Adjusting the Handle bars on FLHR Torque Bolts??

[02rk4cruzin]

I noticed the other day the handle bars on my 02 FLHR move a little if I grab them with both grips and put weight on them. I originally thought the one piece clamp was broken, but when I took off the cover I see that it is still in one piece and the handle bars are tight under the clamp.

I understand there are rubber bushings under the handle bars that may wear out. I have looked in my service manual and I can not find any mention of how to R&R the bushings or for that matter if I remove the clamp, what the torque value is of the 4 bolts holding the handlebar clamp is.

Can anyone shed some information on the torque values and/or where I would get info on R&R the bushings?

Thanks,

Bill

[crazy joe]

Did you look in the Chassis section.

[PC_Hater]

The rubber bushings get old and soft.
However, the rubber mount motors are so smooth that you can do what many of us have done. Replace the rubber handlebar bushings with harder aftermarket nylon bushings.

Even properly torqued the handlebars will move more than you might want with the new rubber bushings.

[Princess Butt]

To replace the bushings, you just undo the bolts from the bottom of the top tree, and lift the handlebars and risers as an assembly.

I had to replace them a couple times when I had a sidecar. They seem to wear faster when you have that kind of side load on them.

The set I have now have been there for at least 40,000 miles.

BnE

[02rk4cruzin]

Thanks for the information on replacing the bushings.

Does nayone have the Torque value for the 4 clamp bolts?

Thanks,

Bill

[PC_Hater]

The manual for my 1999 bike doesn't actually tell you how to remove/replace the handlebars!
The best  I can do is give you the general torque figure for that size bolt from the manual. 10 ftlb should do it.
Or do it the old way, use a short spanner and tighten it until your hand hurts!
(how did we get by without torque wrenches?)

[mrmike]

2003 RK manual, Tighten front clamp screws til the upper and lower clamps contact each other, then tighten rear clamp screws 12 to 16 foot lbs. Handlebar clamp bolts, (the ones with the bushings) medium strength blue locktite and 30 to 40 ft lbs.

Now get to work!

Mike

[02rk4cruzin]

MrMike,

Thanks for the values!!  Where in the service manual did you find that? I've looked all through my 02 FLHR SM and didn't see it.

Bill

[mrmike]

Alpabetical Index in the back under "H" for "handlebars". 

Sorry just had to do it, I know I'm an a--hole, LOL.

Mike

[crazy joe]

Did you look in the Chassis section.

02rk4cruzin    look in the chassis section that's were I found the torque specs    but
because they were for the handle bars and possible could cause loss of control of the
bike I thought it would be better if you looked it up    look in the chassis section under
Handle Bars.

[FSG]

Manuals, manuals, more manuals.

For a few $$ you can get the READY REFERENCE TORQUE VALUES Manual for your year. 

Not only will it provide the Torque Values (Imp & Metric) but will also give you the Page Number in the Service Manual.

[Blazing Saddles]

When you replace your handlebar riser bushings go with polyurethane!!

Blazin'

[02rk4cruzin]

Thanks!  I have looked in the "Chassis" section in the 02 Touring service manual and in my version there is no mention of handlebars or torque values for those 4 bolts.
SO without my friends here, LOL I couldn't have done it!!

Bill

[02roadcling]

It took me forever to find it and so I just asked here too. Then several months later I discovered it in my SM but have no clue anymore, lol. Its in there in some goofy place believe it or not.

cling

[Upswept]

I had the same problem.  Make sure you have the one piece, full handlebar clamp and not the two small OEM clamps.  Then, buy some grade 8 allen bolts, not the stock grade 5 OEM bolts.  Then, tighten like MRMIKE states, except, I tighten those grade 8 bolts until they won't turn anymore.  No more problem.