GSX550 naked or original ?

[janner]

right guys, I,ve taken the full fairing off today to do some servicing, and to be honest I like the look naked as I,ve always been a bandit rider etc, now the questions are !!1 . if i change the handlebars from the originals to renthals, can the top yoke be drilled to accept clamps safely, 2. would you go for a 7" round headlamp off say a bandit or go the dominator twins route with a smoked flyscreen ?. It would make servicing easier to be able to access the engine more freely too, undecided here at mo, your ideas will be appreciated, cheers jon

[GateKeeper]

we need pictures......

[janner]

Can anyone advise what needs to be done to the top yoke if fitting conventional bars and clamps, it dosent look like the original yolk would be suitable for this purpose , but have seen them done so there must be a yolk that will fit ? maybe a gs550 !!

[janner]

like this

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/SUZUKI-GS550-complete-alloy-top-yolk-/350519693088?pt=UK_Motorcycle_Parts&hash=item519c9a0f20#ht_500wt_1287

[Billy Ricks]

If your top triple was already drilled and tapped for the risers you can utilize those for some bar clamps.

[koolaid_kid]

I would have to agree; if we cannot see the bike it would be difficult to judge.

[Billy Ricks]

It does look like the stock risers are held to the top triple the same as the 700 and 1150. They are held in place with one bolt each and you can utilize those same locations for the clamps. Read the first paragraph below.

[janner]

Thanks for that, but just been out and had a look at a gs550 top yolk and its the same , complete with risers , so gonna get one of those to do the job and it,ll look standard too,

[Billy Ricks]

The top triple you linked probably won't work on the '85 if that's the bike you're doing this to. Make sure before you spend the money.

[janner]

this ones off an 81 bike , so alot nearer the year

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/290632482325?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649#ht_979wt_1037

[Billy Ricks]

this ones off an 81 bike , so alot nearer the year

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2906324823...#ht_979wt_1037

I'm not certain that will work with the lower triple. I guess your bike can be a guinea pig. It will have to match up in several different ways.

[janner]

Well, the clock mounts and all other bolt holes are there the same as mine, it,s just the leg diameters and centre to centre distance now that matters, the pinch clamp is the same as mine too, i,m hopefull, but as you say, this one,s gonna be a crash test dummy i think!! ah well if it works then it,ll help a lot of others out if they fancy the same thing

[janner]

EUREKA !!!!! I GET IT !!! Fit bandit or similar handlebar risers that will fit straight into the existing holes ...... WTF did I not register that before ??? thanks billy mate

[janner]

Right, update, callipers bled and new m/c fitted/rebuilt, all working fine, i have a pair of yamaha xs850 bar clamps here with the threaded bolt that goes down through the top yoke, i would have to drill the existing holes out to accept the bar clamps, but it would be a sound and strong job when done and very simple, my question is !! the original fork legs protrude through the top yoke so that the original clip on style bars would clamp to the fork leg, when i fit the Xs bar clamps and go for renthal style bars i,ll have to drop the fork legs down by approx 1 1/2 inches which will lift the front end slightly !! now , i have heard the 16" front wheel makes the front end turn in quick and a little skittish , so surely by raising the front it will lessen the rake and help overcome that feeling and create a more neutral feel , what are your thoughts chaps? also is there any jack up kits for the full floater back end on these models ? cheers jon

[Billy Ricks]

Just lower the forks enough to clear the bars. You may only have to drop them 1/2" or so to get enough clearance. You should be able to pick up some clamps cheaply at a bike shop that will accept the right size bolt for your upper triple. I got some used ones for $5 or so at a shop years ago. If you have a breaker in the area see what they have. I can check a breaker here and ship to you if you have trouble locating a set.