NEW Springer Bars
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Novice
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 20
Likes: 4
From: Kentucky
NEW Springer Bars
Hey gang -
Well, it's been almost a year since I got my '99 Springer, and I still love it! I appreciate everyone's feedback from last spring about different bar options and modifications, and about 10 months ago, I finally got things sorted out how I like them.
Being tall, I needed to have a higher rise, but really wanted a knuckle bar look (besides, I am used to drag bars, and LOVE that position). So, I decided that if I can't find what I want, I'll make it fit. Ordered some 1.25" knuckle bars, and some 1.25", 8" tall risers, got a couple six-packs, and called a few buddies over to do some work. Of course, things didn't bolt on as easily as we had anticipated, and the inside diameter of the risers was MUCH to small to accomodate the bolt that needed to go through them and mount to the Springer fort. At this point, we should have waited and found a place where we could use a drill press, but instead we grabbed a pipe wrench, a hammer drill, a table-top vice, and a very large drill bit, and proceeded to wrestle with 8" of aluminum bar stock. A few busted knuckles and some scratched chrome later, on went the risers.
Now I've got a wide (36") set of bars up 8" and back 2" (perfect for me), and solidly mounted to the forks (no bouncing or wobble). Combine that with the new springs and bushing we put on last April, and The General Earl VanDorn rides like it is on rails!
Sorry about my long post, but I figured anyone in a similar situation may find it interesting. Here are some before, during, and after photos.
Ride on,
Ben
Well, it's been almost a year since I got my '99 Springer, and I still love it! I appreciate everyone's feedback from last spring about different bar options and modifications, and about 10 months ago, I finally got things sorted out how I like them.
Being tall, I needed to have a higher rise, but really wanted a knuckle bar look (besides, I am used to drag bars, and LOVE that position). So, I decided that if I can't find what I want, I'll make it fit. Ordered some 1.25" knuckle bars, and some 1.25", 8" tall risers, got a couple six-packs, and called a few buddies over to do some work. Of course, things didn't bolt on as easily as we had anticipated, and the inside diameter of the risers was MUCH to small to accomodate the bolt that needed to go through them and mount to the Springer fort. At this point, we should have waited and found a place where we could use a drill press, but instead we grabbed a pipe wrench, a hammer drill, a table-top vice, and a very large drill bit, and proceeded to wrestle with 8" of aluminum bar stock. A few busted knuckles and some scratched chrome later, on went the risers.
Now I've got a wide (36") set of bars up 8" and back 2" (perfect for me), and solidly mounted to the forks (no bouncing or wobble). Combine that with the new springs and bushing we put on last April, and The General Earl VanDorn rides like it is on rails!
Sorry about my long post, but I figured anyone in a similar situation may find it interesting. Here are some before, during, and after photos.
Ride on,
Ben
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 2,216
Likes: 2
From: Mill City Mass.
I got basically the same setup. 5 inch risers cut down on the lathe a tad so they just clear the console. My bars don't have any rise just pull back though and angled em down a bit
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 2,216
Likes: 2
From: Mill City Mass.
Btw was it a pain in the nutz tightening down the risers and keeping em inline so the bars fit in properly? When mocking mine up I thought it was gonna be but they went right on perfect then I powdercoated everything and had to do it again and I must have gotten lucky the first time cause it took me a few tries after that lol. Not as easy as a one piece bar clamp.
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Novice
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 20
Likes: 4
From: Kentucky
SICK looking ride, Bradley.
Yes, it was a complete PITA to get those risers to line up so that I could mount the bar, but only on the right riser. Had to restart it about 4-5 times. It was almost as much of a pain to find strength-rated bolts that would thread into the springer fork - had to drive up to Maysville, KY and visit Fastenal (who happened to have some from a special order that was never picked up - I bought them all!). Four hours, one tank of gas, and about $85 later (had to buy my date lunch) I was back at work on the bike.
Ah well, it all makes for good stories, right???
Yes, it was a complete PITA to get those risers to line up so that I could mount the bar, but only on the right riser. Had to restart it about 4-5 times. It was almost as much of a pain to find strength-rated bolts that would thread into the springer fork - had to drive up to Maysville, KY and visit Fastenal (who happened to have some from a special order that was never picked up - I bought them all!). Four hours, one tank of gas, and about $85 later (had to buy my date lunch) I was back at work on the bike.
Ah well, it all makes for good stories, right???
Trending Topics
Looks awesome, what did you do with the stock risers? Been wanting to swap out my stock fx springer risers for the fl ones so I have more bar and less riser
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