Clip-on handlebars.

I'm going to assume the original bars are 7/8? I'm looking to order some clip-on bars and my digital caliper is toast. Anyone know the fork diameters on a '81 xj/maxim 650?

Can I just source some bars from newer sport bikes or is this a bad idea?

I ask because I can purchase some 96-99? GSXR 750 clip-on bars for a decent deal. Problem is I am unable to test fit them because they are not a local buy. I have to buy them and there are no return option's from this person.

Thanks in advance everyone.

 

36mm fork tubes on the 650. Those Suzuki 'bars won't fit, they have USD forks and the tops are something like 50 or 52mm.

You could get a spacer made, but by the time you've bought that and the 'bars you may as well have got bars that fit right in the first place.

 

Ok, so I did some quick research because I wanted to be sure before I posted something. It looks like stock GSXR clip on sizes are around 48-50mm. The XJ is 36mm (I think is what I read per Chacal). Most people that run newer style clip ons with these older bikes are guys that have done a full front end swap from a newer style donor bike.

 

I'm constantly doing research and being new to motorcycles I'm still learning everything. By the time I read your post I found the dimeter of my fork tubes. Still sourcing bars that can be used. I can easily buy some new w/the correct specs. I'm trying to just buy stuff for a little less but that operate just fine.

It seems all of these people selling bars just put what model they are from but wont specify or can not specify the specs such diameter of the mount or bar size. I am pretty sure the bars are 7/8 because I have a ton of old bmx bars in that size and they are very close or exactly the same.

Thanks for your reply. It still helps.

 

Yes, our stock bars are 7/8. I switched to cafe bars to forego trying to find and fit clipons.

 

Here're a bunch of handlebar options, in 7/8" http://www.bikemaster.com/handlebars.html

 

Thanks for the info and broaching this topic, I have been putting this research off for quite some time haha...

 

If it's of any value; I'm running the "Euro" bend on my 550 Secas.

 

My problem w/running the cafe bars through the original clamp is my fork tubes. I've lowered the bike since I'm short and would technically need to cut them flush some how. Is there a good way to do this w/out damaging the forks?

 

if you dropped the forks enough to get clip-ons on top, you changed the rake and trail quite a bit. it's going to turn in real fast and loose some high speed stability. you can't cut the forks unless your a machinist or know one. how would the top cap hold on?
there's 36mm clip-ons on ebay.
if you put clip-ons under the top triple clamp, you will be leaning way forward and way low

 

so is it necessarily bad if I clamp them under the top triple clamp?

 

You can get clipons with risers so although they bolt on under the clamp the bars are actually higher but they also tend to be further forward

 

Thanks everyone for all the help. The only reason I lowered it some was for me to reach the ground flat footed. i'm pretty short but want to enjoy riding a motorcycle. I will not be going on the highway's just prob nothing over 50-55mph. I do like the cafe bars that clamp in the original location but as stated the fork tubes stick up just a little too much. I'd hate to raise it back up and be uncomfortable riding and stopping trying to tip-toe and not fall over haha.

 

Helibars, PO put them on my SV, big $ for what they are.
You can reshape the seat a little to get lower and use shorter shocks to get the geometry back. There's risers to get the bars up so the forks can come up.