What do you think of this idea for raising handlebars?

[Bminder]

Here's an idea about putting traditional bars on and raising them that would be cheaper.
Tell me what you think:

An FJ1200 top clamp for $20

The reason I would buy a top clamp is so that if I screwed it up or it just didn't work, I would still have the original one on the bike, and can always go back to stock in the future.

Then drill holes for these risers:


Then a traditional bar...

Would this work?

[rktmanfj]

Are you going to shim up the back side, or machine the riser bottom to fit the t/c?   

[movenon]

I did all that in the past, I filled in the webbing on the back side of the T/C machined (end mill bit in press) the area flat, drilled holes for similar 7/8 bar clamps and put different bars on as an experiment. I made a plate to pull the bars back as far as I could. I had the bars adjusted so they would not hit the fairing and had full turning capability (lock to lock). I had to buy an extended front brake line. And reroute the throttle cables.

First problem is the bars should fit into the "cut" or inletted part of the fairing when turning. The bars can't be to high or to low.
Second problem be aware of the hose and cable lengths.
Third problem most 7/8 bars are lighter in design that the FJ bars and of course you will want them longer. This adds to vibrations at the ends of the bars. Yamaha has those heavy ass end bar weights on there for a good reason. I filled the bars and scabbed on the Yamaha end weights experimenting with the problem and got it pretty good in the end but you do need heavy weights on the bar end, (at least in my opinion).
Yamaha designed the fairing windscreen, seat and bar position to work together. I also found out that with the bar I had that I was in a more upright position, but at speeds from around 90mph and above that the wind resistance was a pain in the ass.  At around (my speedo needle was bouncing) 120 mph it became a limiting factor.

At present I have thrown away all the 7/8 bar stuff and went back to the stock Yamaha bars. Actually I am of the opinion just putting on some bar risers is about as good as it's going to get. Before spring I will buy a set from RPM. http://www.rpmracingca.comproddetail.asp?prod=M%2FC%3AHandleBarRiser

From my limited experience I would recommend if you want to change over the different bars just buy an aftermarket set up that they designed for the FJ's. In the end the total real cost will be about the same. Little things add up.

That was my experience with a different bar. 
George

[Bminder]

I put the risers from RPM on a few weeks back, they helped, but it would be nice to have more height.
The 90 mph and up wind resistance won't be a factor since I won't be going those speeds. 

[Grey runner]

When I changed my forks for Thunderace ones I ended up with handle bars fitted to the top yoke using clamps, I now sit more upright and slightly further back and for me at 5 9" it is an excellent position, I don't get any wind problems and the 7/8" bars are as solid as the originals and no vibrations. The only down side is that the Thunderace forks do not have as much lock as the FJ ones but I can live with that.

[Bminder]

At present I have thrown away all the 7/8 bar stuff and went back to the stock Yamaha bars.
George

So when you say 'thrown away' does that mean you don't have the stuff anymore or do you still have it? (fingers crossed, fingers crossed...  )

[movenon]

At present I have thrown away all the 7/8 bar stuff and went back to the stock Yamaha bars.
George

So when you say 'thrown away' does that mean you don't have the stuff anymore or do you still have it? (fingers crossed, fingers crossed...  )

Pitched it in the trash. Except for the upper clamp which I just put 2 SS bolts (polished) in and reused.   The bars were slightly "tweeked" after a little problem... I was only going 25...  What do you mean you won't be going 90 ? Something wrong with your bike ?      
George

[Bminder]

What do you mean you won't be going 90 ? Something wrong with your bike ?      
George

No. Something wrong with the rider. He becoming an old fart.

[movenon]

What do you mean you won't be going 90 ? Something wrong with your bike ?      
George

No. Something wrong with the rider. He becoming an old fart.

Shit, older than me (66) ? "If you think you are going to die, do you want to die all tensed up only going 30 ?" 
George

[Bminder]

Shit, older than me (66) ? "If you think you are going to die, do you want to die all tensed up only going 30 ?" 
George

66? Wow.  I'm making this a larger font size so you can see it,  and typing louder so you can hear it!

[movenon]

Shit, older than me (66) ? "If you think you are going to die, do you want to die all tensed up only going 30 ?" 
George

66? Wow.  I'm making this a larger font size so you can see it,  and typing louder so you can hear it!

Thank you ! I needed that. Now if they would do the same with the speed limit signs it would be great. I hope you know that I am only giving you a ration of "Harley"   

I found that when I was riding more up right the wind forces on my upper chest and helmet was significant. I was using the stock windscreen though.
The plan is now to raise the stock clip on's and I am shopping for a new windscreen.
If you go here http://www.fjowners.com/index.php?topic=8105.msg100236#new  and scroll down you can see a picture of my bike with the bars back and up about as far as you can and still turn lock to lock. Any farther back and you will have to extend the throttle cables.
It was a "scabbed" on experiment to see if I liked it any better than stock. There are some nice conversions out there.
George