Handlebar slip

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Jun 19, 2022 | 03:20 PM

dontdropit

Thread Starter

Stellar HDF Member

Joined: Oct 2007

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From: Kentucky

Handlebar slip

I just installed some 12 inch bars on my road glide. The riser pin had to be done away with. I'm a little concerned about the bars slipping, this is my first experience with changing bars. The new bars are knurled and I torqued the clamp bolts to spec. The install went great and the bars look awesome. As I said just a little concerned without that pin being in the riser but it seems to be common practice for the aftermarket to do away with it. I don't know maybe it's more of a location pin for installing the bars during assembly at the factory. Have any of you guys ever had 12 inch bars slip?

Jun 19, 2022 | 03:39 PM

Sam2010

Outstanding HDF Member

Joined: Aug 2009

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From: Puyallup Wa.

I recommend tightening them by hand over spec.
Everytime I tighten handlebars to spec. they slip. Example trying to pull the bike backwards or push it forwards.

Jun 19, 2022 | 04:11 PM

Spartanden

Seasoned HDF Member

Joined: Apr 2008

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From: Spartan Country, Michigan

I have done this on some dirt bikes way back when. If I had bars slip, I would take the upper riser off and take a flat chisel and "knock" some ridges in the riser. Not a hard whack, not deep ridges, but just 2 or 3 on each riser that would grip the bar when tightened down. That solved the problem for me. Just a suggestion. Try at your own risk!!

Jun 19, 2022 | 05:41 PM

Ultra103

Road Warrior

Joined: Apr 2008

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From: Arkansas

Gorilla Grabber top clamp will eliminate problems. I used a similar (but much cheaper) copy. Works great.

Jun 19, 2022 | 06:39 PM

Jshopes

Stellar HDF Member

Joined: Apr 2017

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From: Bunola pa

ive got the yaffe clamp on mine. its got 3 set screws in it. you can put set screws in yours. my bars have never slipped with this setup.

Jun 19, 2022 | 07:27 PM

dontdropit

Thread Starter

Stellar HDF Member

Joined: Oct 2007

Posts: 2,947

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From: Kentucky

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ultra103

Gorilla Grabber top clamp will eliminate problems. I used a similar (but much cheaper) copy. Works great.

I bought a gorilla grabber and it made contact with the back of the gauges, I would have to push down on the gauges and force them into place. I wasn't going to do that. The bike is a 2020 road glide. I may just pull the wires back on the left side and drill and tap it for a threaded pin, just for peace of mind. I'm having no issues but I want to feel comfortable that I won't get 500 miles from home and my bars slip on me.

Jun 19, 2022 | 08:33 PM

Spartanden

Seasoned HDF Member

Joined: Apr 2008

Posts: 23,399

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From: Spartan Country, Michigan

Tapping the clamp and using a set screw is something I had not thought of. Good Idea!!!

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Jun 20, 2022 | 09:23 AM

62hdbiker

Tourer

Joined: Sep 2009

Posts: 484

Likes: 38

From: DE

I take a center punch with the cap off and punch the bar on a angle- which causes a raised burr - sorta like the chisel referenced above. Works perfectly