and the satisfaction of solving a problem. Imo.

Thanks for looking into this so thoroughly. I totally agree with you and strangely enough, I'd just been reviewing both these options on  ebay and Amazon before checking back here.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Bikeit-Motorcyle-Bike-Scooter-Universal-Aluminium-Handlebar-Riser-22-2-mm-/262080001791?hash=item3d052f76ff:g:uGUAAOSwHjNV-EZb

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Motofans-Motorcycle-Handlebars-Handlebar-Adjustable/dp/B01CL7WY58/ref=sr_1_8?s=automotive&ie=UTF8&qid=1463610567&sr=1-8&keywords=Clipons+35mm+fork

Would I need shorter cabling if I put these on? My bike pics here;
http://www.thumperclub.com/smf/index.php?topic=8109.30

Off to sleep on it, but I know myself and if I don't get those forks at least back to where they should be,I'll always have it in the back of my mind that the bike could be handling better. Psychosomatic like😁

[Moto63]

Hi Matt, looking at the photo,s of your bike/bars as they are at the moment, If you went ahead and installed the cnc risers on top of the bar clamps you already have, then fitted renthal ultra low bars which would then probably allow you to raise the forks back up to where they shud be. I wouldn't think you'd need shorter cables. Clearly a little difficult to tell without looking at the actual bike but I'd say your cables would be ok.
If my advise is completely wrong please go to suemyassoff.com  for your free compo claim
Cheers Michael

[johnr]

anyone remember what they used to call 'jota' bars? they werent cheap but they were fully adjustable bars that you could tailor your riding position with by adjusting little allen headed bolts in the ends of the sections. might be worth looking for a set because theyre pretty much infinately adjustable to suit whatever position you need.

[Moto63]

Hi johnr...yes I do remember them (I had a jota for a bit) they also used to do a very similar pair on the very first yam XJ900's that came out, brilliant bars as like you say ultimate adjustability. Good thinking that man.
Cheers..Michael