85 GS550 ESF handlebar swap question

[Guest]

As the title states, i was wondering if anyone can give me information on how to lower the handle bars on my bike. Its a 1985 GS550 ESF. I have heard that i can swap them out with Katana bars but i'm unable to find the year or model needed. I'm trying not to go the clip on route as i question their ability of being secure on the fork tubes. I wouldn't want them coming loose while i was riding and loosing control.

Also, with the "so called" katana swap, do the katana mounts directly line up with my top triple clamp or is there heavy modification involved.

[blowerbike]

the 1150ES (low bars) will bolt right on.
the katana bars will fit your tubes but not bolt to the top tree(to my knowledge).
i have used 550E/ES bars on 1150's before.

[Somamp3]

Thanks so much for the info. I'm gonna look into this. I'm assuming any model between 1983-1986 will work because it has the same (37mm) for diameter?

[dorkburger]

Not entirely familiar with your model, but I put fully adjustable Telefix clip ons (found years ago on e bay) on my 1150.
The entire depth of the clip on socket didn't fully seat on the forks- they slid down about 3/4 of the way before touching the top triple tree, but they have never moved in 12 plus years. I love them.

[blowerbike]

Thanks so much for the info. I'm gonna look into this. I'm assuming any model between 1983-1986 will work because it has the same (37mm) for diameter?

i only know what i know.
550/700/750/1150 that came factory with clip on's(37mm).
out of the above models the 1150 has the lowest bars and all of the above bolt's on 100%.

[Somamp3]

Once again, thanks for the replies. I'll be hunting for some 1150 bars now��

[blowerbike]

no problem...
US model's 84/85 1150ES.
there was some 84's titled as 1983 and they would be an ES model also.
in a picture they would look like dog ears and be one piece assembly's per side...lol

[Somamp3]

I'm assuming that the bars didn't change between the years, so I could pick a left 1984 and a right 1985 if I had to

[blowerbike]

I'm assuming that the bars didn't change between the years, so I could pick a left 1984 and a right 1985 if I had to

correct...84/85 at least for US models.

[Somamp3]

Parts are ordered. I'll post pics when it's all installed. Thanks!

[blowerbike]

Parts are ordered. I'll post pics when it's all installed. Thanks!

new??
what did these cost?
i always sold used pairs of 1150 bars for 50 bucks give or take.

[Somamp3]

parts arrived. I picked them up for basically $30 plus shipping. Ive gotten the bottom nut off no problem but i'm having one heck of a time trying to get the allen bolts out. Theyre currently soaking with some liquid penetrant on them.

[blowerbike]

great price!
i use an allen bit and when needed a pipe on the ratchet/breaker bar.

[Somamp3]

well, off to the local tool shop to pick up an allen bit set. My "extra strength" allen keys arent budging. Oh well, you can never have enough tools

[Somamp3]

Got them swapped out though I do have clearance issues with the tank. I'll take it for a short ride this weekend and see how bad it is. I might have to go the clip on route just to be able to turn