Chip Beck Spec Low Handlebar/Mirrors Mod.

[the Ferret]

Liable coryredick was last online on May 27th

[Liable_imp]

I guess I could have checked his profile...

I wonder if the bars have changed much on the cb500f. I'll have to do some research.

Thanks brother.

[the Ferret]

If you click on his name his profile will pop up, and there was an email addy listed so you could send him an email. No guarantee but worth a shot.

[ChipBeck_imp]

I guess I could have checked his profile...

I wonder if the bars have changed much on the cb500f. I'll have to do some research.

Thanks brother.

Liable,

My CB11 is a '13 and I put '13 CB500F bars on it. The pin locator holes were in the wrong location on the 500F bars but it only took a few minutes to mark and drill two holes in the proper location. Photograph and measure where the locator holes are on the stock bar after removing the controls with the stock bar still mounted. Then remove the stock bar and mount the bare CB500 bar. Use your measurements and use a Sharpie to mark where the locator holes need to be on the new bar. Drill a small pilot hole and then the full size holes. It's so quick and easy I wouldn't worry about doing all kinds of research to avoid it. Cheers.

Chip Beck

[Liable_imp]

I guess I could have checked his profile...

I wonder if the bars have changed much on the cb500f. I'll have to do some research.

Thanks brother.

Liable,

My CB11 is a '13 and I put '13 CB500F bars on it. The pin locator holes were in the wrong location on the 500F bars but it only took a few minutes to mark and drill two holes in the proper location. Photograph and measure where the locator holes are on the stock bar after removing the controls with the stock bar still mounted. Then remove the stock bar and mount the bare CB500 bar. Use your measurements and use a Sharpie to mark where the locator holes need to be on the new bar. Drill a small pilot hole and then the full size holes. It's so quick and easy I wouldn't worry about doing all kinds of research to avoid it. Cheers.

Chip Beck

Liable,

My CB11 is a '13 and I put '13 CB500F bars on it. The pin locator holes were in the wrong location on the 500F bars but it only took a few minutes to mark and drill two holes in the proper location. Photograph and measure where the locator holes are on the stock bar after removing the controls with the stock bar still mounted. Then remove the stock bar and mount the bare CB500 bar. Use your measurements and use a Sharpie to mark where the locator holes need to be on the new bar. Drill a small pilot hole and then the full size holes. It's so quick and easy I wouldn't worry about doing all kinds of research to avoid it. Cheers.

Chip Beck
Thanks for the tips, I read your original post on the subject Chip and it's really detailed.

I'm actually not really too worried about drilling holes. If it was a direct swap I was just going to have the dealer put them on for me at my 600 mile service. I feel like they might decline if they have to modify them, guess I'll have to ask.

I'll probably head to the dealer on Saturday and see what they say. If nothing else, I'll buy a set and drill and mount them myself.

Thanks again.

[Liable_imp]

Just a bit of an update. Went to the dealer. Spoke with their shop guy. Said he would throw the bars on at the first service and as long as any drilling wasn't excessive he would do it for $20 bucks.

Hard to turn that down. Ordered the bars and just waiting to hit 600 miles. At 250 now, put like 150 on yesterday

[Liable_imp]

So the dealer is installing the bars right now. But they called me and told me that a portion of the controls hit the tank. Just wanted to see if you guys had any issues. 2014 std with cb500f bars.

[ChipBeck_imp]

So the dealer is installing the bars right now. But they called me and told me that a portion of the controls hit the tank. Just wanted to see if you guys had any issues. 2014 std with cb500f bars.

Liable,

They have the bars rotated too far back. Just have them rotate the bars forward until you have about 1/4 inch clearance. If I rotate my bars back tword me mine would hit the tank too.

Chip

[Liable_imp]

So, the dealer called me prior to your reply Chip. I asked them if the could rotate it forward to get the clearence. Service guy said no way and suggested adjustable risers. So I said ok. On lunch I ran in to the dealer. The service guy I spoke to wasn't in but I spoke to the guy working in my bike. He said he didn't even check to see how close it was because "he didn't want to hurt the bike". I walked out without much time left to get back into work.

The Service guy I spoke to will be back when I leave work this afternoon, I'm going to chat with him.

[Liable_imp]

I know this has been discussed in the thread already, but just wanted to confirm some of the points from my experience with this mod on a 2014 standard.

1) No drilling is required for the Cb500f bars, the controls are slightly tilted forward, but as previously stated, I could see no issues with this.

2) I did not have to rotate the front brake cable. I actually did it to start, but the cable was pretty bent after rotating. I found that putting it back, under the tab, there was less of a bend and it still cleared the fork caps by a few millimeters. I suppose if I lowered the forks in the clamps it might become an issue.

3) routing the throttle cables in front of the guide bracket is essential. I also rotated the cables up from the controls. I'm not sure I have entirely found a solution here as there is still a minor bind when the bars are totally pulled to the right. However, it is currently in the best configuration I've found so far.

If I get around to it I'll post some pics.