When I picked up my used WG last week it had very loose risers, like the bars would move an inch or more back and forth if you pulled on them. So I cranked down the bolts when I got it home, but they still wiggle. There is some kind of rubber washer or fitting in the triple tree hole, I assume to cut down on vibration.

But the vibrations are bad, like really bad. I am wondering if A- they should remain somewhat loose and B- I tightened them too much which is why my bars shake so bad.

Whats the torque spec on the riser bolts?

 

Torque spec is 30-40ft/lbs if I am not mistaken.

 

may also be riser bushing time... dont go rubber go poly they will give it a much nicer feel, i replace mine every 2 years

 

If it was a dealer they are responsible for fixing it.
If a individual replace the riser bushings.

 

Mine was the same way. I bought the poly bushings from the dealer and it took ten minutes to install them. no movement in the bars and not too much vibration. Mine was so bad that the bottom edge of the risers gouged the triple tree a bit. That's what finally made me decide to upgrade.

 

Rubber bushings have quite a bit of play in them. If you are running taller bars, definitely switch to poly bushings. You may feel a little more vibe in the bars.

 

I have loose risers on every one of my Harleys I've owned in the past, you can always tighten them a little more but end up stripping the threads.
Needless to say, my ape moves back and forth over time. Aluminum is terrible, strip easily. Since I helicoil all 4 threaded hole, never had to tighten up the bolts once. Poly bushing is a must, stock one doesn't last.