Kawasaki Versys 1000 handle bars swap - Holeshot performance handle bars

[@paulwhite7924]

Seems like a simple thing, but Andy put up the all important pic of b4 and after with him sitting on it. Looks great if you are looking for the best straight up ride. I have watched many videos where they don't do that, and its frustrating! I transferred bars on 1250 Bandit years ago with Holeshot and it was night and day difference. Quality stuff.

[@Pabloman333]

Thank you, Andy! I used this video as a reference to install my own Holeshot bars on my 2015 V!K. Wonderful!

[@krislagos]

Hi from Greece, I'm a new owner of the 2015 V I000, and one reason I bought this bike is because of your great videos and advice on mods. So thanks a lot. I'm thinking about getting the Holeshot bars and watched your video on the installation. Will my current grips (not heated) fit on the Holeshot bars and apart from the holes you drilled to accommoate the cable fasteners I didn't understand why you made the other holes? Were they for the heated grips? Did I miss anything? Thanks again for the great info!!

[@MotoAndy]

Thanks, it's nice to read that, enjoy your bike 🙂 As for the holes in the handle bars, the switch has a pin that prevents the switch from turning, so I was drilling holes for it, you can skip this step. The handlebar ends are the same size as the original so the grips should fit seamlessly. You can find all this information on the holeshot performance website or youtube channel kzbin.info/www/bejne/pqDUZ5ptaqupkKs

[@krislagos]

@@MotoAndy Thanks mate, you got me covered, ride safe.

[@anhksunamoon]

Hello from Belgium. Very good job Guy !

[@EnriquedePenco]

Hello from Chile. I have a Versys 1000 year 2013. I appreciate every video you upload about the machine. If it is possible, can you show how to replace brake bulbs? I am trying to adapt and add a blinking red led linked to the brake light, but I need some help. Thnx for all your uploads about this great machine.

[@sharonsharon2604]

Are the cables long enough to have free play after this change?

[@MotoAndy]

Yes they are

[@theradiantchild]

are the handle bar bolts 6mm hex?

[@VadimNYC]

Hey Andy, as always your videos are awesome and a pleasure to watch! QQ, next week I will attempt to install 1" handlebar raisers, should be a simple 10 minute install. I'll probably have a bolt or two left over as always, LOL. My cables (brake, clutch...) they all look like they are tight and do not have more slack to accommodate the raisers. Watching your video, your cables seem to have tons of slack. Is there something I need to do to have more slack on those cables?

[@MotoAndy]

Thanks man, I`m glad I can help. I didn't do anything with the cables, the only thing I did was unscrew the grommet, fixing the brake hose to the front wheel. try to move and pull gently all cables and hoses, maybe they will get more slack.

[@VadimNYC]

@@MotoAndy Got them installed today, no extra screws left over, LOL. As you suggested had to move the cables gently for some tiny bit of extra slack. The next statement is for Moto-Werk - Not happy with the gap of about 1/4 on both front and back. I know I installed them correct side as the other way the gap is even bigger cause of the small notch cutout. I even lay-down the Riser with the OEM top cover and they do not sit snug with each other. Took some pictures and will call Moto Werk tomorrow. I bought other items from them and they fit well, but not these Risers. It seems as if the cutout in the Riser for the pipe\handlebar to go into is about 1/8 of an inch smaller than the depth of the handlebar on 2018 V1000 LT. Basically the top OEM cover never touches the riser while on top of the bar and bolts screwed in tight with same distance fron\back and torqued as specified. Now that I double checked their site, even their own posted pictures show gaps. I'm not a mechanic but wondering how safe is it having that gap?

[@jtmarchant3303]

What is the difference in height?

[@PAUL-yv2kk]

Hi Andy, great tutorial and very much appreciated like your others. Did the swap improve the comfort for you and what in particular was affecting you ? I'm looking for a more upright position on my V1K because of an elbow problem. Do you think there's enough cable and brake line slack to accommodate 2" pivot type risers? Cheers Paul

[@MotoAndy]

Hi Paul, I changed the handle bars because of my back problems and pain in the elbow that was caused by the original bars. After sweap the position on the motorcycle changed positively, I sit more upright, I do not feel pain in the elbow. All cables and wires are long enough for these handle bars and you do not need to change anything. I'm very happy with it. For more info about this handle bars check www.holeshot.com/kawasaki/versys/1000/products/comfort-touring-bars

[@PAUL-yv2kk]

@@MotoAndy Cheers Andy, sounds very similar to me. Great to know it worked well for you, enough that you still have the bike. I'm going to start with some el cheapo pivot risers to test test the effect without breaking the bank and see where we go from there. Your mechanical skills are well beyond mine! All the best - Paul

[@miltontobon9026]

Hi Andy, do you know if the handlebar is the same in versys 1000 2020?

[@MotoAndy]

yes, it is the same only it has differently drilled holes for the switches, I have the same handlebar installed in my 2022 1000SE kzbin.info/www/bejne/lZy0lnZjhZqpgZo

[@miltontobon9026]

@@MotoAndy thanks a lot for the help Andy.

[@tinypizzas]

did you have to purchase the bar end kit that dave sells to use factory handguards?

[@MotoAndy]

I didn't have to, but I did 😉

[@davzvalera4523]

is the stock handle bar of 1000 the same on 650? cos i need one..

[@MotoAndy]

I don't think so.

[@robsonenduro3316]

what's wrong with the stock ones...

[@MotoAndy]

Sweep of the stock ones cause a pain in my arm

[@bigliftm]

Hoe groot ben jij Andy ?

[@MotoAndy]

Nou ja, 176cm dus niet echt groot 🤣

[@tinypizzas]

Why don't you narrate over top of the video to add some context?

[@MotoAndy]

because I'm a lousy narrator 😂