Bars not straight?
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6th Gear
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
From: Nova Scotia, Canada
Bars not straight?
When I bought my '12 Road King (new) it always seemed to be a little off in the front end. The left grip felt farther away than the right one. I changed to the Heritage style bars for a little more pull back and still felt the same. I just added a vented windshield (RK CVO style) which is much smaller than the stock shield. When riding it is obvious that the left side of the shield is also a little farther out than the right. I guess the bars aren't off, it must be the whole front end! Any suggestions???
Club Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 15,420
Likes: 7,118
From: Beyond Fucital
Or, loosen everything get a few others to help, twist it straight, hold and tighten. Some times it's the triple trees, the bar bushings, the forks, axle, top clamp. When I say loose not sloppy loose just loose enough.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 3,780
Likes: 69
From: Al Bu Ker Key, New Mexico
Interesting. Every Harley I have ever ridden has always felt to me that the right hand grip was slightly closer to me. Always thought it might be intentional to place the throttle grip closer to the rider. Maybe its just how I sit in the saddle? Perhaps my right arm is shorter.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 5,157
Likes: 740
From: new caney, tx
May be an installation issue.. First time I did my bars myself they were off a bit.. RE adjusted them and they were off the other way lol
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Intermediate
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 37
Likes: 0
From: Netherlands ( europa)
Same feeling on my road king 2004. In the end i checked everything. Did a complete alignment ! No difference , and the bikes tracks perfect. If you do a search on google you find more of these topics. I guess it is a optical ilussion.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 17,547
Likes: 7,153
From: Oxford, Nc
I've never owned a rubber bushing'd' Harley where the handlebars were perfectly aligned with the front forks. (Come to think of it, my tour pak tilts to the right and the saddlebags don't sit exactly right either.) Yep, all's normal!
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 5,105
Likes: 16
From: Blaine, WA
It's the bar bushings - every time you lift the bike off the stand you push them a little and after a while the right grip looks visibly closer than the left. With the bars at full left lock, simply give the right grip a good push and its fixed..........until next time