I know everyone wants to raise their bars, but......

I'd kind of like to lower my stock ones to a flat bar. I didnt realize how much back road twisty riding i would be doing and the height doesnt make it any easier. would flat clip-ons work? if so what size clamp does the 2004 model use??

 

Not every one..I like the stock bars. The 2004 is a 6th gen and the tubes are 43mm

 

I'm not sure you will be able turn the bars fully w/o hitting tank or faring with something. Also, I would guestimate that lowering the bars will only bring something else to the surface that you may find impacts your sporting-speed. Those folks in Japan have spent years refining the VFR, if lowering the bars provided measurable improvement, they most likely would have done so, IMO.
Just courious (and not trying to be a arse), what would lowering the bars actually do to improve speed/control in the twisties? What is the feedback in the current setup that limits your fun-factor? Maybe listing what causes you to back-off or not push things someone can offer a solution less radical.

 

I bought Helibars and never installed them. Sold them on the classifieds after they sat in the garage a few months.

There as another guy here that put clipons on his VFR. I think it was a 4th gen. He was riding it on the track and it was pretty much setup for it. If you want clipons I say go for it. You can always put it back to stock if you keep your parts.

 

Bevo your probably right about honda factoring in bar height while designing the vfr, my main problem is the higher bars seem to make me sit more upright (yes i realize this is more comfortable etc) so i tend to lean back during a corner, while on a sportier bike (only difference i can see is bars) i am kind of forced to lean more forward thus making it easier and perhaps safer to take sharp turns? perhaps im crazy but i think i might try some cheapo's off ebay first and see whats what

 

I don't think there is any secret or magic to the bar height. It's just set up to be sportier than straight up and more comfortable than a true sportbike position.

 

Go for it! You may want to put in new steering stops. It would be pretty easy to weld up a set from thin wall 4130.

 

What you seek makes sence to me. I was just curious as to what the trigger is when your inner self gets that "I'm not going to make this turn" feeling. Is it upon entry, a front end push in the middle of the turn, running wide of the apex, etc.?
I don't know if it is because I'm getting old and less gonzo, but this year I have lost a bit of my cornering gusto. I have concluded (through bike componet inspection) the feedback I receive that triggers crash avoidance is all in my head, but it is still difficult to ignore when you think the front tire is not maintining it's line. Additionally, I have found I am not looking far enough ahead in the turn and reacting to every seam, pebble, spot in the line of travel regardless if it is a hazard or not. Started to correct this problem by looking farther ahead but it has not been fully integrated into my unconcious. Although I have moments of smoothness, I am caught between looking ahead and looking down not trusting what I saw when looking ahead......Good Luck!