I mounted my new Protaper oversize bars (Carmichael bend), universal bar mounts (3/4" rise), new grips, bar end protectors and the Vortex quick throttle. The bar is now 3/4" higher and 1/2" further forward with less sweep. It's lighter, stifffer, stronger and looks cooler. The pad blocks the ignition a little, but you can still get the key in there. I might take it off and trim the foam.

The bars went on easy. The stocks are very heavy, and definitely junk. I elected to take a dremel tool to the plastic pin that prevents the switch assemblies from rotating instead of drilling a hole in the new bars. I'll have to put some RTV slicone under there to hold them in place better.

Next I had to remove the right side mirror. If it doesn't bother me, I might leave it this way, or I'll order a new folding set that have their own independent mounting clamps. The stock right mirro is integrated with the brake master cylinder/resevoir.

The Vortex throttle is NOT a push/pull so the return cable was removed (and added to my growing pile of stock parts). It's a relatively cheap throttle so the action isn't any better than stock, but wow, the ratio is very fast. I'd say the cable pull is double that of the stock throttle. It makes the spring feel heavier, but the stock was almost too light. The total travel is approx 1/4" turn, maybe even a little less. This will make the throttle a little touchy, but the CV carbs should keep it from being too crazy.

I'll report this weekend on the test ride. It's supposed to be cold, but I want to try it out. Afterwards, the bike is going in for the first valve check. I can always switch it back if I hate it.

I've included some pictures.

 

New bars



[IMG]local://upfiles/1299/0809848FF5304332B63664A9A7414C82.jpg[/IMG]

 

Throttle close-up



[IMG]local://upfiles/1299/65A77FC4A26146D3B48CAE7B0F1A970E.jpg[/IMG]

 

full throttle position. Look at the little circular cut in the inside of the grip and compare it ot the next photo. It's twisting only 45 degrees from closed to open. I beleive the stock throttle was around 90 degrees of rotation.



[IMG]local://upfiles/1299/372EFC51EA2A41EAAD1AE165A64CFFE8.jpg[/IMG]

 

comparison photo from the same angle


[IMG]local://upfiles/1299/01CF4EE3AB0A495EA5FB5BB2F835D838.jpg[/IMG]

 

I like the handgrips. Did they come with the new handlebar? If not, what brand are they?

 

I think the brand is 791. I actually don't remember. I just went through an online catalog and looked for dual density grips that looked fairly think, soft and had a little bit of a ergonaomic shape. There's a dozen others that are very similar.

 

Those grips are made by PROGRIPhttp://www.progrip.com/default.asp?ite=gri

 

Yup.. that's right. Thanks.

Either way, just pick one out of a catalog. You're only out $10 if you don't like them.

 

Thanks for the tip. Installed one this weekend. Flew right on & fits nice. Rain has prevented a test ride yet though.