help installing clubman bars
- Thread starter AJWatUC
- Start date
No I think your original thought was correct - forks definitely need to back to 'stock' position, i.e. tops of tubes flush with the top of the upper clamp. Unless these are some oddball clubmans, they'll be wide enough for the forks. Only bike I've seen so far that needed wider clubmans was the BMW.
Tim said:
OK thanks...Take better pics !!! LOL. push fork tubes down. if hitting fork bolts. twist bars up . if hitting triple clamps. If you can get a refund put money toward clip ons. (still the best bet...in my opinion)
What bike is this ? post a pic of your $650 prize.
I tried moving the clubmans around but the gap didn't change much because the bars are resting on those bolt heads i loosened them up and tried jacking up the front of the bike but didn't work. I loosened the bolts that clamp down on the forks as well still don't move anywhere.
I dont want to tell you this. (dont crack the triple clamps) spray some penetrant on the forks and triple clamps. while the bolts are loose. let it sit for a while. may be rust or corrosion in there. then try giving your fork tubes a twist by hand. maybe place a peice of wood on top of fork fill bolt...tap it gently w a hammer, while twisting. if that dont work. you might gently (GENTLY) pry the triple clamps a tiny bit. THIS WILL CRACK YOUR TRIPLE. so be careful.
When I say tiny bit...I mean you should not really even see the gap widen at all. TINY. prying is your last ditch effort.trek97 said:
Just let penetrating oil soak overnight. then give them another twist. and more spray. When your done without breaking anything, then clean it all up and tighten those bolts to torque specs. PO probably overtightened them when he lowered the bike. Also putting a little thread sealant or locktight purple or blue on bolts would be a good idea. In case he stretched the threads but most importantly keeps them from galling in the future.
Trek97 thanks for being patient with me and answering my questions After spraying wd40 in there from all angels and lightly tapping the clamps I was able to twist the forks and push them down. Now I still have to run the wiring. Im getting a headache just thinking about it
Hey AJwatuc when you pull the front tire. if you havent already you need to look into new brakes and bearings. As long as the triples loose check out, clean up and replace steering stem bearings and fork seals. get that tire balanced and the rim checked for true. If you dont know the age and history of tire...time to think about replacing that. you can also lube speedo cable and disassemble, clean and flush brake system...etc etc etc. Welcome to our world...lol. just remember "your having fun"
Its all good...none of us were born working on bikes. If I cant help w a question I can probably point you in the direction of someone who can. there are alot of friendly, knowledgeable guys on here. (guys who know ALOT more than me.) Just dont get discouraged and never ever give up on her. dont run out and buy 6 more bikes. be patient get this one done, all the way. To be perfectly honest Ive learned I like working on mine more than riding. Ill ride for a day and work for 3 days. I cant get enough.AJWatUC said:
surffly
Over 1,000 Posts
I can think of a million things to do with a bike like the OPs before installing clubmans.
I know guys just want the look and all but really people should stop and think
low bars and stock pegs limit leverage on the bars, they are uncomfortable and teach bad things to new riders.
focus on things that actually make the bike WORK better and not just some poorly fitting bars that give a look.
Also by sorting other aspects of the bike you can learn what you really want out of it and choose mods that fit those needs rather then a picture you saw on a blog some place
And another benefit is that you learn how to work on the bike so that when you finally get around to rider position you are better equipped to deal with the changes and install parts better.
It already looks like someone tried to lower that bike. looks like short rear shocks and the forks raised in the triple. bikes are not cars and lowering bikes has a negative effect on the handling. the trick is LONGER rear shocks. If you think that the bike will be to tall because you are short then sell it and buy a bike that fits. and since we are getting to that cliché part.....pods will only hurt things
Or just follow
-buy cheap bike
-install clubmans
-take bike apart to "build"
-place CL add for "easy to finish project"
Really do yourself a favor and service the bike.
go over to the SOHC4 site and read some of hondamans posts.
-new head bearings
-new wheel bearings
-new avon or gt501 tires
-maybe think of alloy rims
-rebuild the carbs and make sure that there are no air leaks.
-new points condensers and plugs, or a dyna/pomp electronic ignition.
-NO PODS
-buy good shocks. NOT the remote res crap, or $100 universal ones everyone is selling. actually spend a few bucks on hagons or progressive, again alittle longer then stock is better
-new chain
-braided lines or dual disc.
ect ect ect
yeah its not a cheap process but few things that really work are budget builds.
paint and bars are almost the last thing to change
I know guys just want the look and all but really people should stop and think
low bars and stock pegs limit leverage on the bars, they are uncomfortable and teach bad things to new riders.
focus on things that actually make the bike WORK better and not just some poorly fitting bars that give a look.
Also by sorting other aspects of the bike you can learn what you really want out of it and choose mods that fit those needs rather then a picture you saw on a blog some place
And another benefit is that you learn how to work on the bike so that when you finally get around to rider position you are better equipped to deal with the changes and install parts better.
It already looks like someone tried to lower that bike. looks like short rear shocks and the forks raised in the triple. bikes are not cars and lowering bikes has a negative effect on the handling. the trick is LONGER rear shocks. If you think that the bike will be to tall because you are short then sell it and buy a bike that fits. and since we are getting to that cliché part.....pods will only hurt things
Or just follow
-buy cheap bike
-install clubmans
-take bike apart to "build"
-place CL add for "easy to finish project"
Really do yourself a favor and service the bike.
go over to the SOHC4 site and read some of hondamans posts.
-new head bearings
-new wheel bearings
-new avon or gt501 tires
-maybe think of alloy rims
-rebuild the carbs and make sure that there are no air leaks.
-new points condensers and plugs, or a dyna/pomp electronic ignition.
-NO PODS
-buy good shocks. NOT the remote res crap, or $100 universal ones everyone is selling. actually spend a few bucks on hagons or progressive, again alittle longer then stock is better
-new chain
-braided lines or dual disc.
ect ect ect
yeah its not a cheap process but few things that really work are budget builds.
paint and bars are almost the last thing to change
