Newbie Question - Changing Handlebars

Being as my xj750maxim is my first bike, a lot of this is new to me (but I'm learning quickly!)

I'm finally starting some modifications on my otherwise cherry 750. The first project I'm talking is changing out the stock handlebars (hate the look) to something along http://www.oldbikebarn.com/part.php?id= ... PerPage=20 these lines.

I'm not dead-set on those particular bars but something that style.

My question: What hardware should I be looking at for mounting? I can't seem to find much on the web that addresses what I'll need.

 

I was looking at getting those also, but eventually decided on the drag bars because they are a little less aggressive. But dont be fooled by that, even with the drag bars it feels almost like I'm riding a crotch rocket. I haven't had them for too long but I love them! The bike feels completely different and is easier to push through curves. (because of the more aggressive seating position) They where making my back hurt a little, but its better now.

You don't need anything extra that your bike doesn't already have. just unbolt the clamps holding your old bars on then replace with the new ones.

 

Thanks viper

Maybe I'm looking at my bike wrong but it looks as if the left and right bar are independant from one another, held in by a small shaft (sitting just behind the fork) and adjustable with several different hex head screws.

Can anyone familiar with the stock bars from the '82 750 maxim elaborate on this a little?

I'd just take the damn things apart but being as my XJ is my only vehicle at the moment, I've got to wait until the weekend to start breaking her down.

Couple of quick pics from my mobile (sorry about the quality).

Here's a pic of what the bars look like topside:


And from the side, showing the fork on the far rightand what looks like the lower mounting bolt from the bars near the center:

 

You might want to rethink the clubman bars. I went to my local shop, and the guy brought out some clipons, and we figured out that the bars would hit the tank with barely any turn.

With the tear drop gas tank, I don't think it will work well. I think that drag bars would work much better because whatever you put on is most likely going to have to be vertically higher than the tank so that you can make low speed turns.

If you want clipons, you might have to get a new bike! That is what I am seriously thinking about doing.

 

I was afraid of that, with the tank shape and height.

I'm not prepaired to get another quite yet so it's on to drag bars.

Checking out these:

http://www.oldbikebarn.com/part.php?id= ... PerPage=20

and

http://www.oldbikebarn.com/part.php?id= ... PerPage=20

The first one i mention there definately addresses the issue of tank contact but i'm still shooting for the lower profile style. Any opinions if the second ones there (the lower drag bars) would work?

Still trying to figure out what to do about hardware if I do find some that work.

 

sorry hess, I didn't realize that the 750 was that different. my bike has u-shaped clamps that hold my bars on. As far as the tank goes, I had to angle up the controls on the right handle bar and for the left side I had to angle up the controls, remove the choke assembly and cable and grind some of the housing off in order to get my steering to go from lock to lock. If I need choke I can just reach down to the carbs and lift it with my finger. as for the mirrors I took and put the bars that hold the mirrors in a vise and bent them slightly past 90 degrees. they could use an extension of about an inch, but they work good enough for me. the master cylinder is at an angle but it doesnt affect the way it works because the openings are still at the bottom. These are the drag bars I bought, in black:

http://www.chaparral-racing.com/Chaparr ... D2A4157A50

 

Thanks both for the advice and input Smile

I'm taking a trip down to the largest bike scrapyard I've ever seen on Tuesday ( www.sportwheel.com/index.html ).

Hopefully I can find what i'm looking for there. I'm also in the market for 7" round headlamp assembly and some chrome teardrop or cicular mirrors... among other things.

I'll take some pics and throw them up in my gallery come Tuesday night.

 

Sooo back to the handlebars once again. I'm new to this, as I said, so please bare with the possible stupid questions.

Anyone know of risers off hand that will fit the upper yoke on my 82 xj750?

Is it a somewhat universal thing that I need not worry about? None of the risers I've looked at thus far specify a the size of the mounting bolt. Some mention specific models but many don't.

I've looked across my Haynes manual for some sizing but I can't seem to find any sizes or measurements.

A little input as to what I should be looking for here would be much appreciated

Thanks xj'ers!

 

HI,

New to the forum... lots of good info here...

ShoSheriff.. whose turnouts are those on your bike or was it a fab job?

Been nosing around and haven't seen much...

Did you re-jet the carbs?

Thanx,

PY

 

Got up early today to take apart my handlebars and do some measuring...

The below pic was taken about 5 minutes ago (11am here in Minneapolis). Just a tad dark out for being so close to noon.

The motorcycle gods are testing me I think :evil:

 

Hessenr00ts, there's two sets of the risers on ebay at the moment and one set is even in Minneapolis, listed as "1981 Yamaha Seca XJ750 Handle Bar Mounts".
The other set is listed as "81-83 Yamaha Seca Handlebar Clamps Yolk"

Both sets have just under 4 days remaining, no bids, starting bid at $10 each set.

Hope this is what your looking for!

 

Thanks for the tip!

I've contacted the seller about these a few other items he has listed that will work wonderfully on my build

I owe ya' one Nick !

 

The bloke won't even allow local pickup!

Stuck paying postage on something thats less then 6 blocks from my current location....idiotic.

 

Sorry to hear about that postage charge, especially that it's so close!
Those darn ebay sellers sure want to charge on shipping!
On the bright side, sure hope they work for you!

 

I'm buying those and a pair from an 84 virago...the ones from the virago are the same price but shipping is 4$ cheaper....and being shipped from Ohio.

One of the two sets will work. If both happen to, I'll keep the ones from the XJ as spares cause the Virago ones are pretty sharp


Thanks again for the heads up !