How to align handlebar?
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 8,129
Likes: 1,981
From: Ottawa, CANADA
RE: How to align handlebar?
ORIGINAL: PoorBoy
So, for my '08 Fatboy, with 1& 1/4" internally wired bar and giantbare knuckled risers (quoting the marketing text for the stock set-up), I can get a hold of urethane bushings? From who? HD or another source?
I've looked up riser bushings; feeling overwhelmed with a huge assortment and speciality measurements. I don't know where or what to order.
Thanx!
ORIGINAL: kishstl
I replaced my rubber bushings with urethane and tightened them in sequence and they have not moved out of alignment for 10K miles. I had adjusted he rubber ones 3 or 4 times and they still tended to move to the right .
I replaced my rubber bushings with urethane and tightened them in sequence and they have not moved out of alignment for 10K miles. I had adjusted he rubber ones 3 or 4 times and they still tended to move to the right .
I've looked up riser bushings; feeling overwhelmed with a huge assortment and speciality measurements. I don't know where or what to order.
Thanx!
Cheers!
[sm=icon_rock.gif][sm=icon_rock.gif][sm=icon_rock.gif]
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 5,257
Likes: 6
From: Leander Texas
RE: How to align handlebar?
I had the same problem and the dealer said to turn the bars to the stop and give them a jab. That was only a temporary fix. I took I in for another problem and they fixed then this time and they stay aligned.[/align]
Tourer
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 362
Likes: 1
From: Texas
RE: How to align handlebar?
ORIGINAL: Trotter
It's not in the bushings.. It's in the sequance you tighten the Bar top Clamp.. Tighten front Fasteners to just hold the bars in place, Tighten rear fastners to 12-15 Ft-Lbs Final tighten front fastners to 12-15 Ft-Lbs ..There shopuld be a gap in the front....Then Torque the Riser Bolts to 30-40 Ft-Lbs..
It's not in the bushings.. It's in the sequance you tighten the Bar top Clamp.. Tighten front Fasteners to just hold the bars in place, Tighten rear fastners to 12-15 Ft-Lbs Final tighten front fastners to 12-15 Ft-Lbs ..There shopuld be a gap in the front....Then Torque the Riser Bolts to 30-40 Ft-Lbs..
My bars were off a bit. It bothered me. I took my bike in for service and forgot to ask about them straighteningthe bars. I got the bike back and noticed they fixed it. WhenI asked they told me its common, and mention about whatTrotter posted. They told me that assembly at the dealer is quick, and my salesman should have caught it. I was glad they caught it, and I did not have to make another trip to the stealer.
It really erked me driving with misaligned bars....
Cruiser
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 201
Likes: 1
From:
RE: How to align handlebar?
My new '08 was like that. I have noticed this anomoly on several Fat Boys I have ridden. I took mine into the dealer service when I picked up my plate and the straightened it, no questions asked. Straight as an arrow now.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 4,344
Likes: 67
From: Hooterville, Fl.
RE: How to align handlebar?
I agree with Trotter. I would try the bar clamp sequence first before messing with the riser bolts. I tried all the other things first and was willing to live with it. I then wanted to pull back my bars a little for a long ride and when I tightened them I noticed the angle changed. Ah Ha I said. Loosend the riser clamp bolts all the way and retightened them a little at a time and rotating and now the bars are straight.
By the way the Poly bushings give the bike a more secure feel while riding than the rubber ones and would not go back. But change them for the right reason and not to try to staighten your bars.
By the way the Poly bushings give the bike a more secure feel while riding than the rubber ones and would not go back. But change them for the right reason and not to try to staighten your bars.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 2,502
Likes: 410
From: South Florida
RE: How to align handlebar?
Most people have one arm that's longer than the other. Because of the difference in length, sometimes the bars will adjust to the rider's particular seating and hand position. That's why they always drift to the right. Plus, you roll the throttle towards you, and keep the clutch wrist locked. So, they naturally have a tendency to go that way. During hard braking, you death grip on the left and pull in on the right while you're braking. again, it's the way they move.
Basically, it's normal. Don't ride by look. Ride by feel, and you'll see what I mean.
Basically, it's normal. Don't ride by look. Ride by feel, and you'll see what I mean.
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