I've done a search but couldn't find anything about adjusting the stock handlebars. For comfort everyone suggests changing them out. It appears to me all I need is to just tilt the bars back a few inches to prevent me from being stretched out.
I have an 02 Ultra Classic, stock. How do I get to the handlebar clamps? I ordered a service manual that is supposed to be here in a couple weeks but if I can at least try moving the bars I can get an idea of what I may need to consider buying.

thanks

 

I think your fairing is going to have to come off.

 

Until you get the manual...

Go to this site, and enter your year/model then pick the part(s) you would like to look at. It has a parts schematic which may help you see what is where...
http://www.shopronniesharleydavidson...artfinder.htm#

From what I see, and I'm only guessing here, (looking at the parts of the inner faring) you may be able to remove the inner housing cap. That is the cover surrounding the ignition switch, and holding the four switches for auxiliary lamp, cruise control, accessory, and speaker control.This cap looks to be held in with a screw/nut on each side. And you may also have to remove the ignition switch cover. You can also switch to the handle bar in 'part', and you can see how the handle bar support clamps can be loosened/tightened with the four screws.

Again, I'm just guessing by what I see in the schematic, so I don't know for sure if you would have adequate space to allow access to the handle bar clamps for loosening/tightening...

If nothing else, it'll be something interesting for you to look at till your manual gets in...

 

If you take the switch housing off and loosen the 2 aft bolts, sometimes it loosens the clamp enough to adjust the bars. If that doesn't work then you have to remove the fairing and loosen the fwd 2 Bolts that are under the radio. A real pain!

 

+1

Just did this exact same thing on my 2000 EG to bring my bars back an inch or so. To see the front 2 bolts, the outer fairing would have to come off and the back portion rocked forward to reveal the front bolts under the radio....much more work. if you can loosen the rear bolts under the ignition console and make the adjustment...cha ching...much easier!

A video I found helpful on the ignition switch removal on our older bikes is here:


I post that because it's different than the newer styles!

Just so you know, the rubber riser bushings have been upgraded to a stronger material, and the 2 piece handlebar clamp system has been upgraded to a stronger one piece unit. You can see the current system in the Ronnie's parts breakdown. I did the upgrade when I changed to mini apes.

 

Thanks! That link will help if I ever need to schematics in a hurry!!

 

Like someone said, you only have gain access to the two most rearward allen bolts. The only thing that needs to be removed is the ignition covers. An alken wrench will JUST fit.

 

When you rotate the bars back towards the rider, the grips will be lower. This is the problem for most taller riders.

 

thanks guys. I'll be out of town for the next two weeks and will give it a try when I get back.

 

Did you get Them moved? I wonder if it helped any. The service manual shows removing the radio from in the inside of the faring and all screws are easy to get to. let me know if if it helped.