I took the front end apart to replace the fork seals on my 1987 model over winter. Now I can't remember what angle the handlebars should be in relation to the triple clamps.

Can anyone let me know what theirs are set at? Or in the alternative how much clearance there is on full lock between the bar and the petrol tank?

Second question is replacing grips, i have used soapy water in the past to secure the new grips, I searched the web and found a number of different theories as to what is best such as hairspray etc. Is there any consensus as to what is best?

 

Don't they have a stub projecting down that you align in the tripple clamp space to
set them as a detente? If not, you can just turn the forks to full stop and set each bar
to get clearance with tank and fairing. If you don't like your initial position you can
tweak it from there. If nothing fouls and it feels comfortable, then they are where they
should be.

As far as grip 'glue', I've always used hair-spray. Just hose the inside throughly,
and slip them on imediately (while it's wet enough to act as a lubricant). Wait 24 hrs,
to be sure they are completely dry. You can buy a special lube just for grips, it's
supposed to be better for wet conditions. That said, I've done a lot of 24/7-rainy
weather time, and never had a problem with hair-spray.

Tip on removing old grips...compressed air and a spray nozzle. Just run it in a jet around the edge of the grip. It will ballon the old one off, making it easy to remove.
(intact is an added bonus) ;-)

Hope this helps, Ern

 

My 87 is set, they fit into a notch so there is no choice it they are on right.

 

Thats what I thought but the bars hit the tank on full lock if I turn the bars that far. Can't see how it would be problem riding so will leave them as they are.