I got a wild hair up my ass about the handlebar position on my Birdie and picked up the Gilles Variobars a few weeks ago. So far I have a couple of problems.

First, they don't come predrilled, so you have to figure out all that on your own, and you have to have access to a drillpress and vice grips and all that shit. And you have to not fuck it up or the $$$$$$$$$$ you spent on the bars (no exaggeration there) is toast. So I haven't dealt with all that yet.

Second, the stock handlebar weights and bar-ends won't fit the Gilles Variobars, so you have to buy those too (I assume); unfortunately, it doesn't appear that LPUSA distributes them in the states. Which I am concerned leaves me totally fuxx0r3d for weighting the bars and keeping the vibration low and the buzziness at bay on long trips.

My third issue so far is actually a little speculative but it seems to me that the furthest up and forward position of the Gilles Variobars with the 70mm riser/extensions (the only other option listed for the CBR1100XX is 60mm) is about the same as the Helibars currently provide, which is a disappointment. I would rather the bars come closer, as far as positioning goes, but I can't seem to manage it with the current setup. So here's a couple of questions for the Gilles-wise out there:

1) how the heck do I weight the bars? Where can I get heavy bar-ends and hopefully inside-the-handlebar weights that fit the Variobar?

2) My new brake and clutch lines are two inches (5cm) longer than stock. Can I fit, say, the 100 or 120mm riser/extensions, or would those hit the screen or tank?

3) I originally thought that I would just be able to reverse the fork tube clamps the riser/extensions connect to -- switch them and flip them, it's hard to explain unless you've actually worked through installing them -- so that the risers have an 'underhand' arch in stead of an 'overhand' arch (think of a pitcher throwing a baseball). However, it looks like that will push the fork tube clamp against the gas tank at full lock and dent the hell out of it. Can this be done? Would raising the forks in the triple-tree help? Am I totally insane?

Thanks in advance for the advice.

Return them an buy a set of VFR bars.

I'd recommend you hit Arnold's site. A couple folks over there have them and might be able to help.

thanks for the help, will do.

-N.

I use them..... and installing them was a b*tch....
You have a lot of possibilities, therefore you can go all directions.
Check out our pictures at: http://bb.superblackbird.info/viewtopic.php?t=95 This will give you a lot of info....
I have the 60mm extension in the upright position, and it almost touches the fairing. I do not use the original windscreen anymore. The original screen will give you more clearance, but the inside fairing will give you a problem when you make a short turn.
I also own Helibars and VFR-bars. The Gilles is by far the best....
Why? You can rotate it any direction you want, and bring it back towards you. Drilling a hole for the electrics body is easy. Even if you make a mistake you just turn the grip a little, and you get a second chance. No problem there...
However, if you go higher than they advice, you will need longer brake- and clutch-lines, and longer gas-cables. If you turn the U-shaped risers around, you have the problem that they (could) touch the gastank and the hydraulic reservoirs will be in the way....
The bar-end weights I can supply to you if you want. They are sold here in Holland, but I will have to ask for the prices. The big advantage of their weights is since they are the same ineer and outer size of the tube, you can mount your grips (and everything else) more outwards, just like a superbike.... (just need even longer lines).
Any more questions?