[Enygma_6]

Has anyone successfully put cb500x bars on a cb500f?
I would like to get another two inch raise out of my handlebars, and since my current bars have a bit of a bend from a no-speed drop, I was thinking of replacing them with those of a cb500x.

As the bikes are nearly, but not quite identical, I was hoping that the connecting parts could be interchangeable. And to do so with the OEM CB500X parts would allow it to be done without having to cut/splice any cables or wires.

If anyone has experience with changing the handlebars on the CB500F (even in general, not even this specific swap), let me know if I missed something below. I personally only have a very limited mechanical background, so there's a good chance I overlooked something basic.

Here's my theoretical shopping list for the related parts that differ on the X as opposed to the F (all data found on hondaparts-direct.com):
CB500x:
HANDLEBAR TOPBRIDGE
012 HANDLEBAR *NH303M* (MAT AXIS GRAY METALLIC) 53100-MGZ-307ZA 001 $38.69 $29.58
013 WEIGHT, HANDLEBAR 53104-MGZ-J80 002 $7.89 $6.03
014 WEIGHT B, HANDLEBAR 53105-MGZ-J80 002 $5.64 $4.31
015 RUBBER A 53106-KR3-770 002 $3.33 $2.54
016* RUBBER B 53107-MY1-000 002 $5.89 $4.50
017* RING 53108-KR3-770 002 $5.25 $4.02
026 SCREW, OVAL (6X60) 90191-MGZ-J00 002 $1.04 $0.79

FRONT BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER (ABS)
002 HOSE A, FR. BRAKE 45125-MGZ-J91 001 $26.91 $20.57

HANDLE LEVER SWITCH CABLE
001 CABLE A, THROTTLE 17910-MGZ-J81 001 $10.78 $8.24
002 CABLE B, THROTTLE 17920-MGZ-J81 001 $10.55 $8.06
003 CABLE, CLUTCH 22870-MGZ-J81 001 $14.73 $11.26
004 SWITCH, ENGINE STOP 35130-MGZ-J81 001 $110.82 $84.72
006 SWITCH, TURN SIGNAL 35200-MGZ-A81 001 $55.42 $42.37

WIRE HARNESS
004 SUB-HARNESS, FR. 32103-MGZ-J80 001 $79.78 $60.99


I have found a local shop that would be willing to take this on as a custom project, but they have never done this particular swap before, so I am trying to do a little more research to see if it is possible before throwing a lot of money at it.

I am also well aware that this is more expensive than the alternative (plan B: replace bent OEM CB500F bar with new stock piece, then add risers - $50 from motowerk), but I think it would have a cleaner, more unique look.

Any advice/feedback (other than "Sell the F, buy an X" ) would be appreciated.

Thanks.

 

[jsonder]

This shows the X handlebar and an alternative:

Decent Handlebar Replacement? - page 1 - Modifications and Appearance - Honda CB500X

 

[Enygma_6]

Big box of Honda OEM parts showed up yesterday (a mere 42 days after ordering), so I took the lot down to the service shop this afternoon.
They're closed for the next 2 days, but hopefully by the middle of the week it'll all be done and working.
On a semi-related note, the service manual I ordered last week showed up this evening (after visiting the shop), and I haven't found anything in there yet that would tell me this won't work.

 

[Enygma_6]

Was able to take a quick peek at the bike in the shop today, the handlebar swap seemed to go smoothly (I was informed bleeding the front brakes with the ABS was the trickiest part of the swap).

Still waiting on a few other things before I can take her home: sorting out some fiddly bits with the lighting kit for my top case; figuring out a good stop bracket for the center stand (also from a CB500x, but I didn't change the muffler to an X style which would include a stopper bracket); and getting the kickstand cut down and re-welded to work with the lowering kit that was installed.

Already pondering paint and aftermarket exhausts as probable next upgrades.

 

[Enygma_6]

The swap worked out well.
No complications from changing things around, and I was able to stick with all OEM parts and nothing needed to be cut/welded (aside from the kickstand, but that was intended to shorten it to match the lowering kit that I had done at the same time).

 

[jsonder]

Congratulations!!

 

[speedandstyle]

How much of a difference{size wise} is it? It looks a lot taller than stock.

 

[Enygma_6]

It's not ridiculously tall. The X bars are about 2 inches taller, so when mounted at an angle the overall height is only a little over an inch above the stock F bars (but also a bit closer to the seat, which is what I want).

[edit] I went and dug out the old (F) handlebars and put them up as comparison against the X bars so I could get a couple pictures:
http://i.imgur.com/n6wTRUd.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/X3oVi7E.jpg
As you can see, there isn't a massive difference (not the best comparison photos, but I was trying to be careful not to scratch the new paint).

 

[Jakeisbill]

What, if you don't mind me asking, was the total cost of this project?

 

[djwhiplash2001]

Did you not swap the controls over to the new bar? Handlebar swaps are pretty easy - find a 7/8" rod, unbolt the old stuff, transfer to the new bar, and done. What's the situation with the throttle cables on the new handlebars, and going in front of the speedo? Would the old cable not reach?

Looks like a nice upgrade for a more upright position.

 

[Enygma_6]

What, if you don't mind me asking, was the total cost of this project?

The handlebar and controls parts bill was $419.01
Adjustable levers were picked up off of eBay for $35.96
Install labor was $293.62
Factory service manual: $46 (not necessary, but nice to have)
Combined total of $794.59
(all prices in US dollars)

Some of the parts ended up not being used (a couple bolts and little things that were re-used, so maybe $10-15 worth of new kit).
I did kindof over-prepare, and basically bought everything that looked different between the two bike models, it is entirely possible the original cables, control lines and brake hose would have fit without modification, and that was the majority of the parts cost.
Also if you have the tools and knowledge of how to swap everything over you can save yourself a lot on labor (or find a shop that charges less than $85/hr for labor).

I was also having other work done at the same time (center stand install; lowering kit install and kickstand cut/weld; light kit added to topcase), so my final parts and labor bill was a fair bit higher.

 

[Enygma_6]

Did you not swap the controls over to the new bar? Handlebar swaps are pretty easy - find a 7/8" rod, unbolt the old stuff, transfer to the new bar, and done. What's the situation with the throttle cables on the new handlebars, and going in front of the speedo? Would the old cable not reach?

Looks like a nice upgrade for a more upright position.

Since this is my first (and so far only) bike, I went with an abundance of caution and excess of money.

I had pitched the idea of the swap to a few different bike shops in town, and often the reply was "we'll just cut/patch together some new cables, that should work" - which might be acceptable for the clutch/throttle lines, but not a risk I wanted to take with the electrical or brake lines. I finally found one that agreed to give the full OEM kit a shot first, then talk mods later if necessary (which it turns out wasn't).
It was only a modest size adjustment (not ridiculous 20" risers), and I knew there were OEM parts designed exactly for the handlebars, so that was my preference over shop-cut cables.
The original cables/lines might have enough slack in them to reach (some people report no issue when putting 1" risers on), but I didn't want to get halfway through and all of a sudden find out one thing will keep the bars from turning full lock to either side, then having to order more parts and wait another month for them to ship.

All in all, it was a pricey mod, but got me exactly what I wanted.
They don't look out of place, and definitely assist with an upright posture that helps my back.

 

[Seminoles]

Nice thanks fore the wright up at first looked like they used old switches wire cables not tied to bars tight, looking into doing the same handlebar swap with my F making a scrambler out of it with either the X forks which are a little longer and larger profile knobby tires rear shock is the same thinking they get the extra ground clearance from forks or a dual sport front end with 21" front tire already made exhaust. When I looked up parts saw the bars, both switches due to longer wires, all cables, and brake line.

 

[Jamco]

Cheaper choice, just add a 1" riser $ 30 dollars

 

[jsonder]

These used to be $20.

https://www.amazon.com/Outlaw-Racin...2&sr=8-3&keywords=handlebar+risers+motorcycle

 

[slazenger]

I can't believe Honda didn't use the same cables and wires for the F & X, 1 1/2" difference?

I would love to change my F, but looks like a $700 job!

How does it handle now with the X bars?

 

[Enygma_6]

The bike handles just fine. I use it as a commuter bike, so lots of upright-seated highway miles, not so much knee-dragging tight curves through the canyons.
It's quite possible that the stock F cables might have enough play in the lines that they could be used with slightly taller handlebars, so the total cost could be much lower than what I was willing to throw at it.

 

[Bumpa]

En -
You paid a lot of money, but you now have what you want. That's what is important in the long run. Enjoy your bike.
Rick

 

[ChristopherCB500F]

Has anyone successfully put cb500x bars on a cb500f?
I would like to get another two inch raise out of my handlebars, and since my current bars have a bit of a bend from a no-speed drop, I was thinking of replacing them with those of a cb500x.

As the bikes are nearly, but not quite identical, I was hoping that the connecting parts could be interchangeable. And to do so with the OEM CB500X parts would allow it to be done without having to cut/splice any cables or wires.

If anyone has experience with changing the handlebars on the CB500F (even in general, not even this specific swap), let me know if I missed something below. I personally only have a very limited mechanical background, so there's a good chance I overlooked something basic.

Here's my theoretical shopping list for the related parts that differ on the X as opposed to the F (all data found on hondaparts-direct.com):
CB500x:
HANDLEBAR TOPBRIDGE
012 HANDLEBAR NH303M (MAT AXIS GRAY METALLIC) 53100-MGZ-307ZA 001 $38.69 $29.58
013 WEIGHT, HANDLEBAR 53104-MGZ-J80 002 $7.89 $6.03
014 WEIGHT B, HANDLEBAR 53105-MGZ-J80 002 $5.64 $4.31
015 RUBBER A 53106-KR3-770 002 $3.33 $2.54
016* RUBBER B 53107-MY1-000 002 $5.89 $4.50
017* RING 53108-KR3-770 002 $5.25 $4.02
026 SCREW, OVAL (6X60) 90191-MGZ-J00 002 $1.04 $0.79

FRONT BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER (ABS)
002 HOSE A, FR. BRAKE 45125-MGZ-J91 001 $26.91 $20.57

HANDLE LEVER SWITCH CABLE
001 CABLE A, THROTTLE 17910-MGZ-J81 001 $10.78 $8.24
002 CABLE B, THROTTLE 17920-MGZ-J81 001 $10.55 $8.06
003 CABLE, CLUTCH 22870-MGZ-J81 001 $14.73 $11.26
004 SWITCH, ENGINE STOP 35130-MGZ-J81 001 $110.82 $84.72
006 SWITCH, TURN SIGNAL 35200-MGZ-A81 001 $55.42 $42.37

WIRE HARNESS
004 SUB-HARNESS, FR. 32103-MGZ-J80 001 $79.78 $60.99


I have found a local shop that would be willing to take this on as a custom project, but they have never done this particular swap before, so I am trying to do a little more research to see if it is possible before throwing a lot of money at it.

I am also well aware that this is more expensive than the alternative (plan B: replace bent OEM CB500F bar with new stock piece, then add risers - $50 from motowerk), but I think it would have a cleaner, more unique look.

Any advice/feedback (other than "Sell the F, buy an X" ) would be appreciated.

Thanks.

Aloha brother! I also need to replace my handle bars from low speed drop. I currently have a 2014 Honda CB500F and am just replacing the same bars. Did you need to get some plastic grip inserts?? That go under the grip? I've been looking all over fro them and am starting to wonder if they are needed.. Don't want to pull everything apart to see I can't use my old ones or need new ones because I live in Hawaii and it takes forever for shipping. Thanks!! I hope your swap went well!

 

[Enygma_6]

Aloha brother! I also need to replace my handle bars from low speed drop. I currently have a 2014 Honda CB500F and am just replacing the same bars. Did you need to get some plastic grip inserts?? That go under the grip? I've been looking all over fro them and am starting to wonder if they are needed.. Don't want to pull everything apart to see I can't use my old ones or need new ones because I live in Hawaii and it takes forever for shipping. Thanks!! I hope your swap went well!

Hey, hopefully you found something that worked. It's been a while since I checked in on this message board, and only just saw your comment today.
When I did the swap on my bike, I replaced everything at the same time with the equivalent components from the 500X. I took a look in the garage and found the old 500F handlebars, which still have their grips and everything still attached.