clip-on tank clearance issues!!

[CB450_Lor]

Being the Noob that i am, in making my decision to install clip-ons, i've encountered the problem of tank clearance!! so here is where the customizing will come in to play, BUT after an 2 hrs online searching for remedies...i've come up with NOTHING but "clip-on tank dents"...-__-...seriously?...is that all there is? so here i am, back on my knees on DTT, asking for suggestions on ANY kind of remedies whether it be specific clip-on brands or super glue'n a bag of cotton balls to the sides of my tank. yes, i'm at a desperate stage of my bike...this is where i'm DEAD BROKE...so money IS an issue here. so far, what i've learned from work'n on this old baby of mine is that it's a crazy web of $$$-depleting issues. dont get me wrong, i'm LOVING this project, but dangs...i don't know if i'm gonna get to ride this bike next spring... =*( any help or suggestions or lectures are welcome, i need it! thanks again, DTT members.

 

[SONICJK]

Weld some extensions onto the steering stops so the bars can't hit the tank.
BAM! done.

 

[ndromb]

You could also try drilling and tapping the stop nubs on the bottom tree and threading allen cap bolts into the holes.

 

[MNBikerPup]

Another thing you could do is relocate the tank, get some vinyl and make a fake "squishy" tank.

 

[scottyfunj]

I like the squishy tank idea, but extending the tab on the bottom tree is the remedy I used.

 

[Redbird]

How much interference are we talking about here? Can you post a pic?

 

[crazypj]

FIM regulations for international racing state 15 degrees minimum turning forward and back from straight ahead position and 30mm minimum clearance between bars and tank.
Doesn't really help with fixing your problem but does give some numbers to work with
Can't you loosen clip-on's on fork tube and just swing them forward a bit?
BTW, what bike?

 

[beachcomber]

You on't say what style of clip ons you have. IF they are the type welded direct to the stanchion clamp or just across the front - you can gain extra clearance with the so called "forward mount" clip-ons - which are what they say and put the bar at least 1/2" - 1" in front of the stanchion. Some of the Tarozzi clip ons put the bar 2" in front.

 

[CB450_Lor]

I appologize for not being more detailed in my description, everyone. it's the clip on bolts that are hitting my tank. i have no choice but to get new bars at this point....

 

[scottyfunj]

Bummer. I hope you find something that works.

 

[crazypj]

Do they use nuts and bolts or are they threaded into one side of clip-on?
May be able to swap side to side so bolts point opposite direction?

 

[Redbird]

I had the same issue with a set of clipons. I cured it by sliding the clipon down the forktube about an inch, until it cleared. You can also try PJ's suggestion, and/or (if possible) try sliding the tank rearward a bit. You can usually get about .5 to .75 inch play in the mounting pucks before the tank gets loose in the mounts.

 

[swan]

You could also try drilling and tapping the stop nubs on the bottom tree and threading allen cap bolts into the holes.

Yep, done it many, many times. Works great.

 

[NcMike]

Me and a friend made some clip-ons for mine using an old top triple tree and some old bars. That being said, mine were going to hit the tank very badly. I drilled and tapped the stock steering stops. Got some small bolts, threaded them in till the bars stoped before hitting the tank and used some bolts to lock the stops in place. Works great

 

[CB450_Lor]

I went ahead n bought new clip-ons for my bike as well as aftermarket headlight ears!

 

[CB450_Lor]

Now, for the rear sets!