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Posted

Happy New Year

Have an issue with the clip-ons/top yoke on my 1998.  Ordered the gear indicator/voltage mount.  Unfortunately it did not fit as apparently there is more than one style of top yoke for the 5th generation.  Found the correct one on eBay. However. upon reinstalling the clip-ons i discovered that the angle is much more severe with this top yoke.  My question is, did Honda make different angled clip-ons for the 5th generation?  See attached pics.

VFR top yoke 2.jpg

VFR top yoke.jpg

  • Member Contributer
Posted

Checking the part numbers on Partzilla, the 98 and 01 are the same so I doubt they changed the angle. 53300-MBG-000. Some non-US markets got the HISS security system which changed the detail around the ignition key 53300-MBG-E00. The bars listed for a Euro spec 01 have a different pt/no to those on the US model.

Posted

Thanks for the info Terry.  It's really weird.  I'll have to do some more digging.  The new yoke has the clip-ons sitting at least 45 degrees lower than they were before. 

  • Member Contributer
Posted

How does the top yoke affect the angle of the clip-ons?  I'm confused.

 

Also, maybe you need to remove the locating lugs on the bars to put them where you want, as the pinch bolts are oriented differently and that's where the lugs engage.

 

VFRtopyoke.jpg.de0765d2e173a5473b23c7e12ab5fd24.jpg.f317d2cd4efa46680fdd0e7e0c695915.jpg

 

 

  • Member Contributer
Posted

Look on the underside of the top yokes.  Check if both say "MGB".  I'm guessing one does not...

 

Ciao,

 

JZH

Posted

Captain 80's

The bottom of the clip-on's that fit over the fork's have a "nub" if you will at the bottom that fits into the gap you pointed out in the picture.  This is what prevents it from rotating on the fork if it were to loosen.

 

  • Member Contributer
Posted
2 hours ago, Manny98 said:

Captain 80's

The bottom of the clip-on's that fit over the fork's have a "nub" if you will at the bottom that fits into the gap you pointed out in the picture.  This is what prevents it from rotating on the fork if it were to loosen.

 

 

Correct.  And that's why I noted that the gaps are in different locations on your pictured clamps and that you might eliminate the "nub" to put the bars where you want.  I do it on all of my bikes (including those that still have the stock clamps and bars) to gain some adjustability that is available without hitting anything.

  • Like 1
  • Member Contributer
Posted

No.  Did yours come loose and have the lugs slop back and forth within the slot before?

 

Use a torque wrench.

  • Member Contributer
Posted

In my life, I can recall one time that a fastener with a torque setting "just came loose" after being torqued properly. Once. And I'm 100% anti lock-tite, so I use it on nothing. 

Posted

Captain 80's

To clarify, you remove the portion of the clip-ons circled in red below to allow infinite adjustments?

Thanks

clip on.jpg

  • Member Contributer
Posted

Yes sir!  Grind til you get close, finish with a hand file. 

 

Just being able to rotate this little amount made a huge difference in getting the bars where I wanted them.

 

PXL_20250112_182503604.thumb.jpg.07287b6a2dcbd955983ef7d02489c33e.jpg

 

Honda used to thread the bar in that spot with a removable torx socket bolt.  That was nice.

 

PXL_20250112_201219186.thumb.jpg.96cb59b871b7d24b0cf0c6eca0b1c172.jpg

  • Member Contributer
Posted

The clipons are the one feature I wish the 8 Gen had retained. The handlebar design on the last model makes adjustment of the angle impossible with the OEM kit.

 

My wrists tell me they don't want to go lower, just more inward.

17367077459211080099875829067762.jpg

  • Member Contributer
Posted

I'd say pretty locked in.  🙂   Luckily everybody's preferred body position is exactly the same and Honda got it perfect as always.  ugh.

 

I'd be swapping those bars out and maybe using the threaded holes in the triple as switch and/or meter mounts.  At least fab some kind of nice looking cover piece.

  • Haha 1
Posted

Wow.  Ground right down.  If there isn't an issue with clip-on rotation on the fork that's definitely going to happen.

 

Thanks for all the help!!!!!

  • Thanks 1
  • Member Contributer
Posted
2 minutes ago, Manny98 said:

Wow.  Ground right down.  If there isn't an issue with clip-on rotation on the fork that's definitely going to happen.

 

Thanks for all the help!!!!!

 

Just be sure to carefully check lock to lock clearance before final fitment.

  • Member Contributer
Posted
17 minutes ago, Captain 80s said:

 

Just be sure to carefully check lock to lock clearance before final fitment.

Position the bars so they JUST trap your thumbs against the tank at full lock.

  • Member Contributer
Posted
9 minutes ago, Terry said:

Position the bars so they JUST trap your thumbs against the tank at full lock.

 

For me, it's usually just before a handlebar switch, brake/clutch lever or line wants to hit the dash/cowl.  I don't like the more pulled back "tiller" position. 

Posted

That sounds perfect.  The tiller version is what they are now.  Reminds of a Virago I rode 20 years ago. Not good. 

  • Member Contributer
Posted
On 1/12/2025 at 10:51 AM, Presson said:

The clipons are the one feature I wish the 8 Gen had retained.

Here're the dimensions of my 6th gen handlebars.

Your 8th gen has a step in the top plate where your h'bars are bolted. But there might be enough enough clearance to accommodate the 6th gen's pinch bolt.

It also looks like your fork tube extends high enough to fully engage the 6th gen 'bars.

I believe your VFR's forks are 43 mm as are my '09's. You'd have to cut/grind/machine off the locating tab, but that shouldn't pose any difficulty.

 

6th gen VFR handlebar dimensions.jpg

  • Thanks 1
  • Member Contributer
Posted

Thanks Lorne, that very helpful. I was thinking along similar lines after Captain80s observations and I think that it will work. You've saved me having to hunt around for dimensions. 

  • Member Contributer
Posted
On 1/2/2025 at 6:39 PM, JZH said:

Look on the underside of the top yokes.  Check if both say "MGB".  I'm guessing one does not...

 

Ciao,

 

JZH

 

I'm still curious which bike the other top yoke is from...

 

Ciao,

 

JZH

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