TOPIC:

Hey everyone,

I was wondering how hard is it to replace the stock handlebars on a 79 1000 LTD with the more sleeker looking drag bars? Has anyone done it? Is it hard to do?
Thanks

No but how long a ride will you do?

It's not really hard, but still kind of a pain. If the Fr turn signals are clamped to the handlebars, you may need to relocate them to the headlight or fork area somewhere. I mounted them to the headlight bucket by installing turn signal stems in place of the big headlight bolts. The Fr Br master cylinder might be a tight fit & if it has an angled mount the mc could end up sitting at an angle --- which may not be a problem, though. The cables & upper brake line could end up too long. You could leave them that way or swap them out. I still need to install shorter throttle cables. doh.

You need fairly wide bars for the master cylinder to clear the gauges with most lower bars. I wouldn't go any narrower than 29" or you will have to modify something else. IMO drag bars are too low unless you have rear sets, otherwise you start to do the "taco". With the stock footpegs I think superbike bars are the best compromise. You will need shorter cables/brake hose if you want to keep it tidy. If you don't want to go through the trouble of pulling wires through the handlebars you will have to modify the switch housing as well. If you still have the stock grips you will likely need new grips as the stock ones are glued on and damn near impossible to get off with out ruining. Think thats covers everything; like Martin said, not hard, but a bit of a pain.

I swapped out the stock bars on my KZ1000P with drag bars, (28" inches wide). The swap was straight forward. This is what it looks like. By the way, I've done quite a few long rides and the ride is comfortable considering the drag bars. Makes the bike feel sporty.

Beauty!!
I still ride with only 2" high Euro bars and can't imagine what it's like with God awful ape hangers.... wow.
Where did you get those crazy mini fork gators!??

The mini fork gators are actually the stock ones, cut in half. I hate to admit that I eventually added stock KZ fork boots.
Thanks for the compliment on the bike. It's work in progress. Fun bike, well worth the countless hours into it!