handle bar replacement

Hey everyone

I was thinking of replacing my stock bars on a 83 kz550 a4.

Is it a process someone with not a lot of mechanical know how could do? Also, anyone know of a good place to look for non stock handlebars?

Appreciate all the help!

The 550A Standard should've come stock w standard type of handlebars.
Are you wanting something lower or higher or ... ?

PS: changing handlebars can be a chore if you have to replace cables &/or the brake line.

As Martin stated, it depends on your goal. Changing height, or just replacing bent/rusted bars?
If you do not have to replace cables or lines, it can be pretty straightforward.
Lots of companies make aftermarket bars, and have similar names, such as Daytona, Superbike, etc.
A good source is Z1Enterprises .

Thanks for the replies. All my cables are fine. And I'm just looking for something lower. I feel like the stock bars make the bike look a bit funny lol. I like the looks of some of the cafe racer style bars.. Clubman I believe?

Again thanks everyone for the replies.

jgraham232 wrote: Thanks for the replies. All my cables are fine. And I'm just looking for something lower. I feel like the stock bars make the bike look a bit funny lol. I like the looks of some of the cafe racer style bars.. Clubman I believe?

Again thanks everyone for the replies.

It sounds like maybe you didn't understand what martin_csr and koolaid_kid were telling you. Even though your cables are fine now, if you put shorter handlebars on your cables and front brake line will have extra slack and may need to be replaced to avoid looking goofy. Also, depending on the shape and length of the handlebars you may need to replace the master cylinder with one that doesn't interfere with your gauges. Ed

Thanks for clarifying that, Ed. The general rule of thumb is:
If they are significantly shorter, chances are your cables will be too long, hence will probably need replacing.
If they are much taller/longer at all, chances are your cables will be too short and will absolutely need replacing.

I see. I didn't even think about that before. Makes me question everything again. Once i get my gas tank off to do a cream kit and get the carbs out i'm going to see if maybe i can reroute some of the cables to make them a few inches shorter if not, i probably wont be changing the bars.