Changing out handle bar controls
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Tourer
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 486
Likes: 1
From: Southern MD
Changing out handle bar controls
I got a chrome set that I may attempt to get on the bike before the bike show in the next few days. Anyone have any tips to make life easier while I am fumbling?
I heard that the wires getting pinched is the biggest thing to be careful of... anything else?
Thanx in advance my HDF brothers.
Benji
I heard that the wires getting pinched is the biggest thing to be careful of... anything else?
Thanx in advance my HDF brothers.
Benji
Cruiser
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 121
Likes: 2
From: Atlantic City Area
RE: Changing out handle bar controls
Suggestions? Get some little fingers <g> Seriously, I just did mine 2 weekends ago. Like you said, be careful of pinching wires. On the right side be careful of the brake light switch, be very gentle with it. Be careful you don't lose the wedge for the brake light switch, it may have a tendency to pop out. I found the left side easier to do than the right side because of that brake light switch bracket on the right side which was pretty stubborn coming out. You have an extra set of switches if you have cruise or radio to worry about. If you're doing chrome switch covers as well, they were kind of a bitch to snap on completely. They do look nice though and well worth the effort.
http://rides.webshots.com/photo/2723...74853617JpFlVa
http://rides.webshots.com/photo/2939...74853617GJwGXU
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 2,378
Likes: 1
From: Boise, Idaho
RE: Changing out handle bar controls
where bifocles and lay off the booze for a while. The shakes make it even tougher. Changed my switch covers out on my UC. Patience is the word!!
[IMG]local://upfiles/12616/21CCE7B57E054D93B8A66E14B31AFEFA.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]local://upfiles/12616/21CCE7B57E054D93B8A66E14B31AFEFA.jpg[/IMG]
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Joined: Mar 2005
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From:
RE: Changing out handle bar controls
When I did mine on my RKC, I took several close up pics with my camera. Then when I was putting it all back together...I just referred to the different pics. Also I took the brake lever right out the housing to stop the brake light switch getting damaged. It isn't very difficult if you take your time.3 hours should see both done, no problems at all.
Brian.
Brian.
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Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 10,449
Likes: 46
From: Roswell, GA
RE: Changing out handle bar controls
If you are doing the entire handlebar control package, cover tank and fender to protect paint from brake fluid, dropped tools, etc.; use a magnetic tip Phillips screwdriver for the tiny screws that hold the switch brackets inside the switch housings to the housings; purchase some extra brass ferules for the throttle and idle cables (they disappear if dropped; return them to the dealer for a refund if you don't use them); create slack in the throttle and idle cables at the adjustment nut (there is probably enough slack to simply slide the grip and throttle/idle cables off the handlebar, there was on mine) which makes the changeover a bit easier instead of working around the handlebar; pay attention to how the wires are routed inside the housings (a digital camera can be handy here); and lube the cables while you have them exposed.
I did mine in Nov. last year when I installed cruise control on my EG. Just don't rush, read the instructions (I did it a couple of times as well as reading the service manual) and you will be fine.
I did mine in Nov. last year when I installed cruise control on my EG. Just don't rush, read the instructions (I did it a couple of times as well as reading the service manual) and you will be fine.
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Thread Starter
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Tourer
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 486
Likes: 1
From: Southern MD
RE: Changing out handle bar controls
Thanx all for the suggestions. Now I am half ready to do it and half ready to get them to someone else to do! I have had the throttle cables on and off several times, so I guess I am halfway there when I do that. I like the suggestion to take the brake lever off completely, since wedging it is kind of a waste, since I will have all the brake lines, etc. coming off anyhow.
I will wait til after the bike show this weekend and then try it, that way I am not trying to rush it.
Benji
I will wait til after the bike show this weekend and then try it, that way I am not trying to rush it.
Benji
Banned
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 4,341
Likes: 0
From: Dover, Oh
RE: Changing out handle bar controls
ORIGINAL: lickmstickmman
Thanx all for the suggestions. Now I am half ready to do it and half ready to get them to someone else to do! I have had the throttle cables on and off several times, so I guess I am halfway there when I do that. I like the suggestion to take the brake lever off completely, since wedging it is kind of a waste, since I will have all the brake lines, etc. coming off anyhow.
I will wait til after the bike show this weekend and then try it, that way I am not trying to rush it.
Benji
Thanx all for the suggestions. Now I am half ready to do it and half ready to get them to someone else to do! I have had the throttle cables on and off several times, so I guess I am halfway there when I do that. I like the suggestion to take the brake lever off completely, since wedging it is kind of a waste, since I will have all the brake lines, etc. coming off anyhow.
I will wait til after the bike show this weekend and then try it, that way I am not trying to rush it.
Benji
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