Changing the handlebars. What do i need to buy?

[filterMan]

I'm sure this question has been asked before but I couldn't find the answers to my questions by searching.

I'm thinking of changing my standard clip-ons for higher bars, I'm finding the low position a bit too low for my old joints on longer journeys. I need to know what to buy exactly. I know I need risers and new bars and probably new longer cables but I don't know the exact items that I can buy or what my options are or where to get them from. Is there a guide or a previous post someone could point me to? Also if I could buy at least some of the parts used if I don't like the new position then I wouldn't have blown a wad of cash.

Any help appreciated.

Thanks Al

[Drewski]

Honda made various similar style bars to the CB-1s for other models that should fit. I can't remember which models exactly but the VFR800s are 41mm so might be a good place to start. The MKll CB-1 also had higher bars as standard. It will be easier to go this route than finding a top yoke or drilling yours for risers.
I havn't got a clue where they are but somewhere I have a set of what I think are VF1100R bars that are the same size.

[Spurlock]

My bike had Honda NT650 Hawk bars installed when I bought it. They are a bit farther back and higher than stock and I find them really comfortable. The original bars along with throttle and clutch cables came with the bike, so I assume you will need to change cables to do the swap.



-Bill

[KiwiKK]

I just changed to raised bars on my CB-1 using the ABM kit that included top yoke adaptors, bars, and extended brake line. It's suggested that the other control cables can be used if re-routed but I found this caused too many problems including couldn't get the airbox snorkels back in, couldn't put the side trim panels back on else the throttle and choke cables snagged and it looked crap. So I bought new longer clutch, choke and push pull throttle cables for a '92 to 96 CB400SF. These had the additional length and could be routed as per original to function and look right.
Some points to watch out for:
The throttle cables had the extra outer length but were very slightly shorter on inner so I had to flip the lower cable mount bracket.
The throttle cables need to be installed lower nipples first and need patience
Don't position the bar controls without the tank on. I got it a bit wrong and you're only supposed to drill a single locator hole. Now the indicator switch is a bit high and the choke cable rigid bend touches the tank on full left lock. (It was below the tank with the original clip ons)
It's well worth the effort. Even the mirrors work!. There's also another 30mm left on the forks for higher rise.
Don't forget to put all the original parts in a box just in case you sell it to a young gun. 

[See Bee-Won]

I'm about to "that age" when my body doesn't fit this bike like it did almost 30yrs ago. Fine for short errands, longer rides on straight roads I start to feel "trapped" and can't wait to get to my destination. Not to mention drivers are getting more numerous and crazy or maybe they always were and I'm just feeling more vulnerable now that I'm older.

[Spurlock]

Nice jog KiwiKK, my bike had Hawk bars installed when I bought it. They are about 1" taller and about 1" further back than stock. The setup feels good to my 70 year old back, but I might swap back to stock some day just to feel the difference.





-Bill

[filterMan]

See Bee-Won, I sympathize because I too am having problems riding the CB-1. I'm having trouble with my right wrist and it flares up after a ride. So much so that I've bought another bike, a CBF600 S. Some might say it's a bit boring compared to the CB-1 but it's more upright and comfortable to suit my age and with only mid 70s horsepower I doubt I'll loose my license. I didn't pay a lot for it but it's in mint condition, really mint.

I might keep the CB-1 but it does need a nut and bolt restoration, I've not made my mind up yet.

[KiwiKK]

Hey Spurlock,
You take a very good photo!
Those bars also look neat. We don't have the Hawk here in NZ so not an option. VFR800's are supposed to fit but there's no second hand market to speak of. Cheaper to buy new German quality adaptors.
Good to know you're 70 and still riding.
 

[KiwiKK]

Hi See Bee Won,
I'm 5'8 with a 29" inside leg and I can flat foot easy so I guess anyone taller or leggier is going to feel a bit cramped.
I fit my '76 CB400F quite well too.

[See Bee-Won]

Hi See Bee Won,
I'm 5'8 with a 29" inside leg and I can flat foot easy so I guess anyone taller or leggier is going to feel a bit cramped.
I fit my '76 CB400F quite well too.

No bar end weights? I had one come loose and fall off during a ride once and I noticed the increased buzzing in the grip before I noticed it was missing. Luckily I backtracked and found it and used Loctite on the screw when I got home.

[KiwiKK]

yeah nah....
Haven't had a good run on it since changing the bars so not sure I'll need bar ends.
Thought I could reuse the original bar ends but when the 5mm thick bars arrived, I saw that wasn't going to work. Hopefully I can get some offline without having to do a special order back to Germany.

[KiwiKK]

Had the ride.
Verdict...much more comfortable on the old back. Slight vibes at high revs but not uncomfortable after 1.5hr ride. Lost a headlight mount bolt on the ride. Probably didn't tighten it up properly after the bar swap. Will get the special order German bar ends. Slight down side of the upright position...can't get over 170kph   
These bikes can deliver serious performance but I curse Honda for removing the second front disc.

[a_morti]

Glad you like it better

Maybe brakes need another bleed since changing the hose, or maybe fluid got on disc/pads while you were bleeding it through? The single disc is OK, in fact it's very similar to a cbr500, but there's plenty of better stuff out there now.

[uglygit]

The type 2 cb-1 (darker paint on frame/engine etc) had higher bars as standard. Still a clip on type but higher.

Perhaps if you source some of them along with cable etc it might be what you need.

If you want standard straight style handle bars there are many options for the upper yoke, cb750, cb400sf, cb500, various nt/NTV models.

Another thing to consider if moving to flat bars is the angle of the mirrors, clutch and brake levers etc, the standard ones are set up to be angled down slightly.



If you want to keep standard geometry with straight bars you will either need to live with the standard fork protruding from the top yoke or fit shorter forks

The groove that lines up on the standard fork/upper yoke is roughly 42mm below the snap ring so your new forks would need to be roughly 571mm long, nc29 forks are 570mm long and adjustable, so just slip them into your cb-1 sliders and you should be close to standard geometry with better forks.