Play in Handlebars
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Tourer
Joined: Feb 2008
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From:
Play in Handlebars
Hi, I have a 1991 xlh 1200 with buckhorn handlebars.
I'm not sure if the play in the handlebars are normal or not, but there is a slight movement if I push the bars forward and back, I would say 1/4". The actual movement can be seen from the (forgive me, I'm new, don't know the parts names yet) two bolts and rubber washers under the (stem?). Also movement can be seen viewing from top down where the handlebars go through the stem. I checked the bolts under the stem and they are very tight.
Also, I've been pushing this bike up a sloped driveway (by the handlebars) with a lot of force. Should I not be doing this? This could be the problem, but like I said, I may have not noticed the play before. (I've had the bike for about a month).
Thanks for your help.
I'm not sure if the play in the handlebars are normal or not, but there is a slight movement if I push the bars forward and back, I would say 1/4". The actual movement can be seen from the (forgive me, I'm new, don't know the parts names yet) two bolts and rubber washers under the (stem?). Also movement can be seen viewing from top down where the handlebars go through the stem. I checked the bolts under the stem and they are very tight.
Also, I've been pushing this bike up a sloped driveway (by the handlebars) with a lot of force. Should I not be doing this? This could be the problem, but like I said, I may have not noticed the play before. (I've had the bike for about a month).
Thanks for your help.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 3,146
Likes: 50
From: A barrier island in NJ
RE: Play in Handlebars
Your handlebars should be solidly attached and rigid to the bike. If you can't tighten them any further, and they still move, you MUST correct the problem.
The bars may be 7/8" when you should have 1" and you need to go back to 1" bars, or maybe someonemakes shims that can be used. The way you are pushing the bike uphill by the bars should haveno influence on them as the reason they areloose. As I said, the bars should be solidly attached and rigid to the bike. Something is wrong if they move even in the slightest.
The bars may be 7/8" when you should have 1" and you need to go back to 1" bars, or maybe someonemakes shims that can be used. The way you are pushing the bike uphill by the bars should haveno influence on them as the reason they areloose. As I said, the bars should be solidly attached and rigid to the bike. Something is wrong if they move even in the slightest.
Club Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 16,320
Likes: 306
From: Boynton Beach, FloriDuh
RE: Play in Handlebars
Thumper is correct, the bars shouldn't move. If they are taller buckhorns, pushing it like you describe probably hasn't helped. You can easily make a couple of shims out of an aluminum soda/beer can. Cut a couple of strips about 1/2" x 1" long out of the can and insert them on either side of the bars between the bars and bar clamp.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 2,192
Likes: 2
From: Metro Milwaukee, WI
RE: Play in Handlebars
I think the OP is talking about the risers where they meet the Upper triple tree. If this is the case the Pre 04 bikes have rubber mounted risers for vibration dampening purposes. You will get a little movement out of them If it's the bars themselves moving in the risers than there is a problem.
Road Captain
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 657
Likes: 4
From: Daytona Beach
RE: Play in Handlebars
Biker Trash is correct.The risers( "stem" askelton3 said)will have a little play in them from the bushings.The taller the bar the more play you'll notice.If it's alot, the bushings can be replaced relatively cheap, but you'll still get some movement.As long as the bars are not turning in the clamp it's nothing to worry about.From what you described(1/4" of play) they sound fine.
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Tourer
Joined: Feb 2008
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From:
RE: Play in Handlebars
Thanks for the info everyone. I believe now it is the riser bushings. Here's what I found on the web:
The majority of American V-twin motorcycles use a handlebar fastening system that connects the handlebar to the top triple-tree with a handlebar damper kit. This kit is generally made up of bushings, either rubber or polyurethane, sleeves, washers, and bolts. The pieces used in combination not only form the bond between the top tree and the handlebar, but also use the bushings to help reduce vibrations from reaching the handlebars and eventually your hands.
Harleys, as well as other motorcycles, come stock with rubber bushings installed over the sleeves. Over time, the rubber bushings have a tendency to soften and give the handlebars a mushy feel. Other factors that can give bushings a softer feel are exposure to ultra-violet rays, sudden impact, and excessive vibration. Tall or long bars alone or in conjunction with tall risers can all have a detrimental effect on the life of rubber bushings.
Removing the tin on the backside of the forks allowed us access to the 1/2-inch bolts which pass through the sleeves and fasten to the bottom of the risers. A 3/4-inch socket made bolt removal simple.
In order to restore or improve on the original feel the bars once had, replacement of the worn bushings with new ones is imperative. The major difference between rubber and urethane bushings is the density of the material and its ability to dampen vibrations. Makers of urethane bushings claim their pieces are upwards of 25 percent stiffer than their rubber counterparts, while still maintaining the ability to reduce vibrations as well as the softer rubber units. This added stiffness not only restores handlebar feel but also makes bars feel firmer than when the bike was new.
Thanks!!!!
The majority of American V-twin motorcycles use a handlebar fastening system that connects the handlebar to the top triple-tree with a handlebar damper kit. This kit is generally made up of bushings, either rubber or polyurethane, sleeves, washers, and bolts. The pieces used in combination not only form the bond between the top tree and the handlebar, but also use the bushings to help reduce vibrations from reaching the handlebars and eventually your hands.
Harleys, as well as other motorcycles, come stock with rubber bushings installed over the sleeves. Over time, the rubber bushings have a tendency to soften and give the handlebars a mushy feel. Other factors that can give bushings a softer feel are exposure to ultra-violet rays, sudden impact, and excessive vibration. Tall or long bars alone or in conjunction with tall risers can all have a detrimental effect on the life of rubber bushings.
Removing the tin on the backside of the forks allowed us access to the 1/2-inch bolts which pass through the sleeves and fasten to the bottom of the risers. A 3/4-inch socket made bolt removal simple.
In order to restore or improve on the original feel the bars once had, replacement of the worn bushings with new ones is imperative. The major difference between rubber and urethane bushings is the density of the material and its ability to dampen vibrations. Makers of urethane bushings claim their pieces are upwards of 25 percent stiffer than their rubber counterparts, while still maintaining the ability to reduce vibrations as well as the softer rubber units. This added stiffness not only restores handlebar feel but also makes bars feel firmer than when the bike was new.
Thanks!!!!
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Grand HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 4,122
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From: Boise Idaho
RE: Play in Handlebars
If your bars are rotating in the risers, first check that they aretighten properly and if theyare what you need todo is pull the top clamps off one at a time and sand or grind down the bottom of the clamp to getmore clearance so when you tighten them they don't bottom out.
I just went through this on my Road King, the new bars I put on had smaller nurling than the originals an to get them tight I had to remove a little material from the bottom of the clamps.
I just went through this on my Road King, the new bars I put on had smaller nurling than the originals an to get them tight I had to remove a little material from the bottom of the clamps.
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