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This may seem like a dumb question but can someone explain what exactly clip-on handle bars are? I realize that they are separate for left and right and clip right onto the steering head (right?). What is the advantage of them? Can they be added to any bike? My bike has one handle bar that goes all the way accross, can clip-on's be added to a bike like mine? Not that I want to change my bars, I'm just trying to understand what they are. Thanks in advance...

Found this on some website:

Clip-on is a description given to an additional or secondary handlebar that bolts to a primary handlebar. Generally, a clip-on clamps onto a Drop style road racing handlebar. The "Clip" style extends the riders arms and reach out ahead of the primary handlebar giving the rider's upper torso an aerodynamic wedge to increase speed. A portion of the speed increase is also gained from lessened wind resistance as less of the rider sits erect. Use of a clip-on bar has been widely attributed as an important factor, (along with an aerodynamic helmet) in Greg Lemond's July 23 1989 win of the Tour de France when over the 24.5 kilometer final time trial stage, he came from 50 seconds behind, to actually finish 8 seconds ahead of the second place finisher Laurent Fignon.

clip-on bars are the style of bars you see on sportbikes, easiest way to describe it.

They are seperate right and left bars that clamp onto the fork tubes, they tradionally go under the top triple clamp, but sport tourers and more street oriented sportbikes will mount them above the top triple clamp and may even have a riser on them.

if you want a good look at some just go down to a dealer and look at the bars on a super sport like a Gixxer.

yes you could put clip ons on your SV they would replace your stock handlebar and would alter the riding position. the clip ons would position the bars a LOT lower than they are now and you would have the tradional sportbikers riding position