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Bent handlebars - fix or replace?

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Old Apr 3, 2011 | 05:16 PM
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NC SeaDog's Avatar
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Default Bent handlebars - fix or replace?
Managed to slightly bend the bars on my 02 flhpi - the left side is now about 1" further back than the right. Can't find any threads about straightening them out. Does anyone have any tips on how to do it? Should I just buy new ones? I figure this will happen again, so it might be a good idea to figure out how to fix it!
 
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Old Apr 3, 2011 | 05:24 PM
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I'd replace them, almost impossible to get back perfect, not to mention being weaker, how did you bend them, and why do you say it'll happen again?
 
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Old Apr 3, 2011 | 05:26 PM
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Good-bye, old, and possibly dangerous bars.

Hello, new bars in whatever shape, size, and color I want...
 
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Old Apr 3, 2011 | 05:30 PM
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Replace. They are surprisingly thin, I would not take a chance with them.
 
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Old Apr 3, 2011 | 05:36 PM
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Absolutely throw them away. Better still, cut them in half so nobody finds them in the trash and thinks it's their lucky day.
 
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Old Apr 3, 2011 | 05:41 PM
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Well I dropped the bike at about 3-4 mph in soft grass and I guess the handlebar just buried itself a bit - no other damage, scratches, etc. I assume it will happen again because it's been a long time since I rode, and I'm pretty much learning again. Did just get "Ride like a Pro" and watched enough to understand what I messed up. Looking forward to getting some radiator hose on the crash bars and learning to handle the bike like the cops do! Maybe I should wait before putting new bars on!?
 
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Old Apr 3, 2011 | 05:46 PM
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Did you actually bend them or just twist them off of center?
 
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Old Apr 3, 2011 | 05:49 PM
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Originally Posted by Road Ranger
Did you actually bend them or just twist them off of center?
That's what I was wondering.
Terry
 
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Old Apr 3, 2011 | 05:50 PM
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With all the guys changing out to APES, there oughtta be enough really cheap ones laying around !!
 
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Old Apr 3, 2011 | 05:53 PM
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figure out if they're bent and if so replace. Stock bars are very cheap and can often be had on CL for ~$25. The real problem is the work to swap them out but given you're riding a Road King that's not as big a consideration.
 
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