Need Help With '82 NH 650 Cafe Conversion

[freddykrue]

I bought a 1982 Honda Nighthawk 650 project bike back this summer and have probably logged in about 50+ hrs of work into it. I basically have it tuned and in optimal condition with the exception of needing to replace the front brake master cylinder.

Lately I've acquired a fascination with Cafe racer style bikes and would like to try converting mine for a good winter project. Originally I was hoping to keep the bike original but after a realization of it requiring too much $ to do so, I decided it served a better purpose as a good first project bike to experiment with.

Basically my question is about installing new handlebars on my particular year and model. I've been doing some research and looking at different styles of handlebars and noticed that my bike's handlebar setup is quite different from the standard. Instead of one single bar that attaches horizontally, my bike's handlebars are actually two separate pieces that sit vertically into the frame of the bike. Problem is, I have yet to see any aftermarket handlebars that even resemble this style of handlebar. Does this mean I have to do some type of mod to accommodate for the more standard version of handlebar or instead craft my own two piece set (might be complicated replicating angles)?

Link to handlebar schematic:
http://a3.bikebandit.com/schematics/schematics/honda/hon003/H01190033.gif

[Brittles]

Have you looked into clip-on bars? They mount directly onto the top of each fork tube after the tubes are raised up in the triple trees. Tank clearance can be an issue on some bikes.

[freddykrue]

Have you looked into clip-on bars? They mount directly onto the top of each fork tube after the tubes are raised up in the triple trees. Tank clearance can be an issue on some bikes.

I have in fact looked at clip-on bars. Not sure if I like the look and like you said, clearance could be an issue.

[Brittles]

Maybe modify the stock bars?

[freddykrue]

That's a possibility. However, I'm considering hanging on to them because they do seem to be rare.

[TDodge7]

 

Lately I've acquired a fascination with Cafe racer style bikes and would like to try converting mine for a good winter project. Originally I was hoping to keep the bike original but after a realization of it requiring too much $ to do so, I decided it served a better purpose as a good first project bike to experiment with.

What does your bike need that's so expensive? Building a cafe bike that isn't a hack job takes a lot of money, usually more than it does to fix an average jap bike back to stock. Also cafe'ing a bike will often take it from everyday rider status to "specialty bike" that only gets ridden once in a while because it's no longer comfortable for everyday riding. Don't get me wrong, I love a well done cafe but after having built/owned a few I wouldn't own one as my only bike, only as a backup to my main bike. Just putting that out there because it sounds like you've never built one before, if you have then I'll just shut up.

On your handlebar subject, sport bike guys often drill their top clamps and install handlebar clamps so they can mount mx bars on their stunt bikes. There may also be another bike (or another year cb650) that has the same top triple tree as your bike but with the clamps for a standard handlebar.

[freddykrue]

What does your bike need that's so expensive? Building a cafe bike that isn't a hack job takes a lot of money, usually more than it does to fix an average jap bike back to stock. Also cafe'ing a bike will often take it from everyday rider status to "specialty bike" that only gets ridden once in a while because it's no longer comfortable for everyday riding. Don't get me wrong, I love a well done cafe but after having built/owned a few I wouldn't own one as my only bike, only as a backup to my main bike. Just putting that out there because it sounds like you've never built one before, if you have then I'll just shut up.

On your handlebar subject, sport bike guys often drill their top clamps and install handlebar clamps so they can mount mx bars on their stunt bikes. There may also be another bike (or another year cb650) that has the same top triple tree as your bike but with the clamps for a standard handlebar.

Well frankly, I am a pretty young guy so I rarely become uncomfortable after riding any style of bike. It also helps that I travel fairly short distances. I also don't have the funds to support multiple bikes but I see what you're saying.

I guess I was thinking of just converting the handlebars to a cafe style if only temporary. At this point I don't intend to make any modifications that I couldn't reverse.

I will look into finding a compatible triple tree with clamps but I doubt I will be able to find anything that specific. I might consider drilling for clamps but I might consider that my last option for the sake of maintaining the integrity of the parts if possible. If anyone has an links or websites they might recommend, please share!

[TDodge7]

I had never noticed what a strange setup Honda used on the 82, I did some looking around at triple trees on ebay and this is the solution I came up with:

First remove your handlebars entirely from the triple tree, using the existing triple tree mounted handlebar clamps you can do this mod.

Using a set of old crappy handlebars, or a 7/8 outer diameter pipe from the home depot cut some spacers, you want them to just clear the bottom of your handle bar clamp and come up ontop of the triple tree high enough for a flat washer to clear it. Without having all this in front of me I can't tell you any actual measurements but the picture should clear up what my words can't.

Now that you have the spacer clamped in to the triple tree clamps you can put a washer on the top and bottom so each end is a flat surface, then bolt a universal handlebar mount to that. You'll probably have to use a longer bolt than what comes with the bar mounts so make sure you get one where the mounting bolt is removable, you can even look on ebay for some off an old jap bike or whatever (just about every jap bike ever made uses 7/8 bar mounts) there are tons of them on ebay for under $10. Then you can bolt on any bars you want and it's completely reversible.




here is a link to a universal handle bar mount, though there are many better (and cheaper) ones on ebay, I just posted this as an example (the bolts on this one would be too short but they look like they might be removable)
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Universial-Motorcycle-Bar-Handlebar-Mounts-Riser-Clamp-7-8-/180779749551?pt=Motorcycles_Parts_Accessories&vxp=mtr&hash=item2a175010af

[freddykrue]

That's a great looking mod! I'll make that option number 1 for now while I do more research.

The other option I'm considering would be to buy a triple tree for an '82 750, which is nearly identical but includes mounts for the standard handlebar. The other difference however, is that the positioning of the holes for mounting the instrument panel is a little off for the 650 so I'd have to do some type of custom mounting in that regard.

[DaHawk]

here ya go: http://nighthawk-forums.com/index.php/topic,2584.0.html

[cb650]

Exactly what I was thinking to do with mine.  but I have a couple other issues with the setup also.

[draco_1967]

Something I had an issue with on my 82 was the brake reservoir. It is designed so it sits level when the bars are tilted more toward the tank. If the bars are tilted outward to be more like drag bars, it puts the reservoir at an angle, and air can easily get in the lines. You might have to get a different reservoir to use at that angle.