Converting an XJ to accomodate round bars

[Dogfish]

Has anyone successfully replaced the square bars on an XJ1100 with round ones? I'm thinking of trying to locate a set of triple trees from an XS, but am not sure if they will fit the XJ. Any advise is appreciated.

[TopCatGr58]

Hey Dog,

Since no one has replied, let me give it a shot. I don't know whether the Special TT's would fit on the XJ lower TT's, not to mention the mounting of the gauges, ignition switch etc.??

Take a look at these fiche, first one is of the XJ


This second one is from a XS650.



If you look at the XJ, you see the part #17 that has a rod and fits down into the TT that is then the base for each side of the square handlebars. Then look at the 650's bar clamp bracket, it might fit down inside the hole in the TT on the XJ to allow you to then mount the round 7/8" bars. You might have to do some shimming with washers, as well as larger rubber washer/grommets to try to dampen the vibration, as well as ensure that the bars sit up high enough to clear the gastank and such!?!? I've seen these clamps on ebay every so often for the 650's! JAT!?
T.C.

[Ivan]

First, you know the XJ bars are adjustable, and you'll loose that if you change, right? Lots of people don't know that.

The bars are basically the same as the first generation Venture, so you might ask around at venturerider.org someone there may have figured it out.

[COOL TOM]

Handle bars

I am wanting to go the other way an put the XJ bars on a 80SG Special. I love the way you can adjust the XJ bars. So if anyone is throwing away there XJ bars and brackets just sent them to me and i will put them to good use.

[Dogfish]

TopCat,
Thanks for the thoughtful reply, and the Microfisch. It does look like changing part 17 might be an option, I'll have to keep my eyes peeled for old XS650 parts. Sure would be nice to have a boneyard close by.

Ivan,
Yeah, I know they are adjustable, but I'm an old carpenter with beat wrists, and even at their widest adjustment, the square bars still cock my wrists so that after about 45 mins. of riding, I'm feeling like I got a major case of cuffer's cramp. Also, from an aesthetic standpoint, I like the look of the round bars better.

CT,
If I manage to pull this off, I'd be happy to throw my cast-offs in your direction.

Thanks all,
Dogfish

[nightpilot]

There was a guy selling an xj11 on ebay who put round bars on his. He can probably tell you how he did it. It looked like he just put regular riser where our bases go. I had mine off but forgot what they looked like on the tree.

[Dogfish]

XS650 parts it is

Just got in touch w/ Big Daddy Wood - the guy on ebay with the XJ with round bars - He's gonna send some pics, and said the risers came from an XS650.
I'll update when I get the pics.

Again,
Thanks all,

Dogfish

[TopCatGr58]

Just got in touch w/ Big Daddy Wood - the guy on ebay with the XJ with round bars - He's gonna send some pics, and said the risers came from an XS650.
I'll update when I get the pics.

Again,
Thanks all,

Dogfish

Aha...I perhaps see another tech tip in the making!
T.C.

[Axel]

[Axel]

[Axel]

I took the black cover trim off to take this pic

[wlsmoku]

per this thread from this site, it seems the xs650 triples were from an 83 seca turbo.
http://www.xs11.com/forum/showthread...ight=750+forks

good tech fellas, I def want to do this....in fact I just ordered some off fleabay! I'll let cha know how they work if anyones interested