I was changing the bars which meant changing the risers on my 71 xlch. Was going to replace the handlebar riser bushing while I have it apart. The rubber is pretty beat up so it made sense to me to start fresh. PROBLEM... I cant get the damn things out. They appear to be a metal cylinder with a rubber insert and another smaller metal cylinder in the middle. Trying not to just beat the hell out of them. What am I missing?

 

Use PB Blaster. You can find it at most automotive stores.
The stuff works miraclse at un-sticking things as tough as exhaust clamps on old cars and trucks.
It might even somewhat melt the rubber your risers are made of.
Cover surrounding areas. It *probably* won't take the paint off your bike, but then, I can't make any promises there.
Spray it on the riser bushings and let it sit for a few hours; that should do it.
If not, spray again and let it sit over night.
Then, tap out the center spacer (the metal cylinder in the center of the bushing), then work on the rubber peices (there should be 4 all told).
Chances are the "outer"(?) metal cylinder is actually the casting of the upper triple-tree you're looking at. I wouldn't try to knock that out 'til you've taken the rubber out of the hole and taken a goog look at what you have there.
Hope this helps.
roll on
-L

 

I don't think you will get them out with PB Blaster. I couldn't budge them with heat, a week of Kroll, and a five pound sledge. You need a press. Take them to a machine shop and have them do it. Only takes a couple minutes. It is incredible how much force it takes to get them out. When they go, the pop sounds like an explosion. Take the new bushings with you and have them pressed back in.

 

I also recom to use machine shop, with out press it's really hard to get them off. Also hard to get new ones back with out doing damage.

Newer bikes has different type of "damper"

 

Sure glad I asked. I tried beating the hell out of them but I didnt want to get carried awayon a cast part. Anybody got a favorite place in Austin?

 

Now you've got my interest.
I don't recall HD having fixed risers.
Can you (anyone) post a pic?

 

Here is a pic of the handlebars and mount hardware used back then. This is the only pic I have ever seen of item 29, which are the things being discussed.
Part #56158-49 which is a good part number up to a 1965 XLH/XLCH.
I would certainly be holding a new replacement pair in my hand before I ever tried to press the old ones out however.
pg

 

I replaced one with an oem part a few months ago, but the repops are inexpensive and widely available. Don't know how good they are, of course.