Questions on changing handlebars
#1
03-20-2015, 05:05 PM
Join Date: Mar 2015
Location: Tallahassee
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Questions on changing handlebars
I've owned my new iron 883 for a week now and I've already been hit with the mod bug
Besides cosmetic things like the dark custom derby covers and such, the first real upgrade I plan on doing is the handle bars. I'm not unhappy with the stock ones necessarily, I'm just looking for something to enhance the look. I've decided on the biltwell keystone bars. Now my question is will I need to extend my wires to add these bars, or will they work fine with the stock setup. Also how hard is it to change out bars on a sportster? It looks like it will be a pretty straight forward job, but I was just looking for a little feedback and maybe some tips to help me get the job done right. Thanks in advance!
Here's the link to the bars... 1" is the right size right?
https://www.biltwellinc.com/p53/buy/...-1-quot-black/
Besides cosmetic things like the dark custom derby covers and such, the first real upgrade I plan on doing is the handle bars. I'm not unhappy with the stock ones necessarily, I'm just looking for something to enhance the look. I've decided on the biltwell keystone bars. Now my question is will I need to extend my wires to add these bars, or will they work fine with the stock setup. Also how hard is it to change out bars on a sportster? It looks like it will be a pretty straight forward job, but I was just looking for a little feedback and maybe some tips to help me get the job done right. Thanks in advance! Here's the link to the bars... 1" is the right size right?
https://www.biltwellinc.com/p53/buy/...-1-quot-black/
#3
03-20-2015, 05:56 PM
Cool bars and a good choice. I don't remember how tall the stock bars are, but they're very similar in height to the Biltwell bars. Your cables and wires will be fine.
Yes, 1" is correct.
Dimples are used for bars that are wired on the outside (like our Irons.)
The dimples allow for the wires to pass underneath the clutch-lever and brake-lever clamps. You want dimpled bars unless you plan to wire them internally, in which case you want drilled bars. (Wiring internally is some extra work.)
The job is easy and you can do it with basic tools. Look at YouTube for how to disassemble/re-assemble the throttle and change grips. Both easy once you see how to do it.
Yes, 1" is correct.
Dimples are used for bars that are wired on the outside (like our Irons.)
The dimples allow for the wires to pass underneath the clutch-lever and brake-lever clamps. You want dimpled bars unless you plan to wire them internally, in which case you want drilled bars. (Wiring internally is some extra work.)
The job is easy and you can do it with basic tools. Look at YouTube for how to disassemble/re-assemble the throttle and change grips. Both easy once you see how to do it.
#4
03-20-2015, 07:57 PM
#5
03-20-2015, 08:20 PM
Join Date: Mar 2015
Location: Tallahassee
Posts: 27
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Cool bars and a good choice. I don't remember how tall the stock bars are, but they're very similar in height to the Biltwell bars. Your cables and wires will be fine.
Yes, 1" is correct.
Dimples are used for bars that are wired on the outside (like our Irons.)
The dimples allow for the wires to pass underneath the clutch-lever and brake-lever clamps. You want dimpled bars unless you plan to wire them internally, in which case you want drilled bars. (Wiring internally is some extra work.)
The job is easy and you can do it with basic tools. Look at YouTube for how to disassemble/re-assemble the throttle and change grips. Both easy once you see how to do it.
Yes, 1" is correct.
Dimples are used for bars that are wired on the outside (like our Irons.)
The dimples allow for the wires to pass underneath the clutch-lever and brake-lever clamps. You want dimpled bars unless you plan to wire them internally, in which case you want drilled bars. (Wiring internally is some extra work.)
The job is easy and you can do it with basic tools. Look at YouTube for how to disassemble/re-assemble the throttle and change grips. Both easy once you see how to do it.
#6
03-20-2015, 11:30 PM
Road Master
Tip:
When making mods to a bike with lots of painted or powder coated accessories(non chrome). Use lots of blue painters tape to protect surfaces that the wrenches come in contact with and areas where an oops/slip might happen. Chrome parts are more forgiving and much more scratch resistant but could benifit from some protection too. Why blue tape? It really stands out on a black bike when your done and you probably won't leave a piece behind when your finished.
When making mods to a bike with lots of painted or powder coated accessories(non chrome). Use lots of blue painters tape to protect surfaces that the wrenches come in contact with and areas where an oops/slip might happen. Chrome parts are more forgiving and much more scratch resistant but could benifit from some protection too. Why blue tape? It really stands out on a black bike when your done and you probably won't leave a piece behind when your finished.
#7
03-21-2015, 07:35 AM
The best tip I can give for any handlebar install on a Harley , is to apply the front brake and slide a piece of cardboard between the housing and lever to keep the lever "applied" so to speak.
This will help avoid the biggest OOPS you will run into.
The brake switch in the housing will almost always get broken on reinstallation if you don't remember to do this.
The second tip is to double check the wires for getting pinched by watching closely their routing though the dimple on the bars when reinstalling the controls.
Don't drink coffee before playing with the throttle ferrules on the right grip for the cables , they're tiny and run away faster than a rabbit.
Mick
This will help avoid the biggest OOPS you will run into.
The brake switch in the housing will almost always get broken on reinstallation if you don't remember to do this.
The second tip is to double check the wires for getting pinched by watching closely their routing though the dimple on the bars when reinstalling the controls.
Don't drink coffee before playing with the throttle ferrules on the right grip for the cables , they're tiny and run away faster than a rabbit.
Mick
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