Finally got around to replacing my bars.

Took off a set of drag bars and replaced them with a set of Biltwell Tracker. Have them mounted on 8in risers and only had to straighten out the front brake line a little.

Now I noticed that when Im sitting on the bike and push foward or pull back on the bars the riser/bars move slightly back and forth on the trees.

Flexing on the bushings?

I never noticed it with my other bars.

Normal or should I replace the handlebar bushings?

 

switch to poly's. i went with solids though. absolutley no movment. i run 8" risers and sportster 48 bars. very similar to your set up

 

I have a similar setup on 6.5" risers and have no movement. I have the poly bushings as well. super solid.

 

are the riser bolts torqued down good?

 

The movement you see there is normal with stock rubber bushings. I replaced mine with poly and hated it. To much vibration from the poly. I bought a new set of rubber bushings and the bad vibes were gone. My opinion is that with drag bars you do not need poly bushings. Stay with the rubber. With apes poly would be better..

 

That was my first thought, but checked them and they are tightened down.

I figured with the added height and back sweep the Tracker bars have over the drag bars I am putting more torque on the bushings/risers.

I guess I will pick up some poly bushings and give that a try.

 

yep i agree , go solids and be done with it

 

Tried the polys, but caused way to much vibes. I ended up doing a hybrid. I used poly in the bottom halves, and stock rubber in the top. Worked well for me,bars stay straight and vibes aren't bad

 

Which solids did your guys go with?

 

Picked up some new Poly Bushings for the bike.

Old on the left, new ones on the right.




New ones in the triple trees waiting for the bars to go back on.



Simple quick job for anyone thinking about changing theirs out.



Best tip I can give it make sure you pay attention to the ground wire that is mounted to the handlebar bolt.




Didnt pay attention to what I was doing and this happened.







Several of you suggested solid bushings. Figured I would try the polys and ride the bike awhile and see how they feel.

There is still a little movement on the bars when I push them. But nothing as bad as with the stock bushings.