VL Bars Fitted To A Suzuki M50 / M800

Fitted VL800 bars today,here is the finished job.Took pics but not to good.The difference is excellant,my arms are now bent when riding,and much more comfortable.The cables had to rerouted to the front of the trees


from apparently in 2007 the cables were shortened on the M800,also had to cut 2" of each end of the bars

This has to be done with a pipe cutter which is capable of cutting 28mm pipe,ie:more than 1",the reason for this was because the throttle cables and brake and clutch cable would not reach,as you can see by the first pic,you still get a lot more pull back.I have had a quick ride out and everything works fine,now I have got the riding position of the c800,and the looks of the M800,best of both bikes.A good tip I was told on line was to take the headlight out of the way (two bolts) easier to feed the levers through the trees.Also I would stress remove your tank,saves you worrying if you are doing the job on your own,a second pair of hands would of been great,but like always you say to yourself "oh it's easy wont take long" six hours later and you getting dressed ready for a test run.Good thing is it's done now,and I am a happy bunny.

Looks great Alfie Those bars look like they make a world of difference in the comfort department

Very nice. Really want to do similar to mine. I really would like more pullback.

Crickey mate that riding position is sooooooo different to the standard M. Looks like you will be very comfortable now with much more relaxed arms, compared to before.
Excellent job

Looking great alfie, will be interesting to know how much difference they have made to your comfort

Looks more comfortable but personally I couldn't put up with not seeing all the speedo .... just my opinion but I'm a bit OCD with stuff like that

Hi thanks for your comments,the comfort is great,always a pleasure to ride bikes,but if you can can make them fit you for your purpose then even better.Mick I only ride with one set a bars on at a time,mainly a weight issue with petrol being expensive,but I take your point.Spike it is a no brainer m8, if you can get hold of a pair of bars from the c800/vl800 go for it.I was out today round the horseshoe pass North Wales and it handled great,just got to sort the seat out now.

It is a must do for me now. I love my M800 but have never liked the handlebars too much. Best place to get hold of c800/vl800 bars anybody?

None on ebay at the moment as I just looked for you but I think you can buy cruiser bars for as cheap as about £50 or so if you look around

Hi Spike just keep your eye on ebay,as CC says if you type 1"" handlebars there may be ones that take your fancy.Fitting wise they are simple,now I have how done the job myself,if you get stuck give us a shout.

I definitely need to get some VL800 bars.

Spike there is a set on sale by a forum member on e-bay now matey!

Thx for the advice to get some VL800 handle bars   

I mounted the bars using your tip with the headlight, but only needed to loosen one side, and remove the screw from the other side.

I used a hacksaw to cut 5cm from each end, and remembered to drill 2 new holes for the switches and throttle.

It took about 2 hours, and I covered the tank with blankets.

No test today because it's raining   

You will love it m8.Much more relaxed riding position.You can always tweak them by lifting them forward and making mini apes out of them.When you find the best place for them mark the risers and bars,then if you change you can always go back to were you felt most comfortable.I notice you have the clutch cable at the back of the tree,you can leave it at the front if you reroute it under your tank and bring it forward a bit around were you have taken the pair valve off.

I really like it, looks good  

Took a short ride today and it really is an entirely different bike, much more cruiser like vs sporty with the other bars.

I need to get used to them, but I think they will be great on long trips.

Hi Kim after a couple of rides you will throwing the bike round corners again,the good thing as you say is they are great for long trips.

Good to know your happy   

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Here is were I have my clutch cable.

I think I'll leave the clutch cable behind the risers for now, and maybe get a longer cable in the future.

It would look a bit off, with a cable crossing over the two cylinders.

First hour long ride with the new bars today.

Now I noticed that because my arms are more bend, they don´t support my body as well when going over 90-100km/h.

So I think I need a screen now  

I take it your still happy with the riding position?

yep  

Just an excuse to buy a screen then   I like it!  

A man after your own heart then Sim.