Otis Singleton
Harley-Davidson Electra Glide handlebars may need to be replaced due to damage or to improve comfort and handling. Before starting, ensure you have the necessary tools and carefully consult the manual and installation guide. The process can take anywhere from one hour to a few days, depending on your skill level. The cost of a new handlebar ranges from $89 to $400, and you may need to budget an additional $1200 for installation.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Reasons for replacement | Wear and tear, customisation, comfort, handling, control, appearance, performance |
| Cost of new handlebars | $89-$400 |
| Cost of installation | $1200 |
| Time taken for installation | 1 hour for experts, 3 hours for first-timers |
| Tools required | Toolbox, manual or installation guide |
| Handlebar diameter | 1-inch, 7/8-inch, 1 1/2-inch, 1 1/4-inch |
| Handlebar type | Wild 1's Chubby 575s, Wild 1's Chubby 576s, Cyclesmith 13s, Harley-Davidson 56036-08 |
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What You'll Learn
- The cost of a new handlebar varies depending on design and style
- Handlebar replacement is an easy project if you know the process and steps
- You can save money by changing handlebars yourself, instead of hiring an expert
- The time taken to change handlebars depends on your experience and skill level
- Ensure you have the necessary tools before beginning the replacement
The cost of a new handlebar varies depending on design and style
The price of handlebars also depends on the materials used. For instance, carbon handlebars are often more expensive than aluminum ones. Blktec, a company that designs innovative carbon fiber handlebars, sources its components from a manufacturer in Taiwan. This is because "MIT" (Made in Taiwan) is considered a badge of quality and exclusivity.
Additionally, the design of the handlebars can also impact the cost. For example, aero handlebars are designed to enhance the rider's aerodynamic position, and they usually come with a higher price tag. Similarly, handlebars with a unique design, such as the FSA K-Wing AGX carbon handlebar, tend to be more expensive.
Furthermore, the width of the handlebars can also affect the price. While a standard width is typically 40cm, riders may opt for a wider or narrower bar depending on their preferences. However, handlebars that are too narrow or too wide can cause discomfort and may be more expensive due to their specialized nature.
It's worth noting that the cost of installation can vary depending on whether the work is done by a dealership or a local shop. Dealerships often charge higher labor costs and may have longer wait times. In contrast, local shops may offer more competitive prices and faster turnaround times.
When considering the cost of new handlebars, it's important to factor in any additional expenses, such as cable extensions. For example, the Wild 1's Chubby 575 handlebars may require longer cables, resulting in additional costs for installation. Therefore, it's advisable to carefully research the handlebars and their compatibility with your bike to avoid unexpected expenses.
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Handlebar replacement is an easy project if you know the process and steps
Handlebar Replacement: An Easy Project
Reasons for Replacement
There are several reasons why you might want to replace your handlebars. The most common reason is to find a more suitable fit for your body, especially if you experience discomfort during long rides. You might also want to replace them to improve your handling, control, and riding performance. Additionally, a new handlebar can enhance the appearance of your motorcycle, making it more attractive and appealing.
Preparation
Before you begin, ensure that you have all the necessary tools within reach and consult the manual or installation guide. The process typically takes an expert about an hour, but if it's your first time, it may take up to three hours. The cost of a new handlebar varies depending on the design and style, ranging from $89 to $400 on average.
Compatibility
It's important to note that handlebars are not a one-size-fits-all component. The standard diameters are 1-inch and 7/8-inch, with the former being the most common for Harley applications. If you prefer thicker handlebars, you can opt for the 1 1/2-inch or 1 1/4-inch options. Additionally, consider the cable lengths and whether you need to replace them.
Steps
The first step is to remove the old handlebars and install the new ones, ensuring that you follow the installation guide carefully. You might need to make adjustments to the clutch cable, throttle cable, and brake lines, depending on your motorcycle model. Finally, test out your new handlebars on a short ride to ensure they're secure and comfortable.
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You can save money by changing handlebars yourself, instead of hiring an expert
Changing the handlebars on your Electra Glide can be an easy DIY project that will save you money. The cost of hiring an expert to replace your handlebars can be about $1200 for the entire project. This covers the cost of a new handlebar, cable extensions, and labour. On the other hand, the cost of a new handlebar itself is between $89 and $400, depending on the design and style. So, if you have the skills and experience to change them yourself, you can save as much as $600.
While some people have spent almost a day changing their handlebars, it may take an expert only about an hour. If it is your first time, it may take about 3 hours as you may need to refer to the installation manual. However, it is not a difficult process, and you can easily and safely perform the replacement exercise independently in your home or garage.
Before you begin, make sure you have the necessary tools and keep them properly arranged and within your reach. Also, consult the manual or installation guide and follow the replacement steps carefully.
- Change the stock rubber bushings to polyurethane bushings.
- Change out the stock 2-piece HD bar clamps with the 1-piece HD bar clamp.
- If you have stock headers, the service manual recommends removing the exhaust, but this is not as easy as it sounds. Instead, you can feed the cable through.
- If you are getting a stabbing pain between the shoulder blades on long rides, taller handlebars may help.
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The time taken to change handlebars depends on your experience and skill level
The time taken to change handlebars on an Electra Glide depends on your experience and skill level. If you are an expert, the whole process takes about an hour. However, if it is your first time, it may take up to 3 hours as you may need to refer to the installation manual.
Before beginning the process, ensure that you have chosen the appropriate handlebar size and checked the spacing on your risers. Most Harley designs or models have a standard 3 1/2-inch on the center clamp area. It is also important to have your bike on a sturdy, well-balanced, and stable surface, such as a kickstand or a jack. Additionally, ensure that all the necessary tools are within your reach and that the hardware components of the new handlebar will fit perfectly in the provided space.
The actual process of changing the handlebars involves removing the screw that holds the rear seat in place, taking off the seat, and then following the installation steps outlined in the manual. The time taken for this process will depend on your familiarity with the steps and your proficiency with tools.
Some users have reported taking two days to change their handlebars, while others have completed the task in 3.5 hours. The variation in time taken can be attributed to differences in experience and skill level, as well as the specific handlebars being installed and the unique characteristics of the Electra Glide model being worked on.
Therefore, it is important to carefully plan and prepare for the handlebar change process, ensuring that you have the necessary skills, tools, and understanding of the steps involved. This will help ensure a smooth and timely installation process.
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Ensure you have the necessary tools before beginning the replacement
Before you begin to replace the handlebars on your Electra Glide, it is important to ensure you have all the necessary tools and safety equipment.
First, refer to the shop manual for your Electra Glide. This will provide you with the specific instructions and requirements for your model. It is important to have this manual before you start the replacement process.
Next, prepare your workspace. Choose a flat, sturdy surface, such as a driveway or garage, to ensure your bike is stable during the replacement. Wear appropriate safety gear, including a mechanic's coat or jacket, gloves, and safety glasses.
Now, gather the tools and materials required for the replacement. You will need a de-pinning tool to safely unpin the wires. Additionally, ensure you have the necessary tools to remove and reinstall the grips, as well as any other components that need to be transferred to the new handlebars. Check that you have the correct size of handlebars for your application, and verify the spacing on your risers. If you are reusing grips, you will need to safely remove them and prepare them for installation on the new handlebars.
Finally, ensure you have any required hardware or components for the new handlebars. Check that all the parts will fit perfectly in the provided space. This includes checking for any necessary modifications, such as those that may be required for the handlebar clamps and fairing. Additionally, be aware that certain handlebar models may require longer cables or wires, so have these ready if needed.
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Frequently asked questions
The cost of a new handlebar depends on the design and style. On average, investing in new handlebars costs between $89 and $400. If you decide to hire an expert to conduct the installation and replacement, you may have to budget about $1200 for the entire project.
The time taken to change handlebars on an Electra Glide depends on your experience and skill level. If you are an expert, the whole process takes about an hour. If it is your first time, it may take about 3 hours since you may need to read the installation manual as you go along with the installation.
Ensure you have the necessary tools properly arranged and within your reach before you begin. Consult the manual or installation guide, and follow the replacement steps carefully. If you are changing to a taller handlebar, make sure to change the stock rubber bushings to polyurethane bushings and also change out the stock 2-piece HD bar clamps with the 1-piece HD bar clamp.
Handlebars may break or bend in case of an accident, requiring replacement. However, handlebars can also be changed to improve comfort, guarantee easy control of the bike, and enhance the riding experience and performance. Additionally, changing handlebars can improve the motorcycle's appearance and increase its aesthetic value.
