Cb550 American handlebars

[firet49]

Hi
I want to fit American bars to my cb550 to have a more upright riding position and just wanted to know does the switchgear need to have longer cables or should my UK switchgear be ok.
Thanks

[Green1]

I should think the cables will be on the short side as well.

[firet49]

Can anybody please confirm this for me.
Thanks.

[hairygit]

Yes,both throttle cables and the clutch cable are different part numbers for usa bars from U.K. bars. Also you will need a longer top brake hose as well.

[jon stead]

Can anybody please confirm this for me.
Thanks.

I fitted US higher bars to my bike, but it as it was originally a US import that somebody had fitted UK spec Low bars too, I had no problem with any of the electrical leads, cables or hose.

However I can tell you that with the lower bars on, there was a lot of slack in the electrical cabling. I’m guessing that a UK spec bike’s electrical cabling would be too short for the higher US bars, but I don’t know for sure.

[sprinta]

I think you will find that the same length cables were used for the US and other markets on the switches. My UK 750 K2 had low bars, but like you I chose to fit the US bars as they are a lot more comfortable at the more sedate speed I/we all travel at now.

The switch cables were fine in the higher bars and do not believe that the 550's would be much different to the 750's?

But as has already been stated you will need the US spec throttle and clutch cables and the longer length M/C hose.

Andy

[firet49]

Thanks fellas.

[SteveW]

Ditched my US spec handlebars a couple of months ago but didn't change any cables.

Just fitted today the UK spec throttle cables.
Comparing the UK to the US cables, the US ones are 300mm longer.

US Spec clutch cable 260mm longer than UK one.

[Rob62]

300ml longer!!... surely not 

[SteveW]

300ml longer!!... surely not 

Yes, I was shocked when I compared them

[firet49]

What  are you doing with your cables?
Is your brake pipe too long as well.
Only asking as i am going to fit american bars to mine.

[SteveW]

I still have the US spec throttle and clutch cables.

Haven't got a brake hose yet, the US spec one is still fitted. Its way too long and sticks out the front of the bike.

You can have the cables for the cost of postage.

[SteveW]

Pic of my bike taken a couple of weeks ago with UK bars and US cables.

Cables a bit long 

[Rob62]

Hmmm I’m surprised at that..... i have new cables / hoses for my K4 so these will be US spec (they were ordered for a K4 from DS). They are part fitted at the moment.. I have new UK spec bars so I guess the cables will be a bit on the long side... But the thing I dont get is, the US bars I took off are only about 100mm longer per side than the UK ones, so why should the cables need to be so much longer....?

[Nurse Julie]

Have you all got your wires crossed?. Are you talking 550 or 750 and how do you all know your bikes had standard bars fitted in the first place?