1988 Flhs handlebar replacement
Thread Starter
|
Stage IV
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
From: Saskatoon, SK, Canada
1988 Flhs handlebar replacement
Hey guys, I picked up my first harley this spring, a beautiful 1988 flhs. The bike is great, was well taken care of and runs well. The only problem is Im several inches taller than the previous owner and the stock handlebars put some strain on my back on longer rides. Im pretty green to this stuff, so Im basically looking to have a few questions answered on handlebar replacement.
Where are handlebars measured from? from the bend at the base to the bend at the grip?
What cables should be replaced and where would I find them? some seem to have enough slack for longer bars, how far can I safely stretch them?
Im sure Ill think of more so Ill probably be updating. Thanks for reading.
Where are handlebars measured from? from the bend at the base to the bend at the grip?
What cables should be replaced and where would I find them? some seem to have enough slack for longer bars, how far can I safely stretch them?
Im sure Ill think of more so Ill probably be updating. Thanks for reading.
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
Likes: 2,898
From: Bedford UK
Hi Jem and welcome to HDF from the UK. 1990 FLHS here, owned from new.
I used to joke that Harley handlebars were assembled on the production line by gorillas, because the darned things always seemed to be too high and far away for me! That was a problem with my bike when new and it took me several attempts to adjust them, before I got them 'just so'. They gave me a stiff neck and shoulders on longer runs, but having got them right I can tour for a fortnight in complete comfort.
So my first suggestion is that you try adjusting what you have. If they are stock you will be surprised what happens as you swing them through the available arc they can rotate. If they are too low at present, as you rotate them upwards the grips will also move away from you. Unless you are an odd shape I reckon you will be able to get them comfortable, for nothing other than a little time and effort.
I would however recommend you get the factory service manual, #99483-90, which is the same as for my bike. Your local friendly dealer can supply, or get one in if they don't have one in stock. One final point, we have a dedicated Evo forum, where you can meet up with fellow FLHS owners. Do call in!
I used to joke that Harley handlebars were assembled on the production line by gorillas, because the darned things always seemed to be too high and far away for me! That was a problem with my bike when new and it took me several attempts to adjust them, before I got them 'just so'. They gave me a stiff neck and shoulders on longer runs, but having got them right I can tour for a fortnight in complete comfort.
So my first suggestion is that you try adjusting what you have. If they are stock you will be surprised what happens as you swing them through the available arc they can rotate. If they are too low at present, as you rotate them upwards the grips will also move away from you. Unless you are an odd shape I reckon you will be able to get them comfortable, for nothing other than a little time and effort.
I would however recommend you get the factory service manual, #99483-90, which is the same as for my bike. Your local friendly dealer can supply, or get one in if they don't have one in stock. One final point, we have a dedicated Evo forum, where you can meet up with fellow FLHS owners. Do call in!
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
AustinRider
Touring Models
12
Apr 7, 2015 03:02 PM
