A look at a different handlebar conversion

Discussion in '5th Generation 1998-2001' started by Cherryriver, Apr 21, 2021.

  1. Cherryriver

    Cherryriver New Member

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    On top of the excellent post about the Webike-sourced Hurricane "Police" handlebar conversion kit, here's what I've started with on my '00.
    I have a thing for the old, no-longer-available Heli Multi-Tour Sport handlebar. I had my first set on my old Concours 1000 back in the early '90s. I kept the outfit and re-installed in on my ZX1100E (GPZ) where it resided for over 100,000 miles (a fine story in itself- no repairs ever).
    I've since sourced a few more sets off Ebay on the rare occasion they come available at a halfway reasonable price. My wife's '04 SV650S was an immediate beneficiary. Good heavens, the stock clip-ons on that bike are beyond uncomfortable.
    I'm an inveterate handlebar-changer and have done something or other to almost every bike I've had going back to my '67 BSA. So going after the VFR's setup was eminently expect-able.
    Getting on in age and dealing with an old neck injury from my carpenter days means no low bars for me.
    The bigger problem on the VFR is the throttle cable pair. On most of my bikes, I just called Motion Pro and ordered up a set of extra-length pullers. But Motion Pro seems to have stalled out due to the panic. I haven't heard back about even setting up a solid order. Typically it's about three weeks from call to delivery but it's been two so far without even a payment request.
    I am going to try a different model's cables as replacements. That has worked in the past, most recently on my wife's next bike, a BMW F800ST- I just got some Ebay throttle cables from the GS version and they went right on.
    This bike has a fairly new set of Galfer brake and clutch lines. That's another standard mod I've done to almost all my bikes as well. I just recently did a '99 ZX-9R and they had new hoses in my hands in a very short time, allowing a much-needed 2" rise on the bars so I could ride the thing more than 20 minutes.
    But I simply don't know for sure yet whether the parts already on the bike will work with the final raise solution. I may well have to give Galfer a call.
    On the VFR, I had a set of handlebar mounts left over from my long-gone FJ1100 that clamp to the tops of the 41mm fork tubes and provide pipe bar clamps. While the VFR would be better-served with a geometry that sets the bar's centerline more to the rear, these were on hand so I went with them.
    Where the whole thing is right now is with approximately a 2 1/2" rise with a small amount of setback. This is as far as I can stretch the throttle cables. When a new solution for that arrives, it will go a little higher and further back.
    Hoping you can make out what's been done so far in the photo.

    VFR Helis 1.jpg
     
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  2. Gator

    Gator Insider

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    I did Convertibars on my 09 VFR. Got about 2.5" rise and swept back a bit. You can make these bars adjust to almost any position you want. I now guys that run them on their track bikes to get the bars right where they want them. Most people use them for a more upright comfortable riding position. They use to sell lines on their site for VFR's. Have not looked for a while. Good luck.

    https://www.convertibars.com/
     
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  3. Gator

    Gator Insider

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  4. raYzerman

    raYzerman Member

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    I have the Convertibars on my Gen5. Clamp in rearmost orientation, 1.5" back from center of the fork cap. As for height, I have them set a 4.25" high from the surface of the triple clamp, which is 1.25" higher than the stock bars. When at full lock, they are just shy of touching my Givi windshield. I have room to raise them another ~3/4" but would have to rotate them rearward to clear the windshield, which is all possible. I'm happy where they are but if needed, there is more adjusting one can do.
    I see that Helibars claims 1.25" extra rise over stock and 1.5" rearward, so actually similar but not sure if you can rotate them.
    I have the stock lines, but need to trim the stop tabs off the reservoirs. Throttle cables, I re-routed. I have a set of +2" stainless lines to go on, so holding off on the tab trimming for the moment.
     
  5. pi-on

    pi-on New Member

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    Gator, many thx for the link. I'm putting them on my shopping list.
     
  6. Cherryriver

    Cherryriver New Member

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    Meanwhile, my next step towards getting the bars back and higher was to Ebay-order a set of used ST1100 throttle cables, which appear to be a perfect match apart from being about five inches longer. If that proves out, that would be perfect.
    I think I may have time to thread the "new" cables in tomorrow or the next day.
     
  7. Cherryriver

    Cherryriver New Member

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    Following on...
    The ST1100 cable idea was a bust. They are only very slightly longer, but the amount of slack in the pull cable is a little less than stock so it turned out I could not get sufficient slack at the handle for safety.
    I finally, finally got through to the main order taker guy at Motion Pro. They seem to be in some kind of a slowdown, at least compared to the usual service I've experienced with them.
    He says he will try to expedite my extra-length cable order in hopes it's ready in two weeks.
    Last time I ordered customs like this they were in my hands in about two weeks overall. Motion Pro has always been top-shelf for me.
     
  8. complex.technician

    complex.technician New Member

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    If anyone is looking for a good, inexpensive handlebar kit option for the 5th Gen (1998-2001) VFR ...

    Then, look no further!!

    Here is the Webike Japan HBK606A Hurricane Handlebar Kit, and it appears they just marked it 20% off too!! NICE!!


    https://www.japan-webike.ie/products/2076546.html


    As stated on their website ...

    Product detail
    It is possible to mount STD Cable/Hose.
    Handlebar Switch Hole Drilled
    Position 60mm Up/50mm Back


    Meaning ... no cables/hoses/etc need moved or changed. AND ... it puts you up 60mm (2.5-in) and back 50mm (2-in).

    You need only simple tools for the swap -- 6mm hex key, Phillips screwdriver, and a couple soft towels.

    I removed the original clip-ons and installed this kit ... all under one hour.


    I am in no way getting paid for this post. I wish ...

    I am simply trying to spread the word about this nice, easy-to-install kit for the VFR. Someone did that for me, so I try to pass it on.

    I bought this same kit several years ago, and I have put about 16-17K miles on my 2000 VFR with the kit.

    I also bought lower pegs (1-in lower than OEM) at the same time. The pegs and HBK606A kit together ... WOW ... just WOW ... !!!

    Less forward lean, less stress on wrists and back, more comfortable all around ride ... what is not to like ?!?!

    I have done 2500-mile trips on my VFR with this kit ... some days riding 10 hours ... no discomfort at all ... none.


    So, if you are looking to invest in a handlebar kit for your VFR ... check out Webike Japan.


    They also have ALMOST this exact setup for 6th Gen VFRs too ... in case you were wondering!!! I think it's called the HB550 ... maybe ...

    The 6th Gen kit works the same -- change no cables/hoses/etc.

    And to boot ... these kits are cheaper than any other kit you will find.
     
  9. VFRIRL

    VFRIRL New Member

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    You managed the swap in under an hour? wow, I think it would take me half a day, can you use the existing grips? I have heated grips fitted.
    I have been considering buying this kit for some time, I have Gen mar type risers fitted and the rise is ok but I have never been fully happy that with these risers fitted the clip on is only gripping about half of the fork tune it originally did if you follow me, I don't want to ruin the look of the bike either.
     
  10. vfrgiving

    vfrgiving New Member

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    While the Hurricane kits are awesome, it should be discussed that the components are also sold individually. Anyone should be able to easily piece together their own custom setup.

    Start with the under bracket for 41mm forks. HB0662. Available in black or silver.
    https://japan.webike.net/ps/hb0662/#!search&p.k=hb0662

    Then pick the bar clamp. Available in black, blue, red, and silver.

    HB0614 (comes in the VFR police kit, as well as the standard kit linked above)
    https://japan.webike.net/ps/hb0614/#!search&p.k=hb0614

    HB0615 (10mm higher than the 614)
    https://japan.webike.net/ps/hb0615/#!search&p.k=hb0615

    Pick your handlebar.

    There's a ton on here, browse until you find something. Measurements and sweep angles are found in the product photos. If you went with something other than the VFR police or standard bar, you may have to drill holes for the switch gear.
    https://japan.webike.net/ps/#!p.b=304&p.c=1044

    If your project exceeds the stock lines, Hurricane sells extended throttle, choke cables, and braided stainless hose.

    Extended VFR throttle cables that comes in the Police kit:
    https://japan.webike.net/products/2074342.html

    Extended choke cable (for 98 and 99 owners):
    https://japan.webike.net/products/2073560.html

    Hurricane's "SURE SYSTEM LINE" hydraulic hose. For example, the braided stainless that come in the police kit are 120cm, 95cm, and 100cm. The length is in the part# HB7p120S for example is the 120cm hose. Hoses should come with copper crush washers.
    https://japan.webike.net/bm/pl/Brake+Clutch+Hoses/1015/p.b=304/

    Double banjo bolt. For running two front brake lines from master cylinder to left+right calipers. HB7813 available in silver or black.
    https://japan.webike.net/ps/hb7813/#!search&p.k=hb7813

    Stock VFR bar ends will not fit properly. OEM inner weights will, but it's a tight fit. A Throttlemeister will not fit. Hurricane offers their own bar ends and inner weights.

    https://japan.webike.net/bm/brd/Bar+Ends/HURRICANE/1039/304/
     
    Last edited: May 19, 2021
  11. DaHose

    DaHose New Member

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    Great post vfrgiving. That really does cover all options. I love the standard bar conversion on my 2000.

    Jose
     
  12. vfrgiving

    vfrgiving New Member

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    I'm really impressed with Webike/Hurricane's turnaround time. Last week there was a parking mishap that left me with a brand new police handlebar tweaked and a completely folded brake lever. I ordered a brand new bar as a standalone part (https://japan.webike.net/products/2074795.html), and an OEM brake lever from a large stateside parts supplier at the same time. I paid dearly for shipping on the handlebar, but exactly 1 week later it landed on my door. I didn't get tracking info on the brake lever until the day the new Hurricane bar was delivered. I completely understand it being Memorial Day weekend and all, I just find it amusing a part from around the world arrived days before a part being shipped just a few states over.
     
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