Handlebars

I want to change my stock bars on my 85 xj700n to a 1" mini ape hanger. Can anyone please give me some advice as to what is needed? Thanks

 

An '85 Sportster

 

No yamaha maxim. They are sportster handlebars though.

 

You'll need either 1" bar clamps, or 7/8" bars. Either one will cost about the same, so take your pick.

 

Other than grips and a throttle, can I make the stock switches work on the 1" bars?

 

Not really. The bores of the stock controls are 1/8 smaller in diameter. They won't fit.

It's great that you are asking these questions before tearing into your bike. Poor planning is the most common reason that bikes get hacked and ruined (and end up unfinished).

 

I guess I'm going to have buy some new switches then!
"The dude abides, man"!

 

The risers on a 700 are cast into the upper part of the triple tree. You will have to rework them to accept 1" bars, cut them off and drill or find a different triple tree.

 

Well that's a bummer! Is that an easy job to do?

 

You're really better off getting 7/8" bars. Makes the job easy and you can't hardly tell the difference in diameter just by looking at them.

 

So, I should forget the 1" apes and get some 7/8"?

 

I think I'll do that!

 

You will still have to deal with extending the wiring, brake line, and cables. It will still be less cash outlay, and less work than switching to 1" bars.

 

Just out of curiosity, why do you want "apes" or "mini-apes"? Everybody has their thing and those are not mine and I am not trying to be snarky, just wondering.

 

ahem----

this is exactly why I said "an 85 sportster"......................

 

Look at my build thread and you will see all that is in store when you go with apes.
I went with TC Bros 15" apes 7/8" wide
Made my own clutch and throtle cable.
Had a brake hose made $40.00
Extended all wires about 16"... Soldered the wires
I used a bracket from Home Depot $1.00 to relocate the choke lever to the handle bar.

Build thread link is below at my signature

 

This is why....

 

When it comes time to extend the wiring, have a read over this excelent tutorial on proper wire splicing technique.

http://advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=281500

 

The advantage should be obvious: You'll always have DRY ARMPITS.

(There aren't any other advantages I'm aware of...)

 

This link is great. .
I did it this way almost but it's a good DIY with plenty pics and step by step..
This should be a Sticky even if its on another website

 

I passed about 7-10 HDs the other day going the opposite direction on a cruise around the bay. They all had those ape hangers and while I tried to resist, I couldn't keep myself from sticking my left hand WAY up in the air and giving the devil horn salute. I had to keep an eye on my rear-view for a few miles to make sure they never turned around

Bars look good TJG and your back will thank you for not going hard tail #thumbsup

 

2 herniated discs will only allow for me to ride a softail