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constructing handlebars??

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Old Sep 6, 2007 | 09:20 AM
  #1  
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Default constructing handlebars??

Having a hard time deciding on what handlebar to use to replace stock bars on my 07' Deluxe. Looking at the handlebar specs is to difficult to visulaize.I was thinking of just marking up the handlebar using the spec dimensions from HD and Wild1.

Any ideas on how I can do this easily? I was thinking of using some tpye of tubing. But, would I maintain its shape after bending?
 
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Old Sep 6, 2007 | 10:17 AM
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Default RE: constructing handlebars??

Are you planning to make up a set of bars youreself?

As a template, I would think about using a metal clothes hangar to mock up the shape and height, then once you are comfortable with the design, transfer that to tube and start making things work.
 
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Old Sep 6, 2007 | 10:26 AM
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Default RE: constructing handlebars??

No, I want to just get an idea of positionbefore purchasing handlebars.

Great input and thankx...
 
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Old Sep 6, 2007 | 11:43 AM
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Default RE: constructing handlebars??

Don't laugh, but this is a method that several use. Take a pair of handlebar grips, and sit on your bike. Put your hands in a position that you believe you will like. There are a few dimensions that you will need to get. How far apart are your hands measured at the little finger? Add a couple of inches to that number. Now how far back are they from your existing risers? Keep in mind that other risers are avail. How high are they from your existing risers? The only thing left is what angle do you want your hands to be? Some like their hands to be horizontal, but I like mine to be 45 degrees down from horizontal. I ended up putting Fx bars on my FLSTC. and then making a 1.250 spacer for the stock risers. My wife put the same bars on her FLSTC but used a riser with a bit more set back. Or, look for a setup you think will work for you and copy it. Sometimes it is tough geting a bike to fit. Don
 
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Old Sep 6, 2007 | 02:50 PM
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Default RE: constructing handlebars??

good luck with that.
 
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Old Sep 6, 2007 | 02:51 PM
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Default RE: constructing handlebars??

Use some Romex to make a rough setup.
[align=left] [/align]
 
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Old Sep 7, 2007 | 07:20 AM
  #7  
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Default RE: constructing handlebars??

Okay, I had this idea that I would take the HD specs (ie., measurments) on the handlebars that I thought may be in the ball park.Ifigured tht I would use TRat's romex idea (thankx TRat). Problem is that the picture in the specs showing how to measure the rise, pullback, and width don;t make any sense. Even when measuring my stock bar doesn't work out correctly. For example, my Deluxe uses :
Part #: 55919-82
Bar Width: 32.5"
Base Width: 14.25"
Rise:5.75"
Pullback: 9"
Knurl: 3.50"

So, if I use their picture ansd measure the Base width, I get like 9" at most. Rise doesn't make sense either.

any other thoughts on how to pursue my idea is greatly appreciated...
 
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Old Sep 7, 2007 | 07:30 AM
  #8  
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Default RE: constructing handlebars??

Compare the stock pn. spec to what you measure, and use that as a guide line. The pictures in the Harley book will also help. I'm working on a set up for my sister-in-law's 2007 1300 vtx, and will be able to get very close to what she needs with 03 1800 vtxR handlebars. Without calculating the bend angles it can be tough. As for using Romex, wire or anything along that line, Thats OK if you are going to fabricate your bars, or intend to take the pattern to a shop and compare it to a bunch of handlebars. Don
 
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Old Sep 7, 2007 | 09:01 AM
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Default RE: constructing handlebars??

If I need a visual, I usually go look for a bike like mine that has the part on it. If I can't find one, then I search the internet. Wild1 has a lot of bike pics on their site. I found mine there and picked my bars that way. There are a lot of pics of bikes on Ebay too.

But if you absolutely need a mock-up on your bike, you can use PVC conduit and piece it together fairly close using elbows or heat-and-bending. You can also use EMT conduit if you know how to use a conduit bender. Both EMT and PVC conduit is fairly cheap, available anywhere and easy to work with.
 
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