simple clip ons question

[NoisyDante]

I'm getting ready to install clip ons and I think I understand the bulk of what is needed.  Wanted to clear up a couple things though.  For reference I have an '07 695 w stock coffin masters, headlight is aftermarket as well.

1.  I read in a posting I needed to replace my top triple clamp.  Sounded like it was required, but am I correct that this is really for cosmetic purposes and not a necessity?

2.  When using the stock coffin masters, there's been varying accounts of using spacers at times and not needing them in others.  Where would the clearance be in question?  Reservoirs hitting the gauges?

3.  Brake lines need to be shortened?  Do they really hang out that much more?  Clutch as well?

I appreciate any help you guys could offer, I'm trying to do the mods myself.  I've gone with 50mm Woodcraft's, I am having my gauges lowered, and will be fabricating a bracket for a Superduke headlight as well.

[mendoje]

I'm getting ready to install clip ons and I think I understand the bulk of what is needed.  Wanted to clear up a couple things though.  For reference I have an '07 695 w stock coffin masters, headlight is aftermarket as well.

1.  I read in a posting I needed to replace my top triple clamp.  Sounded like it was required, but am I correct that this is really for cosmetic purposes and not a necessity?  Likely cosmetic, but I have an older Monster.

2.  When using the stock coffin masters, there's been varying accounts of using spacers at times and not needing them in others.  Where would the clearance be in question?   Reservoirs hitting the gauges?   Dont know about the gauges on a 695.  But generally, the first bend of the handlebar allows the reservoir to clear the bar.  On clipons the bar continues straight past the coffin, and that's where it might hit.

[Howie]

Replacement of the top triple is for cosmetic purposes.  The lower half of the handlebar clamp is part of the triple.

On some clip ons the master cylinder reservoir will interfere with the handle bar clamp without spacers.  If you call Woodcraft they can probably tell you if you need them.  (978) 297-2977

Whether you need shorter cables and hoses depends on your ingenuity and level of tolorance.

[NoisyDante]

Thanks guys.  I've ordered the spacers from monsterparts just in case.  If the lines need replacing maybe I'll have a shop do that for me.

Does anyone have a cosmetic solution for dealing with the lower half of the handlebar clamp?  I assume this has come up before.

[rockaduc]

Thanks guys.  I've ordered the spacers from monsterparts just in case.  If the lines need replacing maybe I'll have a shop do that for me.  You can do that yourself.  It isn't difficult.

Does anyone have a cosmetic solution for dealing with the lower half of the handlebar clamp?  I assume this has come up before. Some guys on here have ground it down, then re-finished the triple.  Looks pretty cool.  Other guys have just popped a speedy moto dog bone top cap on there and called it a day.

[Wonked]

I kept the handlebar clamps on my 695 when I went to clip ons, and put a little bar in between them to hold my GPS mount. Looks intentional, but it saved me tons of money on a strictly cosmetic mod. I just installed the Apex clip ons (actually, Ducshop in Marietta did). They required spacers, but no additional modification to install.

[Latinbalar]

+1 i Cut the original bars so that a short piece sits in the original clamp.  You can use it for GPS, ipod, beer holder... etc the possibilities are endless.

[junior varsity]

as Howie said, top triple is cosmetics. The aftermarket ones are a slight bit lighter and a slight bit more rigid, but will not substantially affect the rigidness of the bike (beefier lower triples do that).

[tankerbutt]

Or you can do something like this