Hi. I'm new, but not new to D/S nor cycles in general.

What I am "new" to, though, is handlebars.

Any tips/tricks/pointers that anyone feels the need to share?

After this, I want to add some handguards. Any added advice on those would be nice, too.

Thanks!

 

Get the same length or longer bars or you may have trouble fitting the switchgear when it comes to putting it back on. Buy some PTFE tape to apply to the bars under the brake/clutch perch when you refit them (aids them to spin on the bar and not break when the get hit.) Fit some Barkbusters at the same time (cheaper in the long run. No limping home with broken brake/clutch levers.) You'll need to trim the plastic location tab that is on the inside of the OE switchgear (don't drill location holes in the new bars.) If you're a tall guy think about fitting some bar risers at the same time as the new bars. Hairspray and lockwire for the grips. Junk the OE grips they're junk. (allow 24 hours for a proper cure on the hairspray.) When you finally do the bar clamp bolts up, you need to do the top ones first (the clamp has a flat to flat surface on the top bolts.) The bottom bolts are next (they have a wedge to flat surface.) Torque the bars and bolts on the brake/clutch perches. Remove the right hand mirror from the clutch perch (very expensive fix if you fall on the mirror and it cracks the perch.)

 

Thank you very much. Very informative.

I should have added that I've already got the bars, and they're the 7/8 RC bend. I'm 5'8 and those bars are what the Renthal Rep. suggested.

I guess I'll get into it tomorrow. Got a day off work, so after getting some actual yardwork done, I'll get to do something "I" want to do. Damn the honeydo's.