Changing stock bars to drag bars

I just bought drag bars for my 81 XJ 650 off E-Bay. Just tonight I put them on and they really give the bike an aggressive look, which is what I was going for. Now I heard some things about the master cylinder having to be replaced because of the angle. Is this true? Can I get away with just leaving on the stock one? Any input would be appreciated

 

Mine's been run with these bars at this angle for 4 years now

 

As long as the master cylinder is within ~30 degrees or so of level, it will be fine.

You'll need to loosen it, and may need to play with the bars to level it, when it comes time to changing brake fluid, but that's the only thing you need to watch.

 

lowlife, do you happen to have a closer pic of those bars?

 

as for the throttle cable. will that be ok leaving it "as-is" or do I need to get a new, shorter one? if so.....where can I get it?

 

While in the making

 

You may be able to re-route the cable so that it uses more distance.

If you want to shorten the throttle cable, all you need is a ferrule and a cable end for the carburetor end of the shortened cable.

Don't forget the choke cable...

 

right now I have the choke cable running between my two gauges. i'll try to get pictures on

 

No need for a picture- that's way too long.

It's also the easier of the two cables to modify- just shorten the cable and the housing an equal amount at the carb end, and you're done with it.

 

shaun81xj650
search 120097070275 on ebay
it's a easy mod for the brake light switch, they have them for single and dual disks with side or front fittings
i put one on the xj now i need one for the kz

 

That cable wasn't the chaoke...It was the clutch. DUH ~! Sorry it was a long day.

 

81 xj650

 

inst

 

New Problem........I start the bike..it spits and sputters abit, then revs up to 4,000-5,000 RPM's and then shuts off. any ideas?

 

I've been considering getting a new front brake/mc from these guys for my KZ since I can't find a rebuild kit for the MC on it (and I'm not sure it's salvageable anyway), but I worry about being able to find replacement parts in the future (assuming I keep it around long enough to need them).

 

beardking
i can't see a lot of choice here, mortgage the house for OEM then in 10 years try to find a rebuild kit
get a used one and try to get a kit for it
i guess you could get 2 of those off ebay and put one away....the price is right
then in 10 years try to remember where you put it :wink:

 

Polock, how do you like your for your XJ? Any problems with it so far? Or just bolt it up, fill it up and go (and stop). First hand experiences would help me make my decision. ;-)

 

thats about it, i cut off the original switch soldered and heat shrink on the new one and filled it up
bleed the system and go i think the brake warning light wires were left
unconnected
i drilled and tapped the lever to make it adjustable
get the right setup...single dual disk ,mount on side front, silver or black
mine said it was for a suzuki
it was so much fun i think i'll do it again for the kow

 

I'm thinking I'm going to go that way with the Kaw as well, mainly because the one that came with the bike is so amazingly FUBAR that it's not even worth saving, and finding a replacement is a freaking nightmare. Just imagine the trouble I'm going to have on the rear master for it.