Bill, do you think this is faster/easier than removing the lower dash as I described above?

Mike

 

It is easier to me for sure, as you can get to the tops of the bolts pretty easily.
should take 20 minutes, and there isn't as much fighting to get to the bolts.

 

It's possible that the handlebar clamp wasn't tight enough to begin with. I was riding a friend's bike, and stood up on the pegs as I was approaching a speed bump, and my weight pulled his bars back a couple of inches.


It's not an unusual problem, and often doesn't show up until you pull back hard, which you need to be able to do. It's not a difficult fix, and you'll know that it's done right.

 

I had some issues last year on my RG and I had to get 2 tows on a flatbed hook. The guy that came out was new, he told me he is waiting for help which was cool for me, while waiting he put the soft ties on my bars, the help arrived and he was experienced . First thing he said is don't tie down Harleys from the bars, its expensive and will **** people off, he tied down from the crash bar. They had this thing that went from grip to grip with loops but he also said those are for sport bikes or flatter only. AAA guy was good in my book.
Check the knurling in your clamp area, its probably gone and that's why your bars are loose. You may have to replace clamp and risers.

 

Before being strapped down


After being strapped down:


My bars never moved before this. I was meaning to learn how to check the fairing brackets anyway, so I guess it is time for me to become my own wrench. Tired of other people f'ng up my baby.

 

You should have kicked his ***!

 

Had to have my bike towed once and as I watched the tow truck operator start to tie my bike down I immediately stopped him. It was obvious he didn't have a clue, told him where I wanted it tied down (which I helped do) and he agreed. He would have f!@# the bike up for sure, thankfully all went well for the 60 mile tow. btw the drivers tie-down straps where crap too and I had to use my own; I used to carry two tie-down straps and two soft extenders just in case.

I've had two dealerships put my bike on a trailer and once you see them do it, it's obvious it's not their first rodeo.

Unless the driver as some previous good experience (not bad things done over again) I assume they don't know what they'er doing. Might sound harsh but I've had a few bikes towed over the years and except for the dealers it looks like they'er guessing whats a good spot to tie down the bike.

I think I'll start packing my tie-downs again after reading this post.

 

If he tied to the bars, he did not know what he was doing.

I've been riding/strapping/hauling/towing bikes for 30 years. I've never, not once, tied to the bars.

Not even on the little Honda 100 I bought for my kids years ago.

 

I have never tied down to the bars ever. That being said the re-positioning of the bars is straight forward. I had mine loosen up on my 09 and had to do it.

 

Lesson for most. Learn how to tie your bike down. Don't expect a biker in a tow truck to show up every time . At least he showed......most company's if u start acting like and ******* they will leave u there. Everybody is a tuff guy till your stranded 500 miles from home. Lol