Lower handlebars on '82

[canuckxxxx]

I just installed some lower, flatter handlebars on my naked '82. Anyways I really like them because it puts me in a more forward leaning position so it is easier for me to keep my back straight which is my biggest issue for long ride comfort.

bars 2

• canuckxxxx
• Jun 6, 2014

bars 1

• canuckxxxx
• Jun 6, 2014
• 1

Everything went together pretty well but not pretty. All the cables and wiring is too long. None are really a problem functionally except for the clutch cable which is about 6" too long and harder to reroute because it is stiffer and more unwieldy and there just isn't anywhere to put the excess. I measured it and it is 62" from cable end to cable end. Do any of you guys know where I can get a cable that 55" or 56" long with the same ends for a GW?

Also the reservoir on the front master cylinder is on an angle now that puts the brake fluid in contact with the cover all the time. I am worried that it might start leaking. Hasn't started yet but I would hate to put a nice paint job on the old beast only to have brake fluid drip on it. Is there a different MC that I could use?

front master cylinder on angle

• canuckxxxx
• Jun 6, 2014

Thanks in advance
Brian

 

[slabghost]

I've no idea on the clutch cable but any metric master for two calipers should work fine. Just find the one with the reservoir angle you need.

 

[dan filipi]

I never noticed but just took a look, my master sits at an angle too though not as severe an angle.

 

[Omega Man]

Those bars look really nice. Sometimes a different style of bar can look out of place but those do not.

~O~

 

[canuckxxxx]

Funny thing is I bought those bars several years ago for a Suzuki GS but sold it first and the bars were never used. They look way narrower but are the same width as the OEMs.

As for the clutch cable; I looked at cables for CB900Cs and CB750s on Ebay and the ends look the same but don't give the lengths. :head bang:

Brian

 

[Joep]

Brian can you make a coil in the clutch cable and zip tie it? .. out will keep the tension in the cable and allow it to work... and how does it connect to the clutch lever itself? ... thinking maybe a cb 750 ss would work.. as Honda really was into not making any major changes unless absolutely necessary.. and is there any way to move the master back towards the grip.. the matter always butted up to the starter button housing.. never seen any that mounted that far inward... is that other two bolt bracket for the mirror?

This one on eBay is 55 housing and 59 overall length


https://m.ebay.com/itm/181028355198?cmd=VIDESC&gxo=true

 

[skiri251]

I heard that you can order custom cable made from Motion Pro.
As for M/C, what about separate resovoir type from modern sports bike like GSXR?
I think you can buy it cheap from eBay.

I once had XS750E handlebar on my Oldwing but clutch cable length wasn't an issue. But I had a fairing so I just routed it in front of the weight (where naked head light is). Yours is naked so I guess that is not an option.

 

[zman]

Short of re routing it so to make it shorter under cover I cant really help, there is a company out here I have delt with but a seach found no custom cable lengths, Maybe they have better information on lengths and end size, also they have parts for making cables, just wanted you to have another resource. Good luck.
https://www.flandersco.com/Products.html

 

[canuckxxxx]

OK I took the seat and shelter off again and took another look at it. I was able to reroute the OEM cable around the left side and then through to the other side where the lower clutch lever is. Used up all the cable and the clutch pull is about the same as before. Best part is that it didn't cost a dime.

As for the master cylinder; I looked around ebay at Suzuki and Honda master cylinders for bikes that I know have dual discs on the front and there are quite a few that have their reservoir at a level angle. GS850 to 1100 look like a good match. Just have to wait until I have squirreled away some bike money. For now the OEM reservoir is not leaking so will do for now.

Brian

 

[Ansimp]

I am using a cbr1000f MC which has smaller bore and this gives me more pressure as well as an adjustable position for the lever :good:

 

[canuckxxxx]

Ansimp » Sat Jun 07, 2014 5:46 pm[/url]":mg79u7pn]
I am using a cbr1000f MC which has smaller bore and this gives me more pressure as well as an adjustable position for the lever :good:

Sort of like power brakes...I like that. Is it the type with the separate reservoir that you can change the angle of? Looked at some pictures of those on eBay.

Brian

 

[Ansimp]

I am using a standard one atm but I have been looking at those remote reservoir ones that are really cheap. Not quite as cheap as the secondhand one I had lying around on a spare CBR.

 

[texon]

If you go on ebay and put in 190930925805 this is what I got for my wing as I have put beach bars on they are only £12.50 but as they are from china you will be able to get it for the states and its free post .I was a bit weary of the chinese stuff but this item is very well made and if you convert to hydrolic clutch fron a GL1200 they match

 

[esturdivant]

I just did the same, put superbike bars on my 82. I bought a suzuki GS750 clutch cable from ebay, motion pro. Put it on, it is back to factory feel. When i put on the lower bars, the longer OEM cable was binding and was impossible to actuate the clutch. Havent road tested the new cable yet, but it feels buttery smooth with the shorter cable from the GS. Hope that helps. I also bought a replacement start/kill switch and wired it in to save an inch or so from that big OEM honda start switch. Helped save room and position my brake m/c at better angle. Planning on doing the same on the LH side switch

 

[canuckxxxx]

esturdivant » Mon Jun 09, 2014 8:05 pm[/url]":3iqvk9nx]
I just did the same, put superbike bars on my 82. I bought a suzuki GS750 clutch cable from ebay, motion pro. Put it on, it is back to factory feel. When i put on the lower bars, the longer OEM cable was binding and was impossible to actuate the clutch. Havent road tested the new cable yet, but it feels buttery smooth with the shorter cable from the GS. Hope that helps. I also bought a replacement start/kill switch and wired it in to save an inch or so from that big OEM honda start switch. Helped save room and position my brake m/c at better angle. Planning on doing the same on the LH side switch

That is a great tip. I found this GS750 cable for a 1980 on EBay. What did you do with that U shaped fitting at the clutch end?

Thanks
Brian

image

• canuckxxxx
• Jun 10, 2014

 

[canuckxxxx]

esturdivant » Mon Jun 09, 2014 8:05 pm[/url]":1wlf3z3h]
I just did the same, put superbike bars on my 82. I bought a suzuki GS750 clutch cable from ebay, motion pro. Put it on, it is back to factory feel. When i put on the lower bars, the longer OEM cable was binding and was impossible to actuate the clutch. Havent road tested the new cable yet, but it feels buttery smooth with the shorter cable from the GS. Hope that helps. I also bought a replacement start/kill switch and wired it in to save an inch or so from that big OEM honda start switch. Helped save room and position my brake m/c at better angle. Planning on doing the same on the LH side switch

That is a great tip. I found this GS750 cable for a 1980 on EBay. What did you do with that U shaped fitting at the clutch end?

Thanks
Brian

image

• canuckxxxx
• Jun 10, 2014

 

[canuckxxxx]

texon » Mon Jun 09, 2014 3:37 pm[/url]":1vr2k2p2]
If you go on ebay and put in 190930925805 this is what I got for my wing as I have put beach bars on they are only £12.50 but as they are from china you will be able to get it for the states and its free post .I was a bit weary of the chinese stuff but this item is very well made and if you convert to hydrolic clutch fron a GL1200 they match

That is a good looking piece Texon. And only about $20 and free shipping.

Thanks for that
Brian

 

[esturdivant]

The fit on mine was late 70s, so not sure if they changed designs for the 80s. Pic of mine here...

 

[canuckxxxx]

OK thanks for all the help guys. This is a great forum. I just ordered the '77-79 GS750 cable and the MC that Texon directed me to. Should be able to clean up that low bars install very soon.

Esturdivant, I am kicking myself about the clutch cable because I used to own/loved/regret selling a '77 GS750 so I should have known that clutch cable.

Brian

 

[esturdivant]

yep - sometimes the answer is right in front of us and we can't see it! with my lower bars, my thoughts are that the designs of cables and attachments are probably not that different across models/manufacturers, for the most part, so I just started searching and found the Suzuki pretty much by luck. I have a hunch that the cables from a CB or CX would also fit...