Thread: Converting K1 two piece handlebars to a one piece with new bridge

I've read all the handlebar reviews and comments I could find over the past few weeks.

What I am trying to accomplish is this; I've never liked the "feel" of the two piece bars and throttle setup on my K1 and want to change to a one piece similar to my 1980 and 1982 models. I have found only one company that makes such a conversion bridge (Old Honda aka First Kick aka theatvshop); here is a link to what he sells Trail 70 - MX Bar Adapters

The thing is, he never seems to have them in stock and can't tell me when he might get more. Has anyone seen a different source for this?

I know that a new model bridge will not bolt on as the distance between the fork tubes is different (believe me, I tried to swap between the K1 and '82 last week). I just need someone who sells the bridge; I can piece together the perches, levers, switches and handlebars if necessary. Thanks to all and great site.

I was faced with same problem. Switched whole front end to hydraulic disc brake setup and included bridge to accomodate BMX style 7/8" bars. Ended up using Honda Nice and G-Craft forks and top mounts. G-Craft, Kitaco, all make what you are looking for.

The handlebar clamps in your link look a lot like the old clamps that Honda used on the low end ATCs. If they'd work they're only about $25 a set from Honda. (if they can still get them) Otherwise, you can probably score some pretty cheap off eBay. Here's an example of what I'm talking about:

eBay Motors: 1977 Honda ATC90 Handlebar Clamps ATC 90 110 250R 400ex (item 310060242553 end time Sep-16-08 1007 PDT)

Then you could hunt up the pit bike bars with the bend you like and you'd be in business. Just a thought.

-kevin

I'm looking for a replacement for my bent handlebars on my 82'. Someone here said they are no longer available. I haven't seen any come across e-bay lately. Are the bars I have not 7/8"? I was thinking I could find any one piece Honda bar say off one of the newer 80's or something. Will this not work? I'm going to be meeting with a insurance claims adjuster soon to put a value on the damage his insured caused. I need to come up with a value for the parts that are no longer available.

Dan (ponyexpress) should join in on this one. I believe that any `79 or later top tree will have the correct spacing for fixed-bar risers.

Honda bars are 7/8", making at least one part of this easy. The tough part will be finding another set of OEM CT70 bars, especially NOS. Every BMX-style bar I've seen recently has been much shorter than OEM `79-`82 CT70 examples. If you really want OEM, that sucks because they're hard to find. However, if you're just after a specific overall height & width, the shorter aftermarket bars leave more than enough room to have an adapter plate or offset bars risers machined. New bars can be had on the cheap. That should offset the cost of having an adater made, moving this pretty close to a zero-sum game.

Short of that, you could have your top tree welded & re-drilled with the correct stud spacing.

I am thinking of trying the same thing.
Thought about just using some regular 7/8 motorcycle risers,
then you can put just about any bars on from there.
I have a set of GL1000 stock bars that look pretty cool
held up to my CT70! Or maybe a set of drag bars?
I am going to do this, but haven't found the right set of risers yet, for the right price. Just missed a set of chrome 4 inch risers on Ebay for about $30. I bet it will look pretty different when I'm done.
It would be much easier if you have the later style top plate, like on my 76.

Peace
Rags

Well I can say for sure now that a 1980 top bracket will not fit on my 1970; I have both bikes and tried to swap. So, I am still looking.

As far as replacement bars for a 1978 and newer; BBR makes a "hi rise 7/8 bar for XR/CRF50's" that looks pretty close. It has an 8 inch rise, which is similar to my '80 and '82