New handle bars on my KZ1100

Just got these Emgo Superbike handle bars in the mail so had to put them on. Took some routing and re-routing of cables and wires but it all fits. Also had to relocate the turn signals to the head light mounting ears.

Before:

After:

I'm getting some composite plastic to make new side covers. Stuff they use to make dash boards on high end boats. Not sure if I'll paint a stylized "1100" or a number like a racing number plate. Or ????

The tank needs to have dents fixed and clear coat is popping off the top around the filler cap. I've never had a yellow bike or one in Kawi green. Oh well that's for another day. I'm pretty sure one day I'll wake up and have a color and paint theme in mind.

Unless you have replaced the cables lately I'd bite the bullet and ante up. Some cables from a KZ model that came with low bars are ideal (if you can find some). The clutch will pull easier and the throttle will snap closed with authority. New cables are cheap enough (only get OEM cables, not junky Motion Pro) and well worth the money.

I like the looks however I have a bad back from an earlier bike accident and wonder how hard it is on the lower back?

Nessism wrote: Unless you have replaced the cables lately I'd bite the bullet and ante up. Some cables from a KZ model that came with low bars are ideal (if you can find some). The clutch will pull easier and the throttle will snap closed with authority. New cables are cheap enough (only get OEM cables, not junky Motion Pro) and well worth the money.

Probably why it took me about 2 hours to change the bars. I got creative with the cable routing making sure I had large sweeping bends. Throttle snaps back like a new bike and clutch is no harder to pull than with stock bars. Took me three tries to get the clutch where I liked it's action. While I was changing the bars I was also lubing the cables. They are in very good shape and wonder if the PO didn't change them recently. I did buy aftermarket speedo cable as the OEM had broken.

mopguy wrote: I like the looks however I have a bad back from an earlier bike accident and wonder how hard it is on the lower back?

Don't have any idea but I do know that the riding position is a little more forward and lower. The main thing is that I can now go lock to lock while in the riding position where my arm weren't long enough to do that prior to the change. These bars are only a couple of inches narrower but the wrist angle is very comfortable and natural feeling to me. I am 5'9" with 33 inch sleeve length.

On my Harley, very upright riding position, when I see a bump coming I pull myself forward to keep from jarring my lower back. I only rode this a couple of miles today but I don't remember having my lower back pounded. Actually more comfortable than I thought it wold be. I'll know more when I can ride it for 30 min or so without break. Intend to do that tomorrow.

Hey John,
Looks great man!
I can't tell in the pics if the bars are chrome, ceramic, powder etc. Did you run into any snags with handlebar control functions stop working?
I replaced the bars on KZombie a while back and only recently discovered that the horn wasn't working. Turned out to be the stock control on left side wasn't grounded to the bike due to powder coating of the bars.
Anyway, I'm digging that look!

Was one of the first things I did ........ love the diff it made on mine and yours too !! I've been using the longer original cables since 81 I think it was and they are still going strong but then the difference in length was a little less than yours.

That looks like the set I have on my 1100. They look way better, however may take some getting used to for longer rides.