making my own clubman/clip-on handlbar abomination?

I couldn't think of a more appropriate name for the title.

I see all these clubmans and clip-ons that I like. I just don't want to pay the money since I'm such a miserly little skinflint.

As illustrated in the picture below, I see no reason why I can't chop the stock bars and just clamp the "new" bars into the top of the triple tree. Then I would set them at a new angle that would emulate clubmans, adjusting all the accessories so they sit like they're supposed to.

Surely if this was do-able people wouldn't bother buying clubmans, they would just do this... right?

Hey bro:

The LTD bikes IMHO do not look right with clubmans or clip ons due to the "chopper" styling.

Rather than runnining your stock bars, why dont you throw them on ebay or try to trade them with someone who has a set that they no longer want.

Wanton desruction of anything is not the right way.

Why dont you look for a set of bicyle bars off a mountain bike or try drag bars.

Go to a wreking yard and do a trade in or swap.

I have tried the clubmans on LTD bikes in the past and it really does not fit, straight or drag look awesome however.

Do they hit the LTD tank?

That's another thing I wouldn't mind taking care of in the semi near future... I like the looks of the skinnier Z1 tanks or some such tank.

Straight bars... literally straight? That would be as simple as going down to home depot and getting a length of high quality 7/8 steel cut wouldn't it?

I've got a brand new flat bar, 28" wide you can have for $15 plus shipping.

I might be very interested in them!

Things I would be worried about... Do I need longer/shorter cables? Do I need a different master cylinder? Anything else?

Hate to burst your bubble, but I just bought a brand new clubman bar for 22 bones. Also, I have made a broomstick bar with 3 dollars worth of steel for another bike. It should be dirt to achieve what you want.

I have a set of drag bars on my 1980 kz750. Looks bada$$. Had to remove the tach (didn't work anyway) to clear the brake master cylinder and used some old top clamps for risers, but they're on there. Next thing you run into is that unless you're 4'11", all you can see in the mirrors is shoulder.

You wouldn't happen to have a picture of your bike with the drag bars would you?

I am nearly 6 foot... it wouldn't be a problem because I never use my mirrors. I always head check. Mirrors only tell you what ISN'T a threat, so I never trust them.

I will encourage you too try a broomstick/ straight bars. You NEVER see people running them and they look really sweet. Although it will take some time getting used to, you can find a length of 7/8" tube at any discount steel yard or equivelant. Also you won't have any issues with clearance because you can decide how long or short to make them. Just my 2 pennies worth.

I'll look into this in the near future and keep you guys updated.

Do I have to drill any special holes or anything for the new bar? I've never taken apart the bar assembly on a KZ.

If your running the wires through the bars, then you may have to drill/grind holes in the new bars if there are none presently.
You can also notch the switch cases to allow the wires to run outside the bars.

Are you interested in my flat bars above?
Someone else is.

Things I would be worried about... Do I need longer/shorter cables? Do I need a different master cylinder? Anything else?

You can use the existing cables. They will be too long, and need to be routed to suit your taste. They sometimes stick out front somewhat. You can try finding shorter ones if you want.
The master cylinder will sit flat now, so if you have the type that's on an angle, not sure if yours will work well.

Edit: Just looked at your picture above and it looks like your MC will be fine.

Also if you have turn signals mounted to the handle bars, those will have to be remounted/moved.

Do not cut your existing bar. The reason your bar is stable is that it is one bar with two mounts. Half a bar with one mounting point will be unstable. Might seem ok until the one hard stop with your weight transferring to them. If you want clubmans get them....if you want straight get straight but make sure you have 2 mounting points or get clipons. It's not worth experimental fabrication when sliding down the road can result.
The pipe idea seems fine but don't cheap out on the stock.