Handlebar isolating mounts - availability?

[lurch]

I'm about to pull the steering stem and yokes for a tidy up. I'm debating between painting, powdercoat or cerakote but the last two options would probably mean pressing the rubber mounts out of the top. I've gone looking for replacements in case I was to do that and damage them in the process but have found nothing - anybody know if they're available at all?

If not then paint it is.

[Hooli]

Now there's a question I don't think I've ever seen asked before, no idea on the answer though sorry.

[Eric GSX1400K3]

Never seen them as spare,I'd assume they come with a new yoke, as they look to be bonded in. I reckon you'll damage then trying to get them out.

What about just polishing the alloy and a coat of clear?

[lurch]

Never seen them as spare,I'd assume they come with a new yoke, as they look to be bonded in. I reckon you'll damage then trying to get them out.

What about just polishing the alloy and a coat of clear?

I'm pretty sure they won't come out happily also.

Polishing is definitely an option. The previous owner has allowed keys or a key ring to flap around a bit so there's a bit of a mark there that needs to go. I hate it when people do that!

[Eric GSX1400K3]

Same here. I used Autosol to polish up the area around the ignition, and the keys live in a leather pouch with only the ignition key sticking out, this doesn't scuff the alloy.

[grog]

Mate, you can buy stainless yoke cover plate, looks good. About $70 ebay, just glue on job done. Mines lasted 10 yrs so quality good. Key solver is just a clip thingo from locksmith, means always with my other keys but clips off for bike.

[lurch]

Mate, you can buy stainless yoke cover plate, looks good. About $70 ebay, just glue on job done. Mines lasted 10 yrs so quality good. Key solver is just a clip thingo from locksmith, means always with my other keys but clips off for bike.

Thanks, hadn't come across either of those options before.

[Tony Nitrous]

I don't see them listed as a seperate part, and it's not something I'd see a huge demand for aftermarket.



$377 for a new top yoke, and almost triple that for the bottom one !

[lurch]

I don't see them listed as a seperate part, and it's not something I'd see a huge demand for aftermarket.



$377 for a new top yoke, and almost triple that for the bottom one !

I spent quite a bit of time trawling through parts diagrams with no luck. I haven't looked closely yet but it seems likely they're bonded in.

To be honest I generally dislike the feeling lost through using rubber mounts like these and have replaced quite a few with solid alloy plugs in the past. I've no intention of doing that here but it would be easily done.

[Andre]

Key solver is just a clip thingo from locksmith, means always with my other keys but clips off for bike.

My solution: Key without anything attached to it. Works great. 

[Mick_J]

I have always used a single key on a plastic key fob so I don't scratch the top yoke.

[lurch]

A question for the brains trust. The painter botched it so I've ended up with freshly wetblasted parts again that I'd like to make black.

I'm thinking that the 180 deg C or so that powder coating gets baked at would be an issue for the rubber mounts - thoughts?

[Andre]

If the heat does not destroy the rubber right away, it will most certainly reduce the longevity of the rubber.

I would do the painting myself. My choice would be brake caliber spray paint. I did this when I didn't like the paint quality of my new cooler. Turned out quite well after 2nd try Still holds up very well. When I botched the first (runners), cleaned it off with thinner. Rinse and repeat as many times as needed.

If doing it yourself is not your cup of tea, find another painter. If he also botches the job find another one. Rinse and repeat as many times as needed   It's a "good" way to find the best painter in your area! 

[lurch]

I could definitely handle a rattle can but I hoped a "professional" would do better.

Wish I wasn't such a picky bastard! I've got a long term major build of an XS650 to crack on with after this so I'm quietly testing a few service providers out with the 1400 tidy up.

[SpongeBob]

To be honest I generally dislike the feeling lost through using rubber mounts like these and have replaced quite a few with solid alloy plugs in the past. I've no intention of doing that here but it would be easily done.

I agree that those rubber mounts bring a softness in the feeling which is not that nice.
Another solution to solid allow plugs is to install clip-ons -- one can find "not-so-extrem" ones à la 1100 GSXR (i.e. clip-on bars slightly above top yoke level), but I can agree this is not a a riding position everyone is looking for    (they should, it's absolutely great! )

(note the foamy thingy attached to the key (and that I use for the past 35 years or so) and has always been nice to top yokes as well as my pockets