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General Category >> Rubber Side Down! >> looking for advice before changing bars
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Message started by JohnBoy on 05/22/09 at 08:19:47

Title: looking for advice before changing bars
Post by JohnBoy on 05/22/09 at 08:19:47

A friend gave me a set of Sportster bars and risers. They don't bend in as tight as the Savage bars, and should get my elbows out away from my “ample” gut a little more.
The risers are about one inch taller than my stock 2004's.
Before I start removing things do any of you have advice about potential pitfalls or short comings? Is there a sequence of events that I should be following?
Thanks for any feedback!!
JohnBoy

Title: Re: looking for advice before changing bars
Post by Duane on 05/22/09 at 08:24:10

Make sure all your cables are long enough.

Title: Re: looking for advice before changing bars
Post by AngloSaxon on 05/22/09 at 11:04:58

Ditto what Duane said, make sure the brake hose, throttle cable, clutch cable and wiring are all long enough to do the job.

Title: Re: looking for advice before changing bars
Post by verslagen1 on 05/22/09 at 11:28:48

Go for it, you can always change it back.

What do you got now?

The controls have a molded in pin, you can file it off.
They clamp well enough.

Title: Re: looking for advice before changing bars
Post by JohnBoy on 05/22/09 at 15:28:47

Well, I found the pitfall.
Verslagen is right of course. The left hand control has a molded plastic pin that serves as a locater for a hole drilled on the bars. I will drill a hole or grind the pin off.
However, the left hand grip looks to be attached with gorilla glue. Any suggestions?
I found that even though the Harley bars mic. out at about .002 less than the original set, the plastic end caps are too loose. I will probably buy one inch bar end weights anyhow. Note: the original bars have weights added the Harley bars did not. (And my hands still buzz after 50 miles?) Also note that the Harley risers are threaded for 1/2 inch 20 thread per inch bolts, while the stocks are about 10mm and the bushings need to be reamed out a bit. That took the longest (about two hours)

Title: Re: looking for advice before changing bars
Post by verslagen1 on 05/22/09 at 17:40:55

Usually (ok 4 outta 5 times so far) you can push in a screwdriver and twist it till it works its way all around the grip. Then stick in 2 more equally spaced about the grip. Grab the grip and twist it off.

One time was especially stuck on there. I said the heck with it I got 2 extra's all ready. where's the knife.

oops, didn't tell you about the 1/2" bolt in the riser trick. Thought I did. Must of been last week when someone asked the same question.

Title: Re: looking for advice before changing bars
Post by justin_o_guy2 on 05/22/09 at 18:37:55

I always hated changing bars. Find a good one, get comfortable with the folks there, figure out which way the pool table tilts & the music,, man, finding a bar that plays music I can stand at a volume I can tolerate, theres the trick, right there.. My advice, if you are having fun & can get home without running by too many cops, stick with the bar you go to now.

Title: Re: looking for advice before changing bars
Post by JohnBoy on 05/22/09 at 18:43:22

Verslagen, You are brilliant!!
I took your advice, and worked a very thin flat head screwdriver in under the rubber sleeve. As I pried it away from the handlebar I worked a little dish washing soap back under it. As I worked my way around the handlebar adding drops of soap it simply slid off in my hand. Then it was a matter of a light tap with a rubber mallet and the retainer popped off as well. Total time less than five minutes!
Thank you!

I don't have handlebar weights so I thought I would make my own. I smoke the occasionally cigar and the plastic cigar tubes are just the right size to slip into the open ends of the handlebars. I will fill them with bird shot and seal the open end with Gorilla glue. The loose shot should act like a dead blow hammer and kill the vibration. One wrap of plastic tape will insure a tight fit and then I just slide them in and glue the end caps back on.
Then a well earned beer and a smoke!

Thanks again everyone!

JohnBoy

Title: Re: looking for advice before changing bars
Post by verslagen1 on 05/22/09 at 19:25:47

634641476B4650290 wrote:

You added your own little twist, you are brilliant².
Now I got's me a tip for them hard ones.

Title: Re: looking for advice before changing bars
Post by Jay on 05/22/09 at 21:23:16

Place a heavy mat on the tank, in case you drop something!