Lowering the front for clip ons

[glib]

When I got my GS700ES (sold last year), I thought the handlebars were at an odd angle—and they were—but in a good way it turned out. They were angled back and down in a very un-cafe style which was provided much less pressure on my shoulders (elbows back instead of out). So as I reassemble another GS1100ED, I’d like to try for the same result. Clip ons seem to be the only way to achieve the angle which must start wider than any bar I can find. In order to use clip ons, I’ll need to lower the triple clamps about an inch and a quarter (ish). This will necessitate sealing the air pressure crossover holes of course but I’m wondering about how to deal with the reduced travel available.

Would a stiffer spring make sense or higher fork oil level (or both) to avoid clearance issues—with the fender for example?

On a regular ride around town with Progressive springs, over speed bumps and up the driveway, my other E forks moved 3.3 inches—my ES with 1.0 Sonics, 3.0 inches.

[dorkburger]

Since you liked the 700, I'm guessing that you still want some reasonable height.
Maybe find something with a decent rise and mount them under the top yoke?
I did see a set on a site, but they were stinky expensive. (Bottom ones on the attached link as an example)

http://www.whaccessories.com/Handle%20Bar%20Telefix.htm

I have the Telefix Profi ones on mine - second hand e bay purchase - mounted on top. I love them. They do have spacers for them listed to raise them.

[Steve]

I did see a set on a site, but they were stinky expensive.

I can see it now. "But that's more than I paid for the entire bike!!!"

I am amused by that comment when we suggest maintenance tools or even just basic repairs, but for handlebars? Way too much.

.

[dorkburger]

Agreed. Just using them as an example. I paid around $40 for my telefix clip on from ebay.

[Buffalo Bill]

I don't get how clip-ons will reduce pressure on your shoulders?
They bring you forward and down for greater turning force on the forks, lower COG and reduced wind resistance.
Way more pressure on wrists through shoulders, if you lock your elbows. They're for track riding, you have to support yourself with your torso knees or lay down on the tank.
Sounds like you want some ole fashion ram's horn handlebars.

[glib]

Since you liked the 700, I'm guessing that you still want some reasonable height.
Maybe find something with a decent rise and mount them under the top yoke?
I did see a set on a site, but they were stinky expensive. (Bottom ones on the attached link as an example)

http://www.whaccessories.com/Handle%20Bar%20Telefix.htm

I have the Telefix Profi ones on mine - second hand e bay purchase - mounted on top. I love them. They do have spacers for them listed to raise them.

There are some on eBay that are much less expensive. I would want them to be raised well off the forks. The 700ES was ideal.

[glib]

I don't get how clip-ons will reduce pressure on your shoulders?
They bring you forward and down for greater turning force on the forks, lower COG and reduced wind resistance.
Way more pressure on wrists through shoulders, if you lock your elbows. They're for track riding, you have to support yourself with your torso knees or lay down on the tank.
Sounds like you want some ole fashion ram's horn handlebars.

Good point. I would want them raised a couple inches. I can handle a position a bit lower than my stock 1100ES without discomfort but the key is bringing the elbows in. It’s a more natural position for the shoulders—unless you’re a knuckle dragger, then the conversation goes another direction. Rams horn? I think maybe that’s what was on my neighbor’s Harley. ��

I think the bars (on the 700ES) were actually angled back roughly 45 degrees.

[Buffalo Bill]

Risers and handle bar combined might be your best option.

[glib]

I tried to get close by bending some “Daytona” bars for my ES (didn’t want to ruin the stock bars). I like the result but you can only get so much angle before the bar controls can hit the tank. The clip ons are the necessary next step. It will be an experiment of sorts but not irreversible so there you have it.

I just need a plan for the lost suspension travel. Surely just the elimination of the stock springs has already made a difference. I’m not sure how to determine how much is actually needed other than riding over speed bumps which I have done.

[dorkburger]

Controls hitting the tank is the problem I have. The tank on the bike is banged up so it’s not currently a problem, but if it ever gets it’s day and the new tank gets put on I will have to make changes. Those spacers may be the trick for mine.
The problem I’ll have is that I consider their positioning now to be darn near perfect for me.

[glib]

Controls hitting the tank is the problem I have. The tank on the bike is banged up so it’s not currently a problem, but if it ever gets it’s day and the new tank gets put on I will have to make changes. Those spacers may be the trick for mine.
The problem I’ll have is that I consider their positioning now to be darn near perfect for me.

With all the pictures I took of the 700ES there is not one looking down on the handlebars and tank. Likely the tank was shaped to avoid the bars as is my son’s CBR600.

I’ll get as close as I can.