road glide riser bushings replacement
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6th Gear
Joined: Jan 2021
Posts: 10
Likes: 2
From: Iowa
road glide riser bushings replacement
I have been all over YouTube and the rest of the internet and still can't find any information on this. I have a 2020 road glide special. I have new bars as well as a new upper and lower clamp to install and while I am at it I also want to put in some better quality bushings. what I am trying to find out is if the inner or outer fairing has to be removed in order to access everything.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 4,006
Likes: 1,240
From: On the Front Range, CO
With the right tools, no, the fairings do not need to be removed.
You can get to the riser bolts with a longer extension, ratchet, and 3/4" socket. Come up from the bottom. Cover your front fender too, just in case. Better safe than sorry.
I suggest breaking each bolt lose, then fully remove one and then fully remove the other. If you fully remove one bolt before breaking the other one loose, it'll be difficult to break the second bolt loose without the riser turning with the bolt.
It will be necessary to turn the forks fully to each side to get access to the bolts. Once you get the bolt out far enough, you won't be able to turn the fork to the other direction until the bolt is completely removed.
You can get to the riser bolts with a longer extension, ratchet, and 3/4" socket. Come up from the bottom. Cover your front fender too, just in case. Better safe than sorry.
I suggest breaking each bolt lose, then fully remove one and then fully remove the other. If you fully remove one bolt before breaking the other one loose, it'll be difficult to break the second bolt loose without the riser turning with the bolt.
It will be necessary to turn the forks fully to each side to get access to the bolts. Once you get the bolt out far enough, you won't be able to turn the fork to the other direction until the bolt is completely removed.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 23,399
Likes: 8,509
From: Spartan Country, Michigan
Not being a smart ***... A service manual and parts manual would certainly help with this info! I find a review in these two manuals will most generally help me. Nothing wrong with searching internet or asking here either. Sometimes the info could be at your fingertips. Good luck on your project.
Thread Starter
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6th Gear
Joined: Jan 2021
Posts: 10
Likes: 2
From: Iowa
Not being a smart ***... A service manual and parts manual would certainly help with this info! I find a review in these two manuals will most generally help me. Nothing wrong with searching internet or asking here either. Sometimes the info could be at your fingertips. Good luck on your project.
On a brand new motorcycle with what I would assume to be brand new bushings, there's not an "upgrade" to putting in new bushings. The real upgrade is the clamp you have, and hopefully it's higher quality that will prevent the bars from slipping.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 4,006
Likes: 1,240
From: On the Front Range, CO
Originally Posted by NoRegerts;[url=tel:20384003
20384003[/url]]On a brand new motorcycle with what I would assume to be brand new bushings, there's not an "upgrade" to putting in new bushings. The real upgrade is the clamp you have, and hopefully it's higher quality that will prevent the bars from slipping.
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I have a question unrelated to this thread. Why did you strip and redo the PC on your primary cover?
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Grand HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 4,006
Likes: 1,240
From: On the Front Range, CO
On the Softail I used solid bushings and new risers and clamps. Absolute must. On the SG I added a new top clamp with set screws when I added taller bars. But the bushings are the same stock rubber and the bars don't move. I did not see what bars he was going to, but assume taller.
I have a question unrelated to this thread. Why did you strip and redo the PC on your primary cover?
I have a question unrelated to this thread. Why did you strip and redo the PC on your primary cover?
I tend to get a little OCD with these sorts of things. It's also why I had the front fork legs stripped and re-powdercoated when I installed the Legend AXEOs last year.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 2,379
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I know this is an old post, but wanted to say thanks to Redbeard719 for the heads up on how to replace the bushings, I did this job yesterday on a friends 2000 Road Glide and this thread was a huge help.
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