PNW Riders

coastiepete · 10-22-2009, 07:58 PM

So i am making forward progress with my gs750 cafe project. i have the wheels, tail, and forks. The frame is almost ready for powdercoat, and all i need to fab up is a battery box and rear set attachments.

As i go back and forth on what to do about bars, i had an idea...........how about ask a bunch of motorcycle enthusiasts with plenty of knowledge?!?!?!?!?!

SO..........do i use clip-ons or clubmans?

If i use clubman bars, i can get a relatively inexpensive set with grips and mirrors. PLUS, the upper triple tree won't look weird with the oem bar mounts sitting there unused.

If i use clip-ons, they just look bad ass.

So basically, does it matter? I don't care that much about adjustability. How about nostalgia factor?

What do ya'll think? If the ummmm MATURE riders would speak up, i would appreciate it. I mean.......some of you guys were THERE when cafe bikes were born!

Thanks everybody

TRAIL BOSS · 10-22-2009, 08:14 PM

Clubmans for the cheap n' easy win:

Quicklimegirl · 10-22-2009, 08:23 PM

Actually, for me....neither! Well, sort of......
And I'm 51, but as to my maturity level, I take the 5th

I don't like to lean over too much, but it's not much of a problem on the little RD350. They're such a compact little bike I could use either one and still be fairly comfortable. But I like the wide, low superbike style bars so much that's the style of bar I normally go for. I actually do have clip ons on my more elaborate '74 (first pic) but they are so infinitely adjustable, and so high on the forks it's like having conventional bars.

On the '75 (second pic) I took the dirt bike style bars off my '03 Z1000 and used those...they're absolutely perfect ergonomically on this bike. On an old KZ650 I had, I put a set of K&N superbike bars (3rd pic).

I'd say if you're not going to do many rides of over 20-30 miles, like right around town, clubman's or clip ons are fine, but if you plan on a significant amount of riding, maybe not. Just make sure if you do put on clubman's you don't mount them some screwy way so they look bizarre and wreck the overall appearance of your bike....I've seen some real bar mounting abortions like that!

Jet City Racer · 10-22-2009, 08:57 PM

I put superbike bars on my 80 GS750E and loved 'em.

If you go to clip ons are you going to get a new top triple or just leave the empty perches on the bike? Fugly if you don't.

coastiepete · 10-22-2009, 09:15 PM

Originally Posted by Jet City Racer

I put superbike bars on my 80 GS750E and loved 'em.

If you go to clip ons are you going to get a new top triple or just leave the empty perches on the bike? Fugly if you don't.

WAY fugly! i know! i though about using the mounts to hold the instrument panel. if not, then grind em down and have the clamp welded to strengthen, or get a custom one machined. that's what got me thinking about the bars. originally i wanted clip ons, but then i saw a nice kit that i liked. and then i realized that i could prolly just do clubmans and not even worry about it.

sschering · 10-22-2009, 09:37 PM

I'm going with Superbike bars and RAASK rearsets on the GS1000.
I might get some clubmans for the XS-400 and swap em around to see how I like it.

What are you doing for mirrors?

Transported · 10-22-2009, 10:30 PM

Clubmans. It's the traditional way to lower a cafe.

midvalleysuperbiker · 10-22-2009, 11:37 PM

[QUOTE=Quicklimegirl;1904186]

That orange RD350 brings back memories!
Very nice collection!

BTW, Clubmans, that is what most had "back in the day", I was there!

DesmoDave · 10-22-2009, 11:49 PM

Clubman man... only way to go.

krautBurner · 10-23-2009, 12:21 AM

Originally Posted by desmodave

clubman man... Only way to go.

XcaptainXbloodX · 10-23-2009, 12:48 AM

clip ons for me, clubmans do the job but clip ons (with the appropriate triple) will always look cleaner, faster, and meaner. also everyone uses clubmans so clip ons will stand out.

dragracer1951 · 10-23-2009, 04:21 AM

Originally people used Norton and Matchless clipons. Clubmans haden't been thought of yet.
Clubmans came about because race rules said the handlebars had to be mounted in the factory mounts. They were also cheaper and easier to get done....
I have bikes with both.
Couple of people have mentioned Superbike Bars....
That would be much more period correct. Nobody was racing big Japanese fours with clipons then. There was just not enough leverage to get the pig to turn with them little bars....I mean...Wes Cooley was BENDING handlebars trying to get the thing to turn!!!

coastiepete · 10-23-2009, 06:38 AM

Thanks for the input guys, this is good stuff to know!

saltlick · 10-23-2009, 09:26 AM

one more thing.

Clips ons your going to feel every bump in the road since they are mounted on the forks. With an older bike thats not usually the best thing. One hell of a bumpy ride. I know i had clip ons on my CB750, switched to clubmans when i got tired of my teeth rattling.

gtlover · 10-23-2009, 11:22 AM

I'm using inverted superbike bars on my Benelli. Got the idea from a bobber I saw in a book. Drag bars also look good on a cafe bikes IMHO.

coastiepete · 10-23-2009, 02:55 PM

More good info, thanks!

clt750 · 10-24-2009, 08:39 AM

I have used clubmans for years, whether they are traditional or not I got tired of the look of them.... and the feel. I just put 38mm clips from a 88 FZR 600 on my 73 CB750. Stock fork tubes are 35mm so I had a buddy who is a machinist make me sleeves for the proper fit. It looks 1000% better.... except the upper triple needs some grinding work or replaced so I can eliminated the handlebar mounts.

But......... as far as money and ease of installing Clubmans are a cheap and easy alternative.

SPCDaytona · 10-24-2009, 12:14 PM

I started riding in 1962. As I recall, the "cafe racer standard" for bars is that they be below the level of the instruments. That makes a lot of choices available. Over the years I have owned cafe racers (Triumph 650, Suzuki X-6, Ducati singles and twins, etc) with a variety of different bars, and I would suggest either clubman bars or flat bars. I think you will find that riding with clip-ons will eventually get kind of old - it stresses your back and your wrists way too much unless you travel at (highly illegal) speeds where the wind takes the pressure off your hands. The flat bars are pretty racerly, they look very clean, and they give you a wind-cheating riding position but also adequate leverage and comfort. Also, if you use clip-ons it will leave the upper fork tubes uncovered, and depending on the quality of the plating (if any), they may rust. Clip-ons also give you a minimum amount of fork leverage, and at low speeds and city traffic it's a significant disadvantage. Remember, clip-ons were developed to provide the lowest frontal area, not for comfort or low speed maneuverability. Finally, with clip-ons you will need to figure out a different headlight mounting system, but with either flat bars or clubmans, you can use the original brackets. If you use clip-ons, you can get a short length of handlebar, plug the ends, and clamp it in the stock clamps. Then you can use if for an instrument (Rider Wearhouse thermometer, for instance) or a switch, radar detector, or GPS mount.

Good luck!

SPCD

coastiepete · 10-24-2009, 12:33 PM

Originally Posted by SPCDaytona

I started riding in 1962. As I recall, the "cafe racer standard" for bars is that they be below the level of the instruments. That makes a lot of choices available. Over the years I have owned cafe racers (Triumph 650, Suzuki X-6, Ducati singles and twins, etc) with a variety of different bars, and I would suggest either clubman bars or flat bars. I think you will find that riding with clip-ons will eventually get kind of old - it stresses your back and your wrists way too much unless you travel at (highly illegal) speeds where the wind takes the pressure off your hands. The flat bars are pretty racerly, they look very clean, and they give you a wind-cheating riding position but also adequate leverage and comfort. Also, if you use clip-ons it will leave the upper fork tubes uncovered, and depending on the quality of the plating (if any), they may rust. Clip-ons also give you a minimum amount of fork leverage, and at low speeds and city traffic it's a significant disadvantage. Remember, clip-ons were developed to provide the lowest frontal area, not for comfort or low speed maneuverability. Finally, with clip-ons you will need to figure out a different headlight mounting system, but with either flat bars or clubmans, you can use the original brackets. If you use clip-ons, you can get a short length of handlebar, plug the ends, and clamp it in the stock clamps. Then you can use if for an instrument (Rider Wearhouse thermometer, for instance) or a switch, radar detector, or GPS mount.

Good luck!

SPCD

Thanks! I think that i have narrowed it down to using bars vs. clip ons. now i have to decide between drag bars, superbike bars, or clubman's. the cool thing is, non of them are very expensive, and don't require THAT much work to change. i THINK i am leaning towards flat bars. But not sure yet......

Jet City Racer · 10-24-2009, 11:32 PM

I would strongly suggest NOT grinding down the perch mounts as removing that much material from the casting could cause failure.

I'd hate to see that happen.

coastiepete · 10-25-2009, 08:03 AM

Originally Posted by Jet City Racer

I would strongly suggest NOT grinding down the perch mounts as removing that much material from the casting could cause failure.

I'd hate to see that happen.

Nah, decided to use bars anyway. so it's a moot point. but if i WAS gonna grind em. i would figure out a way to either weld supports, find a stronger material (seeing as how i think it's cast), or get a nice billet one or something.

i do know that under the bar mounts is hollow, so grinding them would greatly reduce strength

Jet City Racer · 10-25-2009, 02:15 PM

Originally Posted by coastiepete

i do know that under the bar mounts is hollow, so grinding them would greatly reduce strength

Just wanted to be sure.

coastiepete · 10-25-2009, 02:19 PM

Originally Posted by Jet City Racer

Just wanted to be sure.

roger that! it's tough because it's a damn slowzuki. if it were a CB, i'm sure i could find an aftermarket triple without clamps on them. Or if i got REALLY creative with finding another bike that would work with the same neck, bearings, fork size, and fork spacing, that didn't have bar clamps on them.......

dragracer1951 · 10-25-2009, 02:50 PM

Pete,
I can make you one.

coastiepete · 10-25-2009, 02:56 PM

Originally Posted by dragracer1951

Pete,
I can make you one.

I know you can. But since i am heading towards bars, prolly not needed.

Trust me, as the project gets closer to completion, I'm prolly gonna bring the whole thing down for you to check out.

coastiepete · 10-30-2009, 05:40 PM

Ok, you all helped me with my decision. I picked clubman bars, and ordered them last night. Thanks for all the input, it was great info!

I also ordered my rear sets (05 GSXR-1000), and my flush mount tail light. the rims are out for powdercoat still. the welder i'm borrowing is here, and the battery box and rearsets will be done by next week i hope. then the frame is off to powercoat. the tank and tail are going to paint over thanksgiving. hopefully i will have the frame and wheels done by christmas. stainless spokes and nipples from buchanan's are still needed.......

RevrdMark · 11-03-2009, 08:05 PM

I like the clubman bars. Used them on my old '82 GS650

206929rr · 11-04-2009, 01:37 AM

Originally Posted by clt750

I have used clubmans for years, whether they are traditional or not I got tired of the look of them.... and the feel. I just put 38mm clips from a 88 FZR 600 on my 73 CB750. Stock fork tubes are 35mm so I had a buddy who is a machinist make me sleeves for the proper fit. It looks 1000% better.... except the upper triple needs some grinding work or replaced so I can eliminated the handlebar mounts.

But......... as far as money and ease of installing Clubmans are a cheap and easy alternative.

for bike bad ass clipons mounted real low

View Poll Results: Cafe Bars....which style?
Clip Ons	10	34.48%
Clubman	19	65.52%
Voters: 29. You may not vote on this poll


10-22-2009, 07:58 PM	#1
coastiepete Superbiker Joined: Apr 2007 From: Port Angeles WA I Ride: 2007 ZX-10R SE, 2005 450 EXC, 1980 GS750 Cafe Project	Cafe bars......clip-ons or clubman? So i am making forward progress with my gs750 cafe project. i have the wheels, tail, and forks. The frame is almost ready for powdercoat, and all i need to fab up is a battery box and rear set attachments. As i go back and forth on what to do about bars, i had an idea...........how about ask a bunch of motorcycle enthusiasts with plenty of knowledge?!?!?!?!?! SO..........do i use clip-ons or clubmans? If i use clubman bars, i can get a relatively inexpensive set with grips and mirrors. PLUS, the upper triple tree won't look weird with the oem bar mounts sitting there unused. If i use clip-ons, they just look bad ass. So basically, does it matter? I don't care that much about adjustability. How about nostalgia factor? What do ya'll think? If the ummmm MATURE riders would speak up, i would appreciate it. I mean.......some of you guys were THERE when cafe bikes were born! Thanks everybody __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


10-22-2009, 08:14 PM	#2
TRAIL BOSS Streetfighter Joined: Apr 2007 From: Arlington, WA I Ride: A fast bike, VERY slowly.	Clubmans for the cheap n' easy win: __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


10-22-2009, 08:23 PM	#3
Quicklimegirl Pit Crew Joined: Aug 2005 From: Vancouver, WA. I Ride: Kawasaki Z1000; Yamaha RZ350; Yamaha RD400 (2); Yamaha RD350 (2); Yamaha RD125; Yamaha RD60; Kawasaki '72 G5-100; '66 Suzuki X-6 Hustler FINALLY!!	Actually, for me....neither! Well, sort of...... And I'm 51, but as to my maturity level, I take the 5th I don't like to lean over too much, but it's not much of a problem on the little RD350. They're such a compact little bike I could use either one and still be fairly comfortable. But I like the wide, low superbike style bars so much that's the style of bar I normally go for. I actually do have clip ons on my more elaborate '74 (first pic) but they are so infinitely adjustable, and so high on the forks it's like having conventional bars. On the '75 (second pic) I took the dirt bike style bars off my '03 Z1000 and used those...they're absolutely perfect ergonomically on this bike. On an old KZ650 I had, I put a set of K&N superbike bars (3rd pic). I'd say if you're not going to do many rides of over 20-30 miles, like right around town, clubman's or clip ons are fine, but if you plan on a significant amount of riding, maybe not. Just make sure if you do put on clubman's you don't mount them some screwy way so they look bizarre and wreck the overall appearance of your bike....I've seen some real bar mounting abortions like that! __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


10-22-2009, 08:57 PM	#4
Jet City Racer Streetfighter Joined: Jan 2009 From: Federal Way I Ride: 2 wheeled ones	I put superbike bars on my 80 GS750E and loved 'em. If you go to clip ons are you going to get a new top triple or just leave the empty perches on the bike? Fugly if you don't. __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter

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10-22-2009, 09:37 PM	#6
sschering Streetfighter Joined: Sep 2008 From: Kennewick, WA Blog Entries: 14 I Ride: Whatever old bike isn't broken, 1977 XS-400D, 1978 GS-750E,1979 GS-1000L, 1960 BSA C15	I'm going with Superbike bars and RAASK rearsets on the GS1000. I might get some clubmans for the XS-400 and swap em around to see how I like it. What are you doing for mirrors? __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter Last edited by sschering; 10-22-2009 at 09:41 PM..


10-22-2009, 10:30 PM	#7
Transported MotoGP Champion Joined: Dec 2006 From: Portland, Oregon Blog Entries: 1 I Ride: '99 R1, '80 Suz GS450S	Clubmans. It's the traditional way to lower a cafe. __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


10-22-2009, 11:37 PM	#8
midvalleysuperbiker Streetfighter Joined: May 2008 From: South Salem Oregon I Ride: Aprilia Tuono, Ducati GT1000, Moto Guzzi Centauro, Bimota DB4, Yamaha FJR1300	[QUOTE=Quicklimegirl;1904186] That orange RD350 brings back memories! Very nice collection! BTW, Clubmans, that is what most had "back in the day", I was there! __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter Last edited by midvalleysuperbiker; 10-23-2009 at 09:11 AM..


10-22-2009, 11:49 PM	#9
DesmoDave Superbiker Joined: Apr 2008 From: Bowels of Hell I Ride: white & nerdy.	Clubman man... only way to go. __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


10-23-2009, 12:48 AM	#11
XcaptainXbloodX Pit Crew Joined: Jan 2009 From: Portland,OR I Ride: S2R 800	clip ons for me, clubmans do the job but clip ons (with the appropriate triple) will always look cleaner, faster, and meaner. also everyone uses clubmans so clip ons will stand out. __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter Last edited by XcaptainXbloodX; 10-23-2009 at 12:54 AM..


10-23-2009, 04:21 AM	#12
dragracer1951 MotoGP Champion Joined: Sep 2005 From: Bremerton I Ride: 03 Are See fiddy one, 05 DRZ400SM, 95 FZR1040, 69 Combat Commando Roadster, 73 Commando Interstate, 67 BSA B44, 71 BSA B50	Originally people used Norton and Matchless clipons. Clubmans haden't been thought of yet. Clubmans came about because race rules said the handlebars had to be mounted in the factory mounts. They were also cheaper and easier to get done.... I have bikes with both. Couple of people have mentioned Superbike Bars.... That would be much more period correct. Nobody was racing big Japanese fours with clipons then. There was just not enough leverage to get the pig to turn with them little bars....I mean...Wes Cooley was BENDING handlebars trying to get the thing to turn!!! __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


10-23-2009, 06:38 AM	#13
coastiepete Superbiker Joined: Apr 2007 From: Port Angeles WA I Ride: 2007 ZX-10R SE, 2005 450 EXC, 1980 GS750 Cafe Project	Thanks for the input guys, this is good stuff to know! __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


10-23-2009, 09:26 AM	#14
saltlick Pit Crew Joined: Mar 2009 From: Beaverton, Oregon I Ride: Buell Lightning XB9S	one more thing. Clips ons your going to feel every bump in the road since they are mounted on the forks. With an older bike thats not usually the best thing. One hell of a bumpy ride. I know i had clip ons on my CB750, switched to clubmans when i got tired of my teeth rattling. __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


10-23-2009, 11:22 AM	#15
gtlover Training Wheels Joined: May 2008 From: Auburn, Pierce County Side! I Ride: the horse in front of Kmart.	I'm using inverted superbike bars on my Benelli. Got the idea from a bobber I saw in a book. Drag bars also look good on a cafe bikes IMHO. __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


10-23-2009, 02:55 PM	#16
coastiepete Superbiker Joined: Apr 2007 From: Port Angeles WA I Ride: 2007 ZX-10R SE, 2005 450 EXC, 1980 GS750 Cafe Project	More good info, thanks! __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


10-24-2009, 08:39 AM	#17
clt750 Zone Head Joined: Jul 2008 From: Greater Seattle I Ride: 2 wheels	I have used clubmans for years, whether they are traditional or not I got tired of the look of them.... and the feel. I just put 38mm clips from a 88 FZR 600 on my 73 CB750. Stock fork tubes are 35mm so I had a buddy who is a machinist make me sleeves for the proper fit. It looks 1000% better.... except the upper triple needs some grinding work or replaced so I can eliminated the handlebar mounts. But......... as far as money and ease of installing Clubmans are a cheap and easy alternative. __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter Last edited by clt750; 10-24-2009 at 08:41 AM..


10-24-2009, 12:14 PM	#18
SPCDaytona Training Wheels Joined: May 2009 From: Philomath, OR I Ride: 95 R1100RS, 50 Black Shadow, 54 Rapide outfit, 60 Norvin	Cafe bars I started riding in 1962. As I recall, the "cafe racer standard" for bars is that they be below the level of the instruments. That makes a lot of choices available. Over the years I have owned cafe racers (Triumph 650, Suzuki X-6, Ducati singles and twins, etc) with a variety of different bars, and I would suggest either clubman bars or flat bars. I think you will find that riding with clip-ons will eventually get kind of old - it stresses your back and your wrists way too much unless you travel at (highly illegal) speeds where the wind takes the pressure off your hands. The flat bars are pretty racerly, they look very clean, and they give you a wind-cheating riding position but also adequate leverage and comfort. Also, if you use clip-ons it will leave the upper fork tubes uncovered, and depending on the quality of the plating (if any), they may rust. Clip-ons also give you a minimum amount of fork leverage, and at low speeds and city traffic it's a significant disadvantage. Remember, clip-ons were developed to provide the lowest frontal area, not for comfort or low speed maneuverability. Finally, with clip-ons you will need to figure out a different headlight mounting system, but with either flat bars or clubmans, you can use the original brackets. If you use clip-ons, you can get a short length of handlebar, plug the ends, and clamp it in the stock clamps. Then you can use if for an instrument (Rider Wearhouse thermometer, for instance) or a switch, radar detector, or GPS mount. Good luck! SPCD __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


10-24-2009, 11:32 PM	#20
Jet City Racer Streetfighter Joined: Jan 2009 From: Federal Way I Ride: 2 wheeled ones	I would strongly suggest NOT grinding down the perch mounts as removing that much material from the casting could cause failure. I'd hate to see that happen. __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


10-25-2009, 02:50 PM	#24
dragracer1951 MotoGP Champion Joined: Sep 2005 From: Bremerton I Ride: 03 Are See fiddy one, 05 DRZ400SM, 95 FZR1040, 69 Combat Commando Roadster, 73 Commando Interstate, 67 BSA B44, 71 BSA B50	Pete, I can make you one. __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


10-30-2009, 05:40 PM	#26
coastiepete Superbiker Joined: Apr 2007 From: Port Angeles WA I Ride: 2007 ZX-10R SE, 2005 450 EXC, 1980 GS750 Cafe Project	Ok, you all helped me with my decision. I picked clubman bars, and ordered them last night. Thanks for all the input, it was great info! I also ordered my rear sets (05 GSXR-1000), and my flush mount tail light. the rims are out for powdercoat still. the welder i'm borrowing is here, and the battery box and rearsets will be done by next week i hope. then the frame is off to powercoat. the tank and tail are going to paint over thanksgiving. hopefully i will have the frame and wheels done by christmas. stainless spokes and nipples from buchanan's are still needed....... __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


11-03-2009, 08:05 PM	#27
RevrdMark WMRRA Qualifier Joined: Nov 2007 From: Vancouver, WA I Ride: 04 SV650	I like the clubman bars. Used them on my old '82 GS650 __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter

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