riser bushings
Road Master
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 971
Likes: 1
From: Chicago/Arlington Heights
RE: riser bushings
I went with the poly from J-P because the rubber bushings had way too much flex to the point the 18 in apes felt loose. I also put in longer allen head bolts.....
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 2,289
Likes: 22
From: Beautiful Downtown Burbank
RE: riser bushings
I'm with js on the rubber bushings. They really do take out a lot of vibration. Most of the real problems happen when you add 4" or more risers, or adding mini apes above those. The rubber bushings just cant get the job done, and you need to compromise.
My compromise was to leave the stock bars on and use the 4" risers with rubber bushings. They were a bitc# to get straight and tight, but it works for me.
It your having a problem with the bars being crooked, but they feel secure, loosen the riser bolts, adjust the bars back to straight, and crank the bolts down, but crank them evenly.
Dont torque one to spec then go after the other. Take em both down a bit at a time. Starting at around 20 lbs first. I took mine to 50 lbs before they felt right.
My compromise was to leave the stock bars on and use the 4" risers with rubber bushings. They were a bitc# to get straight and tight, but it works for me.
It your having a problem with the bars being crooked, but they feel secure, loosen the riser bolts, adjust the bars back to straight, and crank the bolts down, but crank them evenly.
Dont torque one to spec then go after the other. Take em both down a bit at a time. Starting at around 20 lbs first. I took mine to 50 lbs before they felt right.
Road Warrior
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 1,900
Likes: 1
From: Backwoods of NH
RE: riser bushings
Poly bushings highly recommended with taller risers +/or apes.
As far as crooked bars (and most are if you check out the dealer showrooms!), make sure riser bolts are tightened to spec, then loosen the top clamp bolts just enough to be able to move the bars slightly, crank the bars over to straight position with wheel full over to lock, and hold it their while tightening clamp bolts alternating side to side. An extra set of hands helps, but can be done alone with some contortion and using your shoulder/upper arm on the closest bar end. Worked like a charm for me.
As far as crooked bars (and most are if you check out the dealer showrooms!), make sure riser bolts are tightened to spec, then loosen the top clamp bolts just enough to be able to move the bars slightly, crank the bars over to straight position with wheel full over to lock, and hold it their while tightening clamp bolts alternating side to side. An extra set of hands helps, but can be done alone with some contortion and using your shoulder/upper arm on the closest bar end. Worked like a charm for me.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Southpaw Super Glide: A Left-Hand-Drive 1979 Harley FXE Built to Fit the Rider
Verdad Gallardo
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
