TECH INSPECTION
Salvage Sweetheart Part 6, Clip-ons and Stomp Grips
Author: K3 Chris Onwiler
Getting a Grip
During the first test of our CrankyApe.com/Salvage Sweetheart GSXR600 at JenningsGP in January, it was apparent that we couldn’t hang onto the motorcycle as well as we would have liked. This sapped our confidence and made it hard to ride the bike to its potential. Adjusting the stock footpegs to their highest and rearmost position gave us the ground clearance we needed but the position of the bike’s handlebars as delivered felt all wrong. Also, our leathers were slipping across the paint of the gas tank when we hung off for cornering, making the situation even worse. To cure these problems, we decided to install Vortex clip-ons and a set of Stomp Grips.  Racing clip-ons are beneficial for two reasons. First, they can be set to any position you prefer, unlike stock bars which offer no adjustment. Second, the aluminum tubes of aftermarket clip-ons are easily replaceable after a crash, getting you back into the game without a lengthy repair session. Vortex clip-ons are available for most bikes, come in silver or black and retail for $159.95, although we’ve seen them cheaper. Replacement handlebar tubes for these clip-ons range from $10 to $15 each. Be sure to buy a few extra bars for your spares kit.
Installation of our Vortex clip-ons was straightforward and relatively easy. The first step was to remove the upper triple clamp. Since the ignition switch is attached to this clamp, we laid it on top of the gauges to get the piece out of our way without having to unplug any wires. Next, we took off both switch housings and let them hang. The clutch lever perch and front brake master cylinder were the next pieces to be unbolted. We then loosened the screws holding the throttle assembly to the right handlebar and loosened the bolts that lock the stock clip-ons top the forks. At this point we were able to slide them up and off the fork legs.  Reassembly is simply a reversal of the steps required for removal but there are a few items that require special attention. First you'll want to determine what length the new handlebar tubes will need to be. This is as simple as holding the stock clip-on side by side with the new one and positioning the tube accordingly. Next, notice that the stock bars have small holes drilled in their tubes to accept locating tabs for the switch gear and possibly also the throttle grip housing, depending on model. These holes must be duplicated in the tubes for the new racing clip-ons. The easiest way to do this is to hold the old bar and the new bar side by side, mark  the position of each hole, select the proper bit and drill away. Once everything is put back together and properly torqued to manufacturer’s spec, it’s vital that you inspect all cables, wiring and brake lines to insure that you’ve routed them correctly and that they do not get pinched or bound as you turn the steering lock to lock. When you are satisfied, start the motor and steer the bars through their full range of motion again. If the revs increase when you do this, your throttle cables are binding. This MUST be corrected before you try to ride the bike. Likewise, be sure your brakes are still functional and have not ingested any air while you had the master cylinder off of the handle bar.
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