Possibly a silly question but can anyone tell me what benefit there is to replacing the standard clip ons with some aftermarket ones?

Is it just a looks thing? Weight?

Also are the standard tubes totally straight?

Reason for asking is that i have one of mine off the bike at the moment and the tube is ever so slightly bent. Never noticed it when riding but I figured maybe its worth getting some aftermarkets ones?

The best thing about clip-ons is that you can change the position (forward or back) of the bars this is good if you are racing or doing loads of touring and lots of miles. I have my clip-ons pretty straight as i find my wrists dont get quite so worn out.
I am pretty sure the standard bars are straight or should be. Also the standard ones have a little pin that locates in the top yolk, if you crash this pin can snap or damage the top yolk. Clip-ons will turn on the fork and "should" cause less damage.

I am pretty sure the stock 'bars are way more 'sit up' than my clip-ons which are NSR250 aluminium items - which, when polished, are a work of art in themselves - just lovely. So, with clip-ons you can get a more more forward and down position.

The little 'pins' mentioned by skinny dog above locate under the stock top triple clamp and I guess are a safety item to stop the bars moving forward/backward should they be loose-ish on the forks. I cut mine off and smoothed/polished where they where as they didn't fit under the tyga top triple clamp.

So, with clip-ons you might save a little weight and you get some more choice about how you position them, which in turn means how you position yourself.

Greg.

Not sure if forum members know but we now sell clip ons for 41 mm (NC29, NC30 etc) and 50 mm. (NC35 most other upside down) at TYGA. You can order through us or Gavin at Jap4performance if you are in the UK.

I use woodcraft clip-ons for racing. If you crash, then it's something like $10USD for a replacement bar and so many people use them round the pits, that if I don't have a spare, I can always borrow one.

For me that is the main advantage. They are also slightly longer than OE so you can get a little more leverage

I have clipons on my yamaha that I race and got some off ebay for the RVF. I like clip ons from the point that if I crash they are cheap to replace, and I can adjust them at will. I get all my shit from ETSHARK on ebay, tell him James sent you and you also have an RVF. Though he may not display it he will get it cheap or very competive for you.
Peace.