February 4th, 2009, 10:21 PM | #1 |
Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: Too much.
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DIY- Woodcraft Clipon Install
The UPS guy finally made it to my house yesterday afternoon, but as luck would have it, I was at work and didn't get to play with the parts until well after midnight.
Get home and this is what I find. Yay!! Unpack the parts- instructions if you're interested. unwrap the goodies and you'll find a 2 piece clamp for the forks, a bracket to raise the bars, the bars themselves and mounting hardware. I immediately start to test fit the pieces to figure out how everything goes together so tomorrow will be easier for the install. One side assembled, I start on the other. I must comment on how high quality and precise these pieces are. Here you can see the riser connected to the clamp. The tolerance is so accurate, the pieces snap together like pieces of Leggo. The riser is simply stuck onto the clamp in this picture. If you look closely, you'll see there are no screws holding the parts together. Both sides completed. Bar end on the handlebar. So far, I'm impressed with the quality of the parts and the instructions. I just hope the install tomorrow goes as smoothly as the kit is designed. |
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February 4th, 2009, 10:22 PM | #2 |
Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: Too much.
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Okay, install time. First thing I do is loosely fit the clip on to the fork to get some idea of the difference of the bar position from stock. This is what the difference will be. Keep in mind I already have 1" blocks under the stock handlebars so the difference seems much more dramatic than it would be on a stock bike.
Okay... down to business. The instructions say to "remove the stock grips, controls and clipon assembly". Easier said than done. I like it when I get to play with fire. adjust the flame as small as you can, then apply to the bar end. after it heats, use an impact hammer and a #3 Phillips head bit and whack it a couple of times. If it doesn't move, heat it again and try again. Eventually it will start to give and the screw in the bar end will come out. They use red loctite in there and heat helps to break it down for easier removal. Without using heat, there is no way that screw is coming out, so be forewarned. loosen the 2 screws on the left hand switch assembly and the 10mm nut on the clutch perch. The idea is to slide these pieces off the bar once the bar is removed from the bike, then slide them back onto the new Woodcraft clipon bar. next is to remove the stock handgrip. I was planning to reuse it, so I was careful not to tear it. If you're changing yours out, you might consider cutting it off. I stuck an awl under the grip to break the glue loose, then used a longer screwdriver to work my way all the way through to the other side of the grip. I injected some water under the grip to act as a lubricant and twisted the grip off the stock bar. Remove the stock bar and the 1" blocks I has installed about 8 months ago. Now that the bar is loose, I can slide the controls off the end of the stock bar. ... and slide them onto the new bar. |
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February 4th, 2009, 10:23 PM | #3 |
Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: Too much.
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At this point I mount the fork clamp with the 4 screws below the triple clamp.
I go back and loctite the 3 screws that hold the riser to the clamp (as per the instructions) using a tube of blue loctite that is most likely older than some forum members here. Also, you need to drill a hole in the handle bar after you've figured out where the switch assembly will end up. There is a "nub" on the inside of the switch assembly that keeps it from rotating on the bar. I used the hole in the stock bar as a guide to figure out what size hole needed to be drilled. It was a 7/32" drill bit I used. Mark it, punch it and drill it. Slide the clutch and switch assembly onto the handlebar then the handlebar into the riser. I used an old dirt bike trick to mount grips and sprayed the handlebar and the inside of the grip with clear paint. The paint acts as a lubricant to slide the rubber grip on and when it dries, it glues the grip to the bar. Use a lot so it will slide on easily. Also, protect the bike as it will drip. You can see the rag covering the bodywork. Here are some shots comparing the stock vs clip on position. some shots of clearance with the bars at full lock. Yeah, it's tight, but it does clear and does not touch anything if you adjust everything just right. so that's the left side... right side essentially the same. Remove controls, stock handlebar, install new clip ons. My camera battery died at this point and had to work w/o pictures. Here is the finished product. Okay... so what is the result. Ummm... have not ridden the bike yet, so I can't give you riding feedback. It was raining when I was working on this today. However, I will say the reach to the bars is a lot farther than stock. To be truthful, I don't know if I like the change or not. I will reserve my final judgment until I get to ride it. If you do this mod, take your time and get it right. These are controls we are talking about here and any shortcuts or lazy fixes will have a way to come back to haunt you later. There is much adjusting and tweaking I need to do before the final placement of all the controls are set. In all, the Woodcraft kit is a high quality, precision made setup that will do the job it was designed to do. I have no reservations recommending this to anyone wanting to install clipons on their 250R. |
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February 4th, 2009, 10:35 PM | #4 |
Don't Be Evil!
Name: Miles
Location: Excelsior, MN
Join Date: Jan 2009 Motorcycle(s): 08 250R Posts: 92
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Thats looks great! Thanks for posting up the DIY.
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February 4th, 2009, 10:38 PM | #5 |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: Steve
Location: Kekaha, Kauai HI
Join Date: Jan 2009 Motorcycle(s): 05 GSX-R 600 2003 EX250: Woodcraft Bars, Levers, Mirrors, Shim'd Mixture, Synthetic, '08 Rear Shock Posts: A lot.
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as always, excellent documentation and narration throughout. and WOW!..that is a HUGE difference from what you had previously! after having the woodcraft clips on my bike...that day we swapped...felt like i was riding a bike with ape hanger
good job bruddah
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February 4th, 2009, 10:49 PM | #6 |
FORMER MOTORCYCLE RIDER
Name: Steve
Location: On a Trek SU200 or in my CRX
Join Date: Dec 2008 Motorcycle(s): Rode an 08 250r then rode an 08 ZX-6R until i totaled it on 7/10/10 Posts: 758
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You are the DIY Master !!!
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February 4th, 2009, 11:45 PM | #7 |
ninjette.org member
Name: Levi
Location: St. George, Utah
Join Date: Dec 2008 Motorcycle(s): 2008 Ninja 250R, CR125R Posts: 191
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How much did they run you? shipped to hawaii if you don't mind me asking..... Looks great btw and thanks for the DIY
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February 4th, 2009, 11:54 PM | #8 |
Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: Too much.
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February 5th, 2009, 01:36 AM | #9 |
ninjette.org member
Name: Matthew
Location: Perth, Australia
Join Date: Jan 2009 Motorcycle(s): 08 Ninja 250R Posts: 17
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Here are some comparison pics between the standard height bars (without the 1" blocks) and the Woodcraft items.
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February 5th, 2009, 01:39 AM | #10 |
Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: Too much.
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Thank you, sir.
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February 5th, 2009, 01:51 AM | #11 |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: Ken
Location: Indio, CA
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Great set of pictures Kelly! Very curious to hear what you think after you've had a chance to ride with them.
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February 5th, 2009, 01:55 AM | #12 |
Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: Too much.
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Thanks, Ken. Believe me, I'm curious as well.
Funny thing is, I rode Komohana's first gen bike with the clip ons and really liked the improved riding position. With my bike, I'm not too sure from just sitting on it in my garage. Maybe if I had made some "vroom, vroom" noises it might have helped. We'll see. |
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February 5th, 2009, 02:23 AM | #13 |
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I think you'll like 'em just fine. Clip-ons always feel a bit too aggressive when the bike is moving 0 mph. Once up to speed, everything feels much more natural, primarily due to all of that wind helping support your head and torso, no matter how much we try and tuck behind that small screen.
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February 5th, 2009, 02:24 AM | #14 |
Akai Suisei - 赤い彗星
Name: Joseph
Location: socal
Join Date: Nov 2008 Motorcycle(s): 08 Kurosaki 250, 09 Honda 600RawrRawr Posts: 540
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Yes. Post ride report is required.
I'm on the fence about the clipons. Not if I want them but if I want them enough to buy them instead of a trackday instead. lol.. I would rather be on the track with stock bars than on the street with clipons. But hopefully I can fit the clipons in somewhere without eating into tracktime. My budget is very small at the moment. x_x |
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February 5th, 2009, 02:27 AM | #15 |
Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: Too much.
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Yeah, that's what I am hoping. Dunno... but the reach for me is sorta long. I'm pretty short and liked the cbr600s cause the reach over the tank was short compared to the other 600s. The 250 with the clipons just feels "large" now, with a long reach over the tank to the bars. I guess for taller riders, this would be an excellent mod to make the bike feel "bigger".
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February 5th, 2009, 02:29 AM | #16 |
Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: Too much.
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Kuro,
I agree. If having to choose, I'd pick the track, too. |
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February 5th, 2009, 02:48 AM | #17 |
That's me!
Name: TJ
Location: Ames, IA
Join Date: Nov 2008 Motorcycle(s): 2008 Ninja 250r (Tis blue), 2008 CBR600RR Posts: 454
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Have you considering getting longer-arm transplants?
But yeah as Alex pointed out the difference is when you're riding. I find that it sits a LITTLE more forward then the newer CBR600's (I felt it out on my friends ). Now if you threw on some rearsets then it would be awesome for the track, but probably too much for the streets. |
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February 5th, 2009, 03:34 AM | #18 |
Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: Too much.
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dammit... you guys are forcing me to go riding tomorrow just to find out. it's all your fault.
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February 5th, 2009, 10:17 AM | #19 |
忍者
Name: Jake
Location: WA
Join Date: Dec 2008 Motorcycle(s): None Now - Used to have an '08 Ninja 250R Candy Blue Posts: 151
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thanks for the write-up Kelly! you always do such a nice job. I liked the pics a lot too!
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February 5th, 2009, 11:55 AM | #20 |
Sarcasm: Yea that'll work
Name: Andy
Location: Essex Jct, VT
Join Date: Dec 2008 Motorcycle(s): '08 Ninja 250R Posts: 330
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very nice DIY, thank you Kelly. I too am looking forward to hearing your opinion on them once you've ridden around for a little. btw, you said you are "short"...how short is short? I'm merely 5'6" and was considering these in the future to put me in a slightly more aggressive stance (I'm young, I can handle the position change for long rides) but I wouldn't want to be stretched across the bike.
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February 5th, 2009, 11:57 AM | #21 |
Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: Too much.
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I'm 5'6"-5'7". Wear size medium clothes, so I think we're about the same size, but not age.
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February 5th, 2009, 12:03 PM | #22 |
Sarcasm: Yea that'll work
Name: Andy
Location: Essex Jct, VT
Join Date: Dec 2008 Motorcycle(s): '08 Ninja 250R Posts: 330
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lol, yes, that makes us exactly the same size...and perhaps the same age at heart...
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February 5th, 2009, 12:16 PM | #23 |
ninjette.org member
Name: Tim
Location: Maryland
Join Date: Dec 2008 Motorcycle(s): 2008 Yamaha FZ6 Posts: 117
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You go from raising your bars to dropping them down. What's up with that?
Tim |
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February 5th, 2009, 12:18 PM | #24 |
Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: Too much.
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Raising the bars was done to lower the front forks with the stock handlebars for better cornering. Until now, there was no viable clipon kit for our bikes.
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February 5th, 2009, 01:09 PM | #25 |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: Ken
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We do what we can. Right guys?!
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< ATGATT > Sweat you can wipe off, Road rash you can't. HEY!! Unregistered!! Does your bike have a name? |
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February 5th, 2009, 02:14 PM | #26 |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: Sam
Location: Northern Virginia
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kkim,
Referencing the attached picture. If you moved the triple tree top bracket (blue arrow) to the top (yellow arrow) and moved the clip-on up the same distance (white arrow) wouldn't you reduce the distance your arms have to reach, along with bringing the front height of the bike back to the original specs? Gain comfort, lever adjustability, retain the clip-ons and possibly lose quicker steering. |
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February 5th, 2009, 02:27 PM | #27 |
IC2(SW)
Name: Kerry
Location: Pensacola
Join Date: Nov 2008 Motorcycle(s): . Posts: A lot.
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Or if you put the clip-on's up on the top of the fork tubes that are sticking up........ Oh wait that would be like stock again....
Hey, you do all that work and re-use the stock grips? Shame on you |
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February 5th, 2009, 03:09 PM | #28 |
Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: Too much.
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Sam, I'll keep that in mind as I try different things to see what I like and to make this work. I presently have the bike apart working on an earlier issue.
Kerry, I have no problem with the stock position of the bars. I was after lowering the front end for better turning. If I can put them above w/o clearance issues, I'll try that, too. I kinda like the stock grips. |
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February 6th, 2009, 12:03 AM | #29 |
FORMER MOTORCYCLE RIDER
Name: Steve
Location: On a Trek SU200 or in my CRX
Join Date: Dec 2008 Motorcycle(s): Rode an 08 250r then rode an 08 ZX-6R until i totaled it on 7/10/10 Posts: 758
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Did you get any riding in today ? How does it feel compared to your risers ?
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February 6th, 2009, 12:10 AM | #30 |
Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: Too much.
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Steve,
sorry... didn't ride today. Had the bike apart to fix a previous issue... parts just came in. Next chance to ride won't be until this weekend. I'll be sure to update. |
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February 6th, 2009, 04:33 AM | #31 |
ninjette.org member
Name: Matthew
Location: Perth, Australia
Join Date: Jan 2009 Motorcycle(s): 08 Ninja 250R Posts: 17
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I rode to work today with mine. I found it actually made the slower turns easier, thought that it would be the other way around.
The wind buffeting was much better. About 100kph I noticed the wind really helping me hold the body up which I didn't find so much before the change. It was much quicker to flick from side to side though it was a ride to work so not a good ride for the bendy stuff.. |
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February 6th, 2009, 02:05 PM | #32 |
ninjette.org member
Name: Alvin
Location: Yorba Linda CA - SoCal
Join Date: Dec 2008 Motorcycle(s): 09 ZX6R, previous bike owned 08 Ninja 250R Blue Posts: 133
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Thanks for the write-up Kelly! Mine is arriving today and will certainly be using your write-up as a guide.
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February 6th, 2009, 02:13 PM | #33 |
Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: Too much.
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That's why I do these... to help people when they get theirs. Will be very curious to hear your feedback once you get them on, if you don't mind sharing.
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February 6th, 2009, 02:16 PM | #34 |
ninjette.org member
Name: Alvin
Location: Yorba Linda CA - SoCal
Join Date: Dec 2008 Motorcycle(s): 09 ZX6R, previous bike owned 08 Ninja 250R Blue Posts: 133
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February 7th, 2009, 05:39 PM | #35 |
ninjette.org member
Name: Alvin
Location: Yorba Linda CA - SoCal
Join Date: Dec 2008 Motorcycle(s): 09 ZX6R, previous bike owned 08 Ninja 250R Blue Posts: 133
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I just finished installing the bars on the bike. Took the bike for a short run on the side streets. It totally feels like a new bike, more sporty. Almost like sitting on my friend’s gixxer 750. I don’t know about long rides though, it’s not as comfy as the original bars. If you’re more into comfort then just leave the bike alone. As far as handling goes it seems like it would be better, by bringing body position lower. I’ll know more by this week if it stops raining here in socal.
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February 7th, 2009, 07:08 PM | #36 |
Pimpin
Name: Richard
Location: Ninja 250 Whorehouse
Join Date: Nov 2008 Motorcycle(s): Bunch of em Posts: 973
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Very nice DIY KK (as usual). Wish I would have gotten ahold of you before you bought them... I have them for $159 on my site
http://store.racebikerentals.com/mer...tore_Code=0001 (Alex, please forgive me. The store is new and I thought your constituency would appreciate the killer deal) |
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February 7th, 2009, 08:31 PM | #37 |
ninjette.org dude
Name: 1 guess :-)
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No issues here, thx for posting it up.
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Montgomery Street Motorcycle Club / cal24.com / crf250l.org / ninjette.org ninjette.org Terms of Service Shopping for motorcycle parts or equipment? Come here first. The friendliest Ninja 250R/300/400 forum on the internet! (especially Unregistered) |
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February 7th, 2009, 08:56 PM | #38 | |
Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: Too much.
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Quote:
I wish you had, too, as I always want to support the "good guys" in the industry and you are certainly one of them. I wish you well on your (another) new venture! You can be sure I'll be looking at what your store has to offer in the future. Nice hearing from you, stranger. |
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February 7th, 2009, 09:17 PM | #39 | |
ninjette.org member
Name: Alvin
Location: Yorba Linda CA - SoCal
Join Date: Dec 2008 Motorcycle(s): 09 ZX6R, previous bike owned 08 Ninja 250R Blue Posts: 133
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Quote:
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February 7th, 2009, 10:14 PM | #40 |
Akai Suisei - 赤い彗星
Name: Joseph
Location: socal
Join Date: Nov 2008 Motorcycle(s): 08 Kurosaki 250, 09 Honda 600RawrRawr Posts: 540
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Might be placing an order from Richard myself...
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