Cafe Racer Handlebar Controls

The handlebar controls are the most important part of the project! To make them better than the factory ones requires a complete rework of the handlebar and all controls. The goal is to reduce weight, improve ergonomics, maintain functionality and adapt the controls design to the motorcycle style.

Handlebar — clip-ons

It is logical to install the clip-ons on the cafe racer, but there are also sports handlebars, such as the LSL AS1 handlebar. We chose LSL high offset clip-ons - the highest in the LSL line. The cafe racer is more of an urban sports bike than a racing one, so low clip-ons seemed to be too aggressive. LSL offset high is the most suitable option in our opinion: they provide a sporty, but not too low, ride.

LSL clip-ons fit perfectly in terms of design and quality. They do not have a cut in the place of the tube fixing, which makes them stronger. The tubes are thick-walled, made of durable aluminum alloy with a kerf for fixing with a bolt, so the tube doesn’t rotate or slip in a fall - this saves expensive controls.

Dashboard

A standard dashboard with two pods together with the original headlight looks great, but we installed a more compact LSL Clubman headlight and LSL brackets with holes for turn signals - this required replacing the dashboard with a lighter and smaller one. At LSL’s request, Motogadget makes ready-made sets of adapters and connectors specifically for Triumph Bonneville, so as not to redo standard wiring. We chose a Motoscope Classic dashboard with an analog speedometer and digital tachometer, and all factory functionality. With its aluminum casing, it perfectly fit into the design.

To properly line and secure the wiring under the tank, we had to extend three wires in the harness - there is enough space under the tank.

Handles and levers

The choice of the clutch lever assembly is predetermined by the choice of the master cylinder. We have already assembled the front brake system in a separate video with an ABM brake calipers and master cylinder. ABM produces a milled clutch lever assembly in the same style, so it makes sense to put them together. They look great on the handlebar. Both units have folding levers and interchangeable tips, which saves them when falling. There is also an adjustment of the distance to the handlebar. The ABM clutch lever assembly is equipped with a clutch switch - this is important for maintaining the concept of a factory motorcycle.

ABM grips are a very smart solution when assembling a new control. They look great, have a durable anodized finish and a rubber part with good traction. The left grip is held by expanders, so it's easy to remove and install - this is useful because you have to rebuild everything several times. The throttle tube is integrated into the right handle. In the throttle tube set there were several rings for a different stroke length. For us it turned out to be very useful, because we put a new throttle housing from Bonneville / Daytona / Speed Triple / Street Triple models, but we didn’t find a tube for it. Cables for a new throttle are better to take from the base model Triumph Bonneville.

Switch housings

The stock switch housings could not be kept: they only fit a 1-inch handlebar and with integrated gas and clutch lever assemblys. We decided to replace the left one with a Yamaha R6 03-04 switch housing - it has the exact same set of buttons, it is black and relatively compact. New connectors had to be made to fit this switch housing.

We took the right panel from the Triumph Bonneville base model - it fits without problems and connects to a standard connector.

Mirrors

The concept of the factory cafe racer requires the installation of mirrors. We chose LSL Round mirrors, which are mounted on 22 mm LSL clip-on weights. These compact classic mirrors fit perfectly into the design. Another option could be LSL Clubman mirrors on stems, for which you need to mount the holders on the handlebar. The second option is probably more convenient, but also bulkier. For Triumph Bonneville, round mirrors are perfect (they look good with the headlight, tank, dashboard, and engine covers), so we did not even consider other models.

As a result, we got lighter and more ergonomic controls with factory functionality that fits perfectly into the design of the motorcycle.