solid riser bushings and top clamps???
solid riser bushings and top clamps???
Hey guys,
Just put a set of 12" monkey bars on my flhx. I was pressed for time so I knowingly overlooked a few things. Everything was fine during the trip, but I did have a few issues.
1) I left the stock rubber riser bushings in - spongey with the extra leverage
2) Even with the clamp torqued w/ loctite applied the bars slipped a little when I pulled the bike out of the wheel chock on my trailer (the black harbor freight cradle type). So I'm also going to look into an upgraded clamp.
Before I even left, I had in my head I wanted to look for some solid bushings. I used them on my softail and have no problems to this day. The solid mounting doesn't bother me. I was just doing some research and found AlloyArt offers ones called Gooden tight. They look fine, but I am a little concerned after seeing users remarks in a few spots about switch panel clearance. It seems that they rise up the bars and clamp slightly causing some interference with the switch panel?? I'm thinking it was just the clamps they were using???
I'm just looking for some guidance really... I'd like some sort of solid mount and a better clamp that works. I'm already going to have to pull this all back apart to clean up the knurling, so hopefully this time will be the last I have to go in after that stuff.
Just put a set of 12" monkey bars on my flhx. I was pressed for time so I knowingly overlooked a few things. Everything was fine during the trip, but I did have a few issues.
1) I left the stock rubber riser bushings in - spongey with the extra leverage
2) Even with the clamp torqued w/ loctite applied the bars slipped a little when I pulled the bike out of the wheel chock on my trailer (the black harbor freight cradle type). So I'm also going to look into an upgraded clamp.
Before I even left, I had in my head I wanted to look for some solid bushings. I used them on my softail and have no problems to this day. The solid mounting doesn't bother me. I was just doing some research and found AlloyArt offers ones called Gooden tight. They look fine, but I am a little concerned after seeing users remarks in a few spots about switch panel clearance. It seems that they rise up the bars and clamp slightly causing some interference with the switch panel?? I'm thinking it was just the clamps they were using???
I'm just looking for some guidance really... I'd like some sort of solid mount and a better clamp that works. I'm already going to have to pull this all back apart to clean up the knurling, so hopefully this time will be the last I have to go in after that stuff.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 14,744
Likes: 402
From: Phoenix '53, '88, '09 Big Twins
bars can slip- consider drilling through the clamp & pinning.
but when wrassling the bike, try to keep your hands down low hear the clamps and you won't pull the bars away from where you like them
mike
but when wrassling the bike, try to keep your hands down low hear the clamps and you won't pull the bars away from where you like them
mike
Tourer
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 345
Likes: 19
From: Indiana
UHMW Riser Bushings
I made my riser bushings on the CNC lathe out of UHMW (UltraHigh Molecular Weight Polyethylene), I make suspension bushings out of this material and just cut a few sets of these riser bushings one day. Work great and just replaces the OEM rubber bushings but keeps the steel sleeves and top/bottom covers.
If anyone wants to try mine send me a PM for more info.
If anyone wants to try mine send me a PM for more info.
I used these and they worked great:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Ape-Bagger-H...#ht_153wt_1124
http://www.ebay.com/itm/ARLEN-NESS-P...ht_3006wt_1362
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Ape-Bagger-H...#ht_153wt_1124
http://www.ebay.com/itm/ARLEN-NESS-P...ht_3006wt_1362
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 2,216
Likes: 102
From: Central Illinois
I used the Yaffe top clamp with the set screws, no slippage whatsoever, even when wrestling the bike around holding the grips. I also used poly bushings but realize you will still get movement of the bars even with poly, just less movement. The higher the bars, the more movement you will get.
I made my riser bushings on the CNC lathe out of UHMW (UltraHigh Molecular Weight Polyethylene), I make suspension bushings out of this material and just cut a few sets of these riser bushings one day. Work great and just replaces the OEM rubber bushings but keeps the steel sleeves and top/bottom covers.
If anyone wants to try mine send me a PM for more info.
If anyone wants to try mine send me a PM for more info.
PM Sent
I havent been back on hdforums in weeks. have alot of reading and research to do tonight. thanks guys! I'd prefer for them not to slip if at all possible.
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Cruiser
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 239
Likes: 23
From: Edwardsville, IL
I made a set of 16" bars for my King from 1.5" tubing. Mine slipped a little bit, so I took the caps off and put a little blue loktite under the caps. lined the bars back up, tightened the caps, no issues for over 2 months now.
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