handle bar adjustment questions....need help!
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Road Warrior
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 1,401
Likes: 3
From: Vancouver, bc
handle bar adjustment questions....need help!
I need to adjust my handle bars....bring them back an inch or two.
- I was able to get the ignition off and the piece that covers the handlebar clamp bolts (with the four blank switches)
But I can't get to the bolts to loosen them as the inner fairing covers them and I don't want to scratch it...
Two questions:
- I heard guys saying that they were able to adjust the handlebars without removing the inner fairing...how is that done without scratching the fairing part just under the radio?
- My ignition is out of alignment and I can't get the switch back on properly...manual says to use an alignment tool but an Indy told me that they don't use the tool. Anyone know how to realign the ignition so the switch goes back on properly?
Cheers,
mickey
- I was able to get the ignition off and the piece that covers the handlebar clamp bolts (with the four blank switches)
But I can't get to the bolts to loosen them as the inner fairing covers them and I don't want to scratch it...
Two questions:
- I heard guys saying that they were able to adjust the handlebars without removing the inner fairing...how is that done without scratching the fairing part just under the radio?
- My ignition is out of alignment and I can't get the switch back on properly...manual says to use an alignment tool but an Indy told me that they don't use the tool. Anyone know how to realign the ignition so the switch goes back on properly?
Cheers,
mickey
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 14,744
Likes: 402
From: Phoenix '53, '88, '09 Big Twins
for the switch- check youtube on how to make the tool from a piece of copper tubing- some use a screwdriver, but some screwdrivers will line up all the parts of the switch...and some do not...
you should be able to adjust the bars pretty easily, no need to pull the radio
1 put a BIG thick towel over you tank.
2. the bars are held by 2 clamps, you only have to loosen the back side of the clamps to get some play.
under the trim piece under the radio, you should see 2 allen head bolts.
use a screwdriver bit from your 1/4" set-- put the bit in the allen, butt end first.
you should have enough of the bit sticking up, that you can turn it with a 1/4" wrench to loosen and later, tighten
( this same trick is great for the allens on the tranny end cover, you can tighten them with out removing the exhaust)
or you can hacksaw a short piece off of your allen key set and use that- same method.
once loosened, rotate the bars to the new position
tighten them.
MAKE SURE that you have at least 3/4" clearance between the controls and the tank- remember that even as tight as tight can be, the bars are on rubber bushings and they will move in the bushings if leaned on. check this clearance at full lock, left and right
Mike
you should be able to adjust the bars pretty easily, no need to pull the radio
1 put a BIG thick towel over you tank.
2. the bars are held by 2 clamps, you only have to loosen the back side of the clamps to get some play.
under the trim piece under the radio, you should see 2 allen head bolts.
use a screwdriver bit from your 1/4" set-- put the bit in the allen, butt end first.
you should have enough of the bit sticking up, that you can turn it with a 1/4" wrench to loosen and later, tighten
( this same trick is great for the allens on the tranny end cover, you can tighten them with out removing the exhaust)
or you can hacksaw a short piece off of your allen key set and use that- same method.
once loosened, rotate the bars to the new position
tighten them.
MAKE SURE that you have at least 3/4" clearance between the controls and the tank- remember that even as tight as tight can be, the bars are on rubber bushings and they will move in the bushings if leaned on. check this clearance at full lock, left and right
Mike
Last edited by mkguitar; Jan 25, 2013 at 11:33 PM.
Advanced
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 55
Likes: 0
From: N.W. MO.
I need to adjust my handle bars....bring them back an inch or two.
- I was able to get the ignition off and the piece that covers the handlebar clamp bolts (with the four blank switches)
But I can't get to the bolts to loosen them as the inner fairing covers them and I don't want to scratch it...
Two questions:
- I heard guys saying that they were able to adjust the handlebars without removing the inner fairing...how is that done without scratching the fairing part just under the radio?
- My ignition is out of alignment and I can't get the switch back on properly...manual says to use an alignment tool but an Indy told me that they don't use the tool. Anyone know how to realign the ignition so the switch goes back on properly?
Cheers,
mickey
- I was able to get the ignition off and the piece that covers the handlebar clamp bolts (with the four blank switches)
But I can't get to the bolts to loosen them as the inner fairing covers them and I don't want to scratch it...
Two questions:
- I heard guys saying that they were able to adjust the handlebars without removing the inner fairing...how is that done without scratching the fairing part just under the radio?
- My ignition is out of alignment and I can't get the switch back on properly...manual says to use an alignment tool but an Indy told me that they don't use the tool. Anyone know how to realign the ignition so the switch goes back on properly?
Cheers,
mickey
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 25,310
Likes: 2,446
From: Eastern NE
If you have the fairing cap off (totally), you should have access to the rear handlebar clamp bolts. Loosen both & adjust; then make sure you swing full Right & Left to ensure they don't hit the tank. Once adjusted & clearance checked - tighten to 16-20 ft/lb.
For the ignition assy, just make an alignment tool from copper tubing, or use thin flat-heat screwdriver. Need to look & understand how everything in the ignition aligns (like a puzzle). Here's the video:
Once you have it, it's easy to repeat. Good luck!
For the ignition assy, just make an alignment tool from copper tubing, or use thin flat-heat screwdriver. Need to look & understand how everything in the ignition aligns (like a puzzle). Here's the video:
Once you have it, it's easy to repeat. Good luck!
Thread Starter
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Road Warrior
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 1,401
Likes: 3
From: Vancouver, bc
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Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 68
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From: Bartlesville, OK
Iceman24, do you know what size nof copper tubing the alignment tool was made from? In the video it appears to be either 3/8" or 1/4" copper tubing. Either way, thanks for showing us this excellent video!
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