clip on vs. Clubman

[Killianf1]

I have a cb550, with the stock bars. I am going to replace them, but I don't want to have to mess around with the tree too much and am trying to keep this whole project cheap. Which would lean toward the clubmans...

However, I am 6ft 3in, and I want to be comfortable on the bike when riding. This will likely mean rear-sets, but I am here to bow to your collective expertise.

Is it worth spending the extra on clip-ons to get the adjustability, or are the clubmans good enough? (fyi, I am proportional to my height, my arms aren't two feet long or five feet long.

Thanks for your help.

 

[VonYinzer]

I have a cb500k w clubmans and have a buddy whos 6'2" and he fits pretty well on her. He would fit better if i had rear sets, but i like my mid mounts. Hope thats some help.....

 

[CB750 Cafe Racer Fan]

Given your height, you can get away with either option, but I think you'll be more comfortable over longer distances with Clubmans, since the clip-ons will require a further reach downward and additional stretch over the tank.

Carpy now sells some replica Dunstall clip-ons that attache to the top of the fork bolts and tree. These don't look like they ride as low as standard clip-ons that attach to the fork tubes below the tree.

Just my $0.02.

 

[Killianf1]

alright. thanks. I'll just go with the clubmans then. They look to be cheaper and I kinda like the look a little better too. Thanks for the info.

 

[VonYinzer]

anytime.... any pics of your build?

 

[Killianf1]

not yet. I am in the planning/snow melting/warming up so I can use my garage phase. I'm just starting to collect the parts I need/want. I've gotten an extra seat and pan for the stock look and will be hacking apart the other one to make a 'cafe' style seat. I'm going to get my hands on some clubmans and maybe some barend mirrors. I also need some new pipes...probably a four into one. Other than that, it is just grunt work to get it going. I should have her done by mid-summer.

 

[VonYinzer]

I just got a really nice bar end mirror for 11 bucks on ebay. cant remember the sellers name, but it had free shipping. he had a few more. came quick, and looks great.

 

[Represto]

Don't go too cheap on the clubmans. Get a nice setup. The cheap ones are basically useless. The never fit right and the riding position is shyte. In my experience anyway

edit: note, I also have a cb550. I ran into a lot of issues with fitting the master cylinder in the position that I wanted....without running into the gauges. It was a pain in the ass and I eventually just spent the $50 on a pair of used Telefix clipons. Best $50 I ever spent.