Handlebar mounts

[Riding Again]

Thought I'd replace the handlebars from stock. Imagine my suprise when I undid the risers (keepers?) and found this pattern



?

This was on both sides. Should I get the grooves remachined? or what?

[Guest]

If you look at your stock bars the groves match them.

[Riding Again]

You're right. The bars do have matching grooves.

Am I correct then that these aluminum parts were smooth to begin with and then were "pressed" by tightening the mounts down?

[Guest]

I believe that the groves are there to keep the bars tight and locked so that they can't rotate forward or backward. I'm guessing that they were made that way.

[Mark M]

I believe that the groves are there to keep the bars tight and locked so that they can't rotate forward or backward. I'm guessing that they were made that way.

Yes, it is to improve the clamping grip on the bars. The last thing you want is the bars rotating forward during a panic stop...

Mark

[Riding Again]

Apparently I didn't ask the right question the first time, but I've eventually got the answer.

Based on the responses, I should either a): machine these out again; or b) Use a dremel to cut new ones in.

My memory is getting fuzzy, but I think I used a hacksaw once to cut some new grooves in years ago.

[Guest]

I'd leave them alone. They will just bite into the new bars, which is what you want.

[bwringer]

I'd leave them alone. They will just bite into the new bars, which is what you want.

Right. Don't attack these with a Dremel or anything. Just slap the new bar in place and tighten to spec (don't over-tighten). Don't worry -- they'll be plenty secure.


Basically, you're thinking way too much...

[Riding Again]

THanks for the advice. I do have a tendency to do exactly that, especially when I'm not sidetracked by riding .

[Nessism]

Most if not all aftermarket bars don't have the grooves and they stay put just fine - particularly if you go for a lower set of bars since there will be less leverage on them to rotate.

[SqDancerLynn1]

The mounts are smooth from the factory The grouves are cut into them by the bars themself

[AOD]

This thread is groovy.

[Guest]

The mounts are smooth from the factory The grouves are cut into them by the bars themself

I still wouldn't do anything. You might end up removing too much metal and cause them not to grab as good. Bolt on your new bars and ride!

[Riding Again]

Thanks!

Be doing that.