I adjusted my handlebars today !!!

Well, as i was installing the GPS mount that Dennis makes I went ahead and adjusted my handlebars at the same time. I lowered them, rotated them towards me a bit, and it has brought them closer to me. This is nicer for me since I felt I was reaching for the bars somewhat. I will posts pics of how to do it later today for those that are curious or want to do it. You just need to be careful of some of the plastic tabs. I think I broke one somehow but it all went back together alright.

I went on just a short jaunt on the interstate to test out the new GPS mount and the handlebars and both are better than before. Since I have the seat all the way back it seemed I had to reach forward some when riding. But I will post pics later.

Hi Jeff,
How's the handlebar adjustment working for you. Sounds like a good thing to do. I was thinking of giving that a try.

DennisB

Dennis,

I really enjoy it more now. I will post pics of how to do it, although I know you do know how, but I brought them a bit closer to me. You can't adjust them too much or the covers don't fit back on but it seems just a little bit is enough.

Hi Jeff,
Got a good idea how to, but I haven't tryed it yet. Your the only person I know that did this on the Swing. Just thought I would get your advice on this first. I have found that getting good advice saves time in the long run.

DennisB

Dennis,

It really is pretty simple, and I will post the pics tonight, but it is easy to break a tab if not careful. I think I broke on either this time or last time. It doesn't effect anything now but I would rather not break any of them.

Dennis,

Here is pictures on how I adjusted my handlebars. I like them better this way since I have my seat all the way back and it seemed I was "reaching" more than I liked. When adjusting the bars you can only tilt or pivot them forward or backward.

If you push them forward they also go higher too, and if you pull them back they will lower down some and be brought toward you too. But they can only be adjusted a little each way while still being able to re-install the covers. But over all I like them a bit closer to me.

http://www.4shared.com/file/84498740/444666da/Handle_Bar_Adjustment_for_the_Silver_Wing.html

Thanks for the tip. I did this to my 02 tonight and it was very easy per your instructions. More importantly, I was able to do my girlfriends Suzuki 400 scooter since she is only 5 foot and the seat is all the way forward. I moved hers back to where she liked it and went for a ride with both ours now adjusted. Mine made a little difference, but she absolutely loves hers now, even all the way back against the butt-rest which she wasn't able to do before. THANKS.

It's amazing to me how a small adjustment up (or down, as the case may be) can have such a positive effect. I've written about this elsewhere, but just making a small - maybe 1 or 2", I don't know for sure - upward adjustment eliminated the back pain I was having on rides. It's gone now even on long rides.
Never underestimate the power of the small.

I've noticed since I adjusted mine up as far as they would go that I don't get a pain in the upper part of my back anymore. I guess you just need to play with it some to get the right position.

After reading your post Last night I made an adjustment on my handlebars. I think it will be a little better. I lowered them some at first to much and couldn't get the cover back on and then had to readjust.

Hi,

I added the .pdf attachment to the first post at the top. It is now an attachment so you don't need to download the word file.

Hey JeffR,

Glad you got good results. I realized, with help from my dealer's mechanic today, that two factors were making the bike feel top-heavy or limiting my sense of control: 1) the handlebar height/angle significantly limited my range of motion in turning--causing a jerkiness and shortness that created an almost hair-trigger quirkiness to sharp turns, particularly at low speeds. Such as in a parking lot. He was able to move them down only about an inch for my maximum comfort and what a difference! With my short height comes proportionately shorter arms than your average male scooterist. I can steer and ride again with the confidence I used to have!
2) My big top case was making the bike top-heavy, which he said happens with scoots. I've taken the case off and will only use it for extensive travel.
WOW! I now LOVE my bike!!! Janeway and I covered many miles, including stopping and getting donuts and bringing them back to our beloved dealer for the service guys (who did not charge for the adjustments).
Cheers and happy riding,
Bry aka Janewayfan-for-real!

I have 2 questions:

What is the torque pressure when tightening the bolts?

Regarding the picture of "Silverwings in a Row", the silverwing with the trailer, I would like to know where he got the tow hitch and the trailer?

I have a ridiculously expensive Official Honda Service Manual, and wouldn't you know it, they provide torque values for just about every fastener on the bike except the handlebar bolts. All it says is to tighten the front bolts first, then the rear.

Having adjusted mine so far back and down that I can't use the handle cover anymore (I'm an old sportbike guy. I hate tall bars.), I think snug plus 1/4 to 1/2 turn more is sufficient. Just don't get too aggressive; remember that the lower holders into which you are tightening the bolts are aluminum.

Hey Janewayfan - I was wondering about fueling up motorcycles and scooters in N.J. Oregon is the only other state in the union that requires gas station operators to pump gas into vehicles. In OR they make a partial exception for motorcycles and scooters. Here they insert the credit card, start the pump and hand you the nozzle. When you finish you're supposed to give them the nozzle back and they put it back in the hanger and hand you the receipt. How does it work in N.J.?