Kawasaki Triples Club

Hi chaps,

My recently purchased 1972 S2 has the correct flat, narrow handlebars that would have been fitted from new. However, as I am now getting on a bit (62 years old), I’m finding the riding position a little, how shall we say, “challenging”.
So I’d like some advice on a solution.
I don’t want the look of the US bikes with their high chopper style bars, but something more like the S2A that I bought from Dave Higgs a few years ago that would be a little more comfortable for me.

Can anyone give me a suggestion please as to where I could get a set of bars, and what cables would I need to replace if any ?

Thanks,

Bob

http://www.kawasakitripleparts.com/inde ... Handlebars

Most people go for standard European KH250/400 2.5”

Hi Bob , I have the high 6” rise US bars and would like to try the flat bars. So if you do replace yours I’d buy them off you ?
Thanks
Phil

Chaps,

Thanks for the advice, I’ve ordered a set of the UK KH250 2.5” bars from Tripleparts.

When they arrive I’ll have to see if I need longer throttle, brake and clutch cables.

Phil, if all goes well I’ll let you know and you can try the flat bars.

Bob

Thanks Bob. It’ll be a while before I get my engine and frame back etc ……although hoping I’m up and running for next summer 🏍

I’m going to fit the KH 250 bars over the Xmas holiday and was just wondering if I’d have to change the cables for longer ones ?
Any ideas?

Bob

You should get away with the throttle and choke cable by just re routing them
The front brake cable you may be better with a S1b/c cable ending 54005-070 there slightly longer for the raised bars.

You'll have Neil the Don after you if you take off the 'Vincent flats"

I know there are some who say that I should retain the flat bars but they are just a little too uncomfortable for me. I have finally managed to find the longer S1 brake cable as suggested by Milly S1, so I can finally change the bars over in time for the much awaited spring.

Bob

Glad you got sorted with the brake cable
if you decide to sell the o.e flat bars
I would be interested in purchasing
Cheers Lee

Hi Bob.
How’s it going with the new bars?
Have you got a photo of the flat bars on your bike and the new ones ?
I’m still not sure whether to go 2” rise or lower on my S2A.
You also mentioned your standard flats are narrow, do you know what that is in mms as I think I’d like around 800mm width.
I get my frame back soon and want to get cracking on the rebuild for Spring/summer……
Thanks
Phil

Just a note on the flats for an S2A - The front brake lever etc. does limit your choice as it gets in the way if you have a slight bend in the bars. I gave up in the end and kept the originals

So Treeman, it sounds as if I’d better stick with getting 2” rise bars. When you say gets in the way is it the indicators mounted on the headlamp ?
I see early flat bar bikes had indicators mounted lower on fork brackets .
Phil

Goalhanger wrote: ↑Thu Jan 13, 2022 2:16 pm So Treeman, it sounds as if I’d better stick with getting 2” rise bars. When you say gets in the way is it the indicators mounted on the headlamp ?
I see early flat bar bikes had indicators mounted lower on fork brackets .
Phil

I don't think that the cable for a '72 drum brake is a problem. On a disk brake model you need to turn the banjo on the master cylinder around, so the hose angles away from the clocks, or it clashes.
.

Ah that’s good info , thanks Tony

Sorry - been away for a while - like Tony says, its the master cylinder / brake lever that gets in the way - they foul the clocks and the slight bend in some 'flat' bars prevents their use.