Finished installing the handlebar this weekend. Biggest delay was getting it powder coated but it was worth it waiting: The shop was able to match the sheen of the original bar perfectly and gave it an extra-thick coat. Very pleased with that side of the project.
Does the bike look good after the mod? I cannot say it does but I CAN say it feels perfect and is a pleasure to ride now (even with my aching back).
In all, in addition to the bar, all I had to buy was:
A set of shims from 7/8 to 1 1/8 for the clamp
https://tboltusa.com/store/brp-18-to-78-handlebar-adapters-p-10682.htmlA brake line 5" longer than the original
https://www.denniskirk.com/magnum-shielding/black-pearl-designer-series-abs-upper-brake-line-35-10mm-21-in-as47121.p1910487.prd/1910487.skuA 90 degrees side-sweep banjo
https://classictube.com/product/brake-hose-fitting-an-3-3-8-10mm-x-1-0-x-3an-3-8-24-90-degree-side-sweep-chrome/A pack of low profile zip ties (identical to what the bikes comes with from Zero)
https://www.ebay.com/itm/263496642855I found a local shop with a CNC pipe bender and they made me a customized bar from 7/8" steel pipe.
Since the wiring is long enough to reach, there was no need to extend them: Just re-route slightly some of the cables from the behind the headlight area in a more direct way to where they go.
Had to drill 5 holes in the handlebar: 2 (for the heated grip on the left side) require 4 MM thread. The other three are just to "receive" the locator pin built into the control component attached to the bar and prevent slippage.
Yes, it was a lot of work having to remove all those parts around the headlamp, the "tank" itself and draining the brake fluid and recharging it, but I sure am glad I did as this will allow me to enjoy the machine a lot more than before.
Do I truly like the bike's look now? Not completely: The bar looks too retro and old but if that is what it takes to sit straight and be comfortable, I can live with that.
The good news is this is a non-destructive mod: I can restore the original bar and put everything back the way it was in just a few hours. I would not have done otherwise.