Cutting Handlebars

[GrandpaDenny]

Hey guys, how far up does the solid part of the bars go? Is it solid like round stock, or is it an insert that can be removed (or drilled out)? I just put heated grips on Gertrude and want to put bar end turn signal lights on.

Thanks!

Anybody got Gene Kap's cell phone number? PM me if you do please.

[Barry]

I'm curious. Wouldn't the wiring to to the bar end turn signals be internal to the handlebars? If so, how do you propose to get past the adjustable joint in the bars? After all, the handlebars are 3 pieces. Left, right & middle. If you're determined to make this work, perhaps getting a spare set of handlebars would allow you to tinker with this idea. JM2C.

[Merch]

I recently removed and replaced my handlebars from my XII and they are a 3 piece set which is a strange design. The middle portion is a 1” diameter that has two 7/8” grip sections bolted to it with the option to adjust with a hex head bolt under the plastic caps. The bar ends have threads welded on to it and are closed at both ends. It’s a weird design, if you get new handlers like I did only a 1” set will fit on the triple tree, BUT.... the controls don’t fit on a 1” bar since they are 7/8, it’s frustrating. So I used a dremil tool to make them 1”. You will have a hard time using the stock bars trying to run wires through it and I wouldn’t in my opinion. Hope this helps.

[GrandpaDenny]

I'm curious. Wouldn't the wiring to to the bar end turn signals be internal to the handlebars? If so, how do you propose to get past the adjustable joint in the bars? After all, the handlebars are 3 pieces. Left, right & middle. If you're determined to make this work, perhaps getting a spare set of handlebars would allow you to tinker with this idea. JM2C.

Drill a hole in the bars, run the wires externally from there with the rest of the cables, etc.

[GrandpaDenny]

I recently removed and replaced my handlebars from my XII and they are a 3 piece set which is a strange design. The middle portion is a 1” diameter that has two 7/8” grip sections bolted to it with the option to adjust with a hex head bolt under the plastic caps. The bar ends have threads welded on to it and are closed at both ends. It’s a weird design, if you get new handlers like I did only a 1” set will fit on the triple tree, BUT.... the controls don’t fit on a 1” bar since they are 7/8, it’s frustrating. So I used a dremil tool to make them 1”. You will have a hard time using the stock bars trying to run wires through it and I wouldn’t in my opinion. Hope this helps.

How is it a weird design? I haven't really looked at the details of other bikes's adjustable handlebars, but it seems like they would mostly work the same way, won't they? That is, for bikes with adjustable handlebars.

[Merch]

It’s weird to me that they use 7/8” for the grip portion on a 1” handlebar, I think the adjustment portion is actually very cool. Not sure why they wouldn’t just use 7/8” for the entire thing or 1” for the entire thing, the mix of both is confusing. I should have clarified. I would’ve kept the stock bars if the previous owner didn’t bend them so bad.

[GrandpaDenny]

oh, OK I get you. I don't know, this is the first bike I've had with adjustable handlebars.

[Barry]

To the best of my knowledge this is the only bike with this type of handlebar adjustment. I also heard that the reason for different diameters was to reduce harmonic vibrations.