I am preparing for swapping my handlebars (2011 SB) and have done my best to research online and have purchased the service manual, but was hoping to get some input on what is most likely a stupid question (me=noob).

Anyway, my question is regarding the controls and the brake reservoir on the bars. Do I need to disassemble and fully remove these things (bleed brake fluid, remove throttle cable from controls, etc) or can I simply remove these from the bars with them still attached to the bike and then reattach after swapping the bars?

Thanks for the help!

- Dan

 

They can be removed intact. Unless you want to go internal.

 

You don't need to take them apart. When I do it I hang a small rope over a rafter in my garage and suspend the whole assembly in the position it was in so there's no stress on the metal brake line. You may have to bend the line to get it to fit right, but be careful and do it slow and easy.

 

you dont have to remove brakeline
it is not always nessary to remove throttle cables, and clutch cable but it is much easier to remove them and get them out of the way than it is to try and deal with them attached

 

Doing mine right now with everything attached. Assuming the lines will reach based on the height of the bars you are getting.

 

I've been reading up on this myself (since I've got a new set of bars coming). You can loosen the right grip up and leave it hanging, but watch the two cables from the throttle, they'll want to pop out of their little grooves.

Great video here.

 

Just did a swap on my 2012 bob. Everything with brake and clutch stayed intact. I disassembled the throttle cables to make it easier.

 

Thank you to all for the quick and helpful responses....exactly what I needed to know!

- Dan

 

#1 rule... cover your tank!!!! thick towel, things will drop on it, nice to have somethign there, everything else has been coverd

 

That depends on if your handlebar swap includes taller bars which might make it necessary to change your brake line to accommodate the added height.

The same goes for the throttle/idle/clutch cables.