I've got a question. Having ridden my current '05 Heritage Softail since I bought it new, I have never noticed this. On a recent long trip I noticed my handlebars move back and forth about an inch. They aren't slipping. The entire section where they are attached moves forward if I push on it. I noticed this when I was getting back on the bike and leaned forward on the bars. Is this normal?? Are there some rubber grumets (sp?) there to absorb vibration?

 

Replace the rubber bushings with polyurethane bushings. They'll last longer and do a better job.

 

DannyZ71 is right.
PolyU bushings are available from HD and a multitude of aftermarketers.
The stock riser bushings are made of rubber. You can try to tighten the riser bolts located on the bottom of the top triple tree; sometimes that's all it takes.
But, all in all, I believe the poly bushings are the way to go.
roll on
-L

 

Strange I just noticed it. I've owned several Harley's since 1994 and never noticed it on any of them. The bolts are tight. Will check into the poly bushings. Thanks for the advice!

 

you're welcome.
let me know how it goes; i'm interested to know what you find.

 

You can replace with poly bushings but there is nothing wrong with the stock rubber ones and that slight movement is not an indication of a problem. I had the same situation on a softail for 12 years and never worried about it.

 

As others have said, the rubber bushings are there to isolate some engine vibration, the trade-off is some movement. Are you using the stock 1 piece riser top clamp? Going to individual risers makes the problem worse. Try the PU bushings out and let us know the outcome.