Handlebar Adjustment
Thread Starter
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Road Warrior
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 1,294
Likes: 1
From: South FL
Handlebar Adjustment
Hi all,
I have a little problem with my new bike. If I sit toward the front so my hand can hold the grip comfortably, then my back is about three inches away from the backrest.
I am 5.08, and my arm reach is average (i guess). My questions are what should I do? Replace a longer handle bar, or modify the backrest, so it moves toward the front for about 2 - 3 inches.
How hard to install a new handle bar?
I don't have a service manual (in order), so I don't know how to remove the seat (this is my first HD).
Any info would be appreciated.
Nick
I have a little problem with my new bike. If I sit toward the front so my hand can hold the grip comfortably, then my back is about three inches away from the backrest.
I am 5.08, and my arm reach is average (i guess). My questions are what should I do? Replace a longer handle bar, or modify the backrest, so it moves toward the front for about 2 - 3 inches.
How hard to install a new handle bar?
I don't have a service manual (in order), so I don't know how to remove the seat (this is my first HD).
Any info would be appreciated.
Nick
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 28,476
Likes: 3,950
From: Vermont
It can be done yourself. A manual is a must if you've never worked on a bike before. Depending on the bar you chose, you may have to replace the clutch cable and brake cable. I run Khromewerks +2 sweepers (pn#300515 for 08 and later) and needed to only change out the clutch cable.
Tourer
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 433
Likes: 0
From: Northern Alabama
I don't know which backrest you have, but when I installed mine there were three sets of holes in the mounting bracket. As this only involves two nuts to change it would seem to be the quickest and easiest solution. It also might provive a bit more room for a passenger.
Road Master
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 815
Likes: 0
From: GA
It can be done yourself. A manual is a must if you've never worked on a bike before. Depending on the bar you chose, you may have to replace the clutch cable and brake cable. I run Khromewerks +2 sweepers (pn#300515 for 08 and later) and needed to only change out the clutch cable.
Thread Starter
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Road Warrior
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 1,294
Likes: 1
From: South FL
I don't know which backrest you have, but when I installed mine there were three sets of holes in the mounting bracket. As this only involves two nuts to change it would seem to be the quickest and easiest solution. It also might provive a bit more room for a passenger.
I need information of how to REMOVE the seat. For now, it is a painful experience to ride with a stock HD seat.
Any info will be appreciated
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Road Master
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 815
Likes: 0
From: GA
I put the adjustabel backrest on to start with and it cured my positon problems. Had Alan at MCC do a double stack of memory foam for rider and single for wife and that cured the seat problem.
Now for the freakin bars to bring it all together
Now for the freakin bars to bring it all together
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Road Captain
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 602
Likes: 2
From: SE Michigan
I'm the same height as you and just changed my handle bars. what a big difference along with having my backrest adjusted properly.
there' should be a single screw in the middle, farthest towards the back of the seat. this is the screw you take out to remove your seat. be very careful when removing screw and seat as to not scratch your rear fender. have some towels handy to put under the seat after the screw is lose. be certain to use the right size screwdriver, maybe a stubbie phillips head will get under the tour pack. the dealer has a long one they use and opens the tourpack so the pad is out of the way.
there should be some adjustment for your backrest under the seat where you can move it forward. it may take a few times of experimenting to get it right.
I just changed out my handle bars on my 08 FLHX. I went with the HD touring pullback handle bars. but that was because I have fairing mirrors I wanted to keep useing. along with wanting my hands behind the fairing for cold riding. the kromewerks sweepers were a suggestion as well.
you'll need to change the clutch cable whichever one you go with.
there' should be a single screw in the middle, farthest towards the back of the seat. this is the screw you take out to remove your seat. be very careful when removing screw and seat as to not scratch your rear fender. have some towels handy to put under the seat after the screw is lose. be certain to use the right size screwdriver, maybe a stubbie phillips head will get under the tour pack. the dealer has a long one they use and opens the tourpack so the pad is out of the way.
there should be some adjustment for your backrest under the seat where you can move it forward. it may take a few times of experimenting to get it right.
I just changed out my handle bars on my 08 FLHX. I went with the HD touring pullback handle bars. but that was because I have fairing mirrors I wanted to keep useing. along with wanting my hands behind the fairing for cold riding. the kromewerks sweepers were a suggestion as well.
you'll need to change the clutch cable whichever one you go with.