Changing handelbars

[uudfourty]

Whats happenin, you cool cats and kittens:

Ordered some new handlebars today. I don't anticipate anything I can't handle.... I don't see how swapping controls out could be too hard. I just wanted to check with you guys and see if there was anything I ought to do while the bars were off, or if there was some unseen gremlin that lays with swapping the bars on an 81gs550.

There are no obvious problems that need to be addressed, but yall always know more than I do, so I thought I would check.

Thanks, yall.

Viva La Ron Paul Revolution.

[Steve]

On some bikes, there is a pin in the bottom clamp that prevents the controls from slipping around the handlebar. Two options: 1) drill a hole in the handlebar to accept the pin 2) flatten the pin by bending or grinding and hope the controls don't slip.

To assist in locating where the hole should be, I have used a quick burst of black spray paint on the bottom of the bar, about where the hole will be. Sit on the bike, put the controls about where they need to be, then slide them along the length of the handlebar for about 1/2", then rotate them. This leaves a nice mark in the paint that shows the center of the hole. After drilling the hole, it is very easy to clean the paint off the handlebar.


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[uudfourty]

awesome. thanks.

[Nessism]

I strongly advocate drilling the bars. Removed the tab on one bike and the throttle twisted around after that with the new bars.

[uudfourty]

10-4. they should be here this week (along with a cold front.) thanks yall.

[earlfor]

I removed the pins from my handlebar switch assemblies, so I dont need to drill the handlebars anymore. I blue loctite them in place. I have no problems with them slipping. But its not difficult to drill for the pins either. LOL

Earl

[waterman]

One other tip: if you take off the brake light activation switch or clutch position switch (not sure what it is really called but looks like brake switch) be careful with disassembly. Inside of these switches exists the world's easiest to lose spring and electrical contact. Only spent an hour looking over garage floor for it. Never did find it. Hopefully, you can change out grips without disturbing.

[uudfourty]

good to know.

tonight's bill of fare:
new coils and wires.
new chain.
new clutch cable.