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making my own clubman/clip-on handlbar abomination?
- slowman
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I see all these clubmans and clip-ons that I like. I just don't want to pay the money since I'm such a miserly little skinflint.
As illustrated in the picture below, I see no reason why I can't chop the stock bars and just clamp the "new" bars into the top of the triple tree. Then I would set them at a new angle that would emulate clubmans, adjusting all the accessories so they sit like they're supposed to.
Surely if this was do-able people wouldn't bother buying clubmans, they would just do this... right?
1979 Kawasaki KZ1000 LTD
The only thing better than the sound of a carburettor opening is the sound of 4 carburettors opening simultaneously!
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- KOOL RYDER
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- KZ 650B2 / KZ 1000E
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The LTD bikes IMHO do not look right with clubmans or clip ons due to the "chopper" styling.
Rather than runnining your stock bars, why dont you throw them on ebay or try to trade them with someone who has a set that they no longer want.
Wanton desruction of anything is not the right way.
Why dont you look for a set of bicyle bars off a mountain bike or try drag bars.
Go to a wreking yard and do a trade in or swap.
I have tried the clubmans on LTD bikes in the past and it really does not fit, straight or drag look awesome however.
Rockin\' a KZ650B2 since 2007 and a KZ 1000E since 2008
1978 KZ650B
1979 KZ1000ST
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- slowman
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That's another thing I wouldn't mind taking care of in the semi near future... I like the looks of the skinnier Z1 tanks or some such tank.
Straight bars... literally straight? That would be as simple as going down to home depot and getting a length of high quality 7/8 steel cut wouldn't it?
1979 Kawasaki KZ1000 LTD
The only thing better than the sound of a carburettor opening is the sound of 4 carburettors opening simultaneously!
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- rstnick
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Rob
CANADA
Need a key for your Kawasaki? PM me
1978 KZ650 C2, 130K kms, Delkevic ex, EI, CVK32, PMC easy clutch, ATK fork brace, steering damper, braced swingarm, 18" Z1R front wheel.
2000 ZRX1100
2011 Ninja 250R
2005 z750s
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- slowman
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Things I would be worried about... Do I need longer/shorter cables? Do I need a different master cylinder? Anything else?
1979 Kawasaki KZ1000 LTD
The only thing better than the sound of a carburettor opening is the sound of 4 carburettors opening simultaneously!
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- Hagphish
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\'81 KZ550
\'99 XLS
Whatever puts wind in your face
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- retterath
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- slowman
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I am nearly 6 foot... it wouldn't be a problem because I never use my mirrors. I always head check. Mirrors only tell you what ISN'T a threat, so I never trust them.
1979 Kawasaki KZ1000 LTD
The only thing better than the sound of a carburettor opening is the sound of 4 carburettors opening simultaneously!
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- Hagphish
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\'81 KZ550
\'99 XLS
Whatever puts wind in your face
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- slowman
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Do I have to drill any special holes or anything for the new bar? I've never taken apart the bar assembly on a KZ.
1979 Kawasaki KZ1000 LTD
The only thing better than the sound of a carburettor opening is the sound of 4 carburettors opening simultaneously!
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- rstnick
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You can also notch the switch cases to allow the wires to run outside the bars.
Are you interested in my flat bars above?
Someone else is.
Things I would be worried about... Do I need longer/shorter cables? Do I need a different master cylinder? Anything else?
You can use the existing cables. They will be too long, and need to be routed to suit your taste. They sometimes stick out front somewhat. You can try finding shorter ones if you want.
The master cylinder will sit flat now, so if you have the type that's on an angle, not sure if yours will work well.
Edit: Just looked at your picture above and it looks like your MC will be fine.
Also if you have turn signals mounted to the handle bars, those will have to be remounted/moved.
Rob
CANADA
Need a key for your Kawasaki? PM me
1978 KZ650 C2, 130K kms, Delkevic ex, EI, CVK32, PMC easy clutch, ATK fork brace, steering damper, braced swingarm, 18" Z1R front wheel.
2000 ZRX1100
2011 Ninja 250R
2005 z750s
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- Locozuna
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The pipe idea seems fine but don't cheap out on the stock.
KZ900LTD, KZ750LTD, KZ650, 72'Triumph Trident
"Over the Mountains
Of the Moon,
Down the Valley of the Shadow,
Ride, boldly ride,"
The shade replied
"If you seek for Eldorado!"
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