Handlebar Question

While replacing my stock handlebar (rust) with an aftermarket one I noticed the aftermarket one didn't have the knurled center for the clamps to bite on. It has a smooth surface all the way across. It seems to hold ok, but I still wonder, is that safe?

 

Yes it's perfectly all right. Very few bars are knurled; they'll clamp down fine.

Just be sure you use the factory recommended handlebar clamp tightening specs (just kidding, but there actually is...)

From one of the assembly manuals:

 

Thanks Fitz!

 

Fitz, does the same tightening torque values apply to all XJ's, for example mine (1986 XJ700 Maxim-X)? I'm just changing my bars too, but mine are factory ones, from Yamaha, with the knurled center for the clamps to bite on.

 

Based on the bolt diameter, if you follow the above, you're safe.

I posted that to emhasize Yamaha's almost anal attention to every single detail on the bike; they really did think of everything. This one's a bit over the top; good and tight has always been fine.

That being said, you don't want to crack the clamps, and tightening the front first and then the rear makes good engineering sense as does the RH mirror being reverse-threaded.

The bars that were being installed in the manual that excerpt is from were knurled; aftermarket bars generally aren't because different bikes have different distances between the clamps and they want to ensure a wide range of applications.

Believe me, knurled or smooth if you install as Yamaha recommends they're going nowhere.

Be sure you sit on the bike and adjust the angle to fit you.

 

Well I'll be darned!! It certainly never occurred to me to refer to the manual for a handlebar tightening spec....but yes, it does make perfect sense to do it the Yamaha way!

This is probly the reason for the little 'up' arrow on the master cylinder clamp.... :?:

 

Funny how this can be so easily overlooked.

 

I don't think it's in the service or owner's manuals though; that came from one of the dealer assembly manuals.