Pictures of the replacement bars and some before pictures for comparison. It raised the bars about 3 inches, but didn't really bring them back much as the bar angle is different from stock. In addition, I also raised the triple tree on the fork tubes about 1 inch. This slowed the steering a bit, but I feel like it's better for general street riding.

I also installed Kawi ZX9 (1998) footpegs in the exhaust bolts behind the footpeg brackets. These two mods together make it very comfortable as a commuter.

I re-routed the throttle cables and front brake lines for fit. I also replaced the clutch line because the steel line did not give me any play to adjust with.

Note also that I trimmed the fairing just above the bars.

I had to play with the angle of the bars to find the right spot so that it didn't hit the fairing or tank, but it's very close to both. I read someone suggest putting something on the steering stop to keep the tank safe. My turning radius is slightly less, but managable.

I'm also thinking about cutting the bar ends about 1 inch to narrow them. Time will tell with that one.

From behind before and after:

 

From left side before and after:

 

From right before and after:

 

Good work. How much more upright would you say you sit now? Does it help noticeably with keeping you from sliding into the tank on hard braking at all?

 

I like the way the fairings look when they're cut better.

 

Much more upright. I also have a tour screen on, so the wind is not much different from the lower bars. It's just a different style of riding. Think of it as a sport bike compared to a sport standard.

I've not noticed a problem with sliding into the tank personally, so not sure how to give you input on that one. That might be something that a seat change would help with.

 

Thanks for the pics and info, Old Yeller. I'm leaning more and more toward doing the superbike bar modification. And I agree with 7Moore7: great job on trimming the fairing.

Out of curiousity, did you drill the top triple tree clamp yourself?

 

Yes, I drilled it myself. To be fair though, I have a tabletop drill press in my garage, so it was a bit easier. However, if you take your time and start with a small bit, doing it with a hand-held isn't too difficult. I also cut the holes a bit large to allow room for adjusting the riser positions to make sure the bars were straight and even.

One thing to be careful of is the bracing underneath the triple. you want to be sure to cut the holes in a position that allows you to get a nut and wrench into it.

 

Nice modification! That is actually the next thing that I do to my SHawk as I convert it into an Adventure Tourer! Hah!

Thanks for the detailed pics!

Miguel

 

Corbin will fix the seat issue, no more sliding into the tank

 

Nice, i did the same thing to an SV650S

 

Yep. Nice job. I did a similar mod using a riser from M&P in England. What did you trim the fairing with? I need to trim a small amount but don't want to bugger it up. I also agree on cutting 1" off the bars. If I can find a new set of bar ends, I'll cut mine. I know it will help.

 

I used a dremel to trim the fairing. Use some type of plastic tape to set the line before you cut. Plastic tape will allow you to make a curve to follow. I just used black electrical tape, but there are more sophisticated options for body work if you prefer. you could also consider some touch-up paint as the plastic beneath is black.

 

Thats exactly what I would have suggented. Electrical tape works very well.

What size are your bars? Now that you have them on anything in particular that you would do different? I know that there are different bends by different manufacturers. What are you using?

Miguel

 

btw... on the first set of pics it looks like the cut edges are still pretty raw. Or is that my imagination / poor eyesight? The following pics look more polished and rounded.

Miguel

 

yep, you're right. but I think the angle had something to do with it too.

 

I know it was the SuperBar bend or style. I don't know the brand. I'll try to get some pic's up for viewing.