First post on GS750 Cafe project

[claygs750]

Hey guys...first time post and new to the Cafe world. I have limited mechanical experience, but am eager to learn. So far the picture shows the bike as I got it last month, and today it's down to the motor and rear tire and nothing else. I'm focusing on the front end first. My question is about clip ons. Looking at other pictures of Cafe's it seems like people clip on the bars to the forks that are pushed through the triple trees. How far is safe to push the forks up through the trees and not compromise the way it rides? I've attached another picture to show what I'm talking about.

 

[Hoosier Daddy]

Welcome! Nice choice in bikes I might say, you're going to love that Zook.
As far as your question on clip-ons goes, your concern is valid. I try and stay less than an inch when raising the fork tubes and that isn't enough for clip-ons. Guys here have done it so it is possible, but You will lower the front end some by raising the tubes in the triple trees. You can go so much you loose fork travel and actually bottom out on bumps. This also changes the geometry, rake and trail.
Now, I'd say most times clip-ons are added under the top yoke, that way the stock ride height and geometry is retained. My GS "L" has a standard side mount round headlamp so I used aftermarket mounting ears, not sure how your E model stock square one attaches. You might have to get a different one in order to put clip-ons under the yoke.

 

[claygs750]

I'm trying to get an idea on what kind of riding position I will be in with clip-ons under the tree vs. say clubmans ontop. I've had racing bikes before, is the riding position similar to that when using clip ons?

 

[teazer]

Some bikes have longer fork tubes that are designed to be above the top triple clamps so the bars are fitted there.

Generally it is not good to pull fork legs through that far on any other bike and it would result in twitchy handling.

Clubmans are designed to put bars where clip ons would be while retaining the stock mounts.

Big heavy bikes are incredibly hard to ride with low bars. Best bars for a big bike are so called Superbike bars with a low rise.

 

[claygs750]

The second picture is from the same bike as mine, but a 550 so you think he pulled the tubes thru too far? I was going to do something similar, but now I'm second guessing. It's hard for me to visualize without having a pair to attach.

 

[Hoosier Daddy]

Clip-ons come in a variety of heights, some are adjustable,

 

[ApriliaBill]

On your bike, I would not drop the front end, you don't have enough fork. I don't know how old or what kind of shape you're in, but clip on are not an option for me. I do how ever feel o.k. with M bars... you might want to look into them. Not as much work for a newbie, the\is will give you some of the effect you're looking for and you won't compromise the handling. The only time I drop the forks (exception would have been my 69 Honda 750) is when I'm trying to café what was once a cruiser type bike. They usually have longer forks and after doing this several dozen times, never had an issue. Your Suzuki came from the factory with a very good stance for the time, they handled great, were fast and looked good. Don't spoil that particular bike by fashion over form. There are other options.