How to Easily Adjust Handlebars on a Street Glide Motorcycle

Are you thinking about customizing the handlebars on your Street Glide motorcycle? While it may seem intimidating, it’s actually quite easy to do with the right tools and knowledge. In this article, you’ll learn exactly how to adjust the handlebars on a Street Glide without any hassle. Get ready to make your ride look and feel exactly the way you want it to!

Adjusting the handlebars on your Street Glide

Aside from the seat, a bike’s handlebars are the primary connection between the bike and the human. There is a natural power that comes with extending your arms and gripping both sides of the bike while conjuring memories of the first Big Wheels ride. You will likely experience real freedom and the feeling that you are in control and you can go anywhere.

Once you make that connection with your Harley-Davidson Street Glide, your mind will start to wander around. You will wonder how to personalize your chariot. It can be a new sprocket, a windscreen delete, or it can be a new set of this connection to the bike – the handlebars. There are very few customizations to a bike that can make as significant of a difference as adjustments to handlebars.

Even with a loss of feeling in your hands, pain in your back and forearms, and other problems, it can take you some years of aching before you realize that the cause of your discomfort is the positioning or size of the handlebars. Luckily, adjusting the motorcycle handlebars or replacing them with better-suited handlebars will be one of the easiest ways of upgrading your bike for better handling and enduring comfort.

However, you cannot just go out and buy the first pair of handlebars you come across. Depending on the handlebars you’ve chosen, changing and adjusting the motorcycle handlebars can require costly modifications. You must also consider the handlebar size and other aspects of your position that have to change before you decide on the perfect handlebars for your Street Glide.

Know the right way to measure motorcycle handlebars for better adjustment

Adjusting your handlebars means a lot more than simply adding a few inches here and there. You will need to consider what your ideal hand placement is for maximizing comfort while riding. The right pair of handlebars with the right measurements will keep your forearms and wrists aligned rather than bent. If you have the correct hand placement, you’ll be able to sit upright, which will reduce back pain and weight strain on your wrists. Here are the different things to know when it comes to measuring motorcycle handlebars –

• Center width – For handlebars that are mounted with clamps, you should take the center-to-center measurements of the clamps
• Rear offset – Know how far your hands come back from the stock placement
• Rise – Find out how high your hands come up from the stock placement
• Overall width – This will cover the full length of the handlebars, from one end to the other

It is recommended that you should sit on your Street Glide in the garage. After that, place your and on the stock grips while having your eyes closed. Now, move your hands to where you may want them to be after the adjustment. Measure the distance up and back from the stock location to where you want your hand to be. This will be the net gain that you’re aiming to accomplish. Whichever handlebar modification you’ve chosen, you should focus on evaluating how it’ll change your hand placement instead of the measured rise

When should you adjust handlebars on a Harley-Davidson Street Glide?

The handlebars play a key role in determining the comfort levels and overall riding experience in a Street Glide. This is why many bikers choose to adjust their handlebars so that they can improve their comfort levels and customize their bike according to their requirements. However, would it be possible to find out when to adjust the handlebars on your bike? Here are the pointers that will let you know it is time to adjust the handlebars on your bike – 

#1. Physical signs of wear and damage

The first thing that will tell you the handlebars need adjusting is if you inspect them visually and find signs of wear and tear, damage, or misalignment. Check for the bolts and clamps for signs of damage or looseness. If there are any issues, you must address them by adjusting the handlebars.

#2. Reduced control

Another way to find out that the handlebars need adjusting is if you’re getting reduced control of your bike. If the handlebars are not aligned properly, it can easily affect your ability to steer the bike accurately. This can be especially dangerous when you have to navigate tight turns or during emergencies.

#3. Safety concerns

Poorly adjusted handlebars will create safety concerns in your mind. If the clutch and brake levers of your bike aren’t adjusted properly, it can affect your ability to brake or shift gears properly. This can often lead to accidents or collisions, which could cause injuries or even death. Adjusting the handlebars on your bike will help you achieve a more natural and comfortable riding position, which can greatly improve your control over the bike and reduce the risk of accidents.

#4. Decreased performance

Another pointer that your handlebars need adjusting is if your bike’s performance is being affected. If the throttle grip isn’t adjusted properly, it can affect the acceleration and top speed. Similarly, if the handlebars aren’t aligned correctly, it can result in unnecessary drag and resistance, which reduces the overall performance of the bike.

#5. Customization needs

Another sign that the handlebars need adjustment is if you’re looking to customize your bike. Handlebars are among the most visible parts of a Street Glide, and they can be easily customized to reflect your style and personality. By adjusting your handlebars, you will be able to change the look and feel of your bike to match your preference. For instance, you can adjust the handlebars for creating a more aggressive or relaxed riding position, depending on your style.

#6. Signs of discomfort

One of the problems that will arise with poorly adjusted handlebars is discomfort for the biker. If the handlebars are too low, too high, or too far forward, you might experience some pain or discomfort in your back, shoulders, or arms. Over time, it can lead to fatigue and even serious injuries. Adjusting the handlebars will help improve your comfort level by allowing you to position your hands, arms, and wrists in a comfortable and more natural position. The rider will be able to adjust the height, angle, and distance of the handlebars to better suit their comfort level and riding style.

How to adjust handlebars on a Street Glide

Harley-Davidson Street Glide is an incredibly popular bike among riders, and it is highly regarded for offering comfort and smooth rides. One of the essential components of this bike is the handlebars. Handlebars are an integral part of the Street Glide, and they determine your comfort levels and your riding experience. Sometimes, the handlebars might not be according to your comfort levels, and you’ll want to adjust the handlebars to improve the comfort or customize your experience. Don’t worry, this can be done within a matter of minutes. Here are the instructions that you should consider if you want to adjust the handlebars on your Street Glide  –

Gather the necessary tools and materials

Adjusting the handlebars on your Harley-Davidson Street Glide is a simple task that can be accomplished with some basic tools and the owner’s manual. Having the necessary tools and materials on hand will make the process a whole lot smoother and more efficient.

Before you start adjusting the handlebars on your Street Glide, it’ll be essential that you keep the owner’s manual handy. The instructions mentioned in the owner’s manual will provide specific details on how to adjust handlebars on a Street Glide and which tools to use. Following the manufacturer’s instructions will help you make sure that the adjustment is carried out safely and correctly.

It is also important that you use the correct tools when adjusting the handlebars on your Harley-Davidson Street Glide. Using the wrong tools can end up damaging your bike and cause the adjustment to be rather ineffective. Typically, the tools and materials that you’ll require for adjusting the handlebars on your Street Glide include a socket wrench, a set of hex keys, a torque wrench, a socket set, pliers, level, a set of screwdrivers, and more. Remember that you should only be using high-quality tools otherwise, you may not get the best results – 

Step 1: Identify the handlebar position

The first step to adjusting the handlebars on your Street Glide would be to identify the current handlebar position. The handlebar in your Street Glide can be adjusted in numerous ways such as the height, angle, and distance. Identifying the current position will allow you to determine which adjustments you will need to make.

Step 2: Loosen the clamps of the stock handlebars

The next step would be to loosen up the clamps that are holding the stock handlebars in place. These clamps are located on the top of the form tubes and held in place by bolts. Make use of a socket wrench or a hex key for loosening the bolts and slide the clamps up or down for adjusting the height of the handlebars. For angle adjustments, you’ll need to loosen the bolts on each side of the clamps, which hold the handlebars in place. Once the bolts have been loosened, you can easily adjust the angle of the handlebars by rotating them backward or forward.

Step 3: Position the handlebars

For adjusting the distance between the handlebars and the rider, you will have to remove the screws from the top of the handlebars clamps and then slide the handlebars backward or forward. You can position the handlebars and adjust the distance according to your riding style and comfort levels.

Step 4: Adjust the clutch and brake levers

For adjusting the clutch and brake levers, you should make use of a hex key and loosen the set screw on the lever housing. After that, you should move the lever to the desired position and then tighten the set screw. Lastly, you should test the lever to make sure that it is in the correct position and has proper tension.

Step 5: Adjust the throttle grip

Make use of a hex key for adjusting the throttle grip. Use it to tighten or loosen the set screw on the grip housing. After that, you should move the grip to the desired position and then tighten the set screw. Lastly, test the grip for ensuring that it is in the correct position and has proper tension.

Step 6: Adjust the handgrips

For adjusting the handgrips, you should loosen the bolts that attach the handgrip to the handlebar. Then, move the grip to the desired position before tightening the bolts. Lastly, test the grip for ensuring that it is in the correct position and has proper tension.

Step 7: Adjust the cables and wiring harness

Another important adjustment that you should make will be to the cables and wiring harness. Adjust the cables and wiring harness to the desired positions and then tighten them. Lastly, you should test them to make sure that they’re in the correct position and delivering the ideal results.

Step 8: Check for proper alignment

After you have adjusted the handlebar controls and cables, you should check for proper alignment. The clutch and brake levers need to be in the same place and the handgrips and throttle grip must be aligned with each other. If the controls aren’t aligned, you will have to make additional adjustments until they’re aligned properly.

Step 9: Tighten the clamps and secure the handlebars

Once you are satisfied with the position of the handlebars, it’ll be time to tighten the clamps and secure the handlebars. Make use of a torque wrench for tightening to bolts to the manufacturer’s specifications. Tighten the bolts in a criss-cross pattern for ensuring even tightening.

Apply the finishing touches by testing the handlebar position and wiring

Testing the handlebars on your Harley-Davidson Street Glide will be an important part of adjusting the handlebars. When you are adjusting your handlebars, you must test and ensure that everything is just as it is supposed to be. If there’s anything loose or misaligned, it can not only cause discomfort, but it can also result in unsafe riding conditions.

Sit on your bike in the riding position and hold onto the handlebars. The handlebars must feel comfortable and natural in your hands. After you have adjusted the grips, it shouldn’t feel too tight or too loose.

You should test for play in the handlebars by grasping them firmly and trying to move them back and forth. If there’s any movement or play, then it means the handlebars should be tightened and adjusted again. Make use of a torque wrench for tightening the bolts and clamps as per the manufacturer’s recommendations.

Further, you’ll need to test for alignment of the handlebar by placing a level on top of the handlebars. The level must be parallel to the ground. If the handlebars aren’t level, you should loosen the bolts and clamps of the handlebar and adjust them until they’re level. Make use of a torque wrench for tightening the bolts and clamps to the manufacturer’s specifications.

Lastly, you will also have to double-check the wiring to make sure that the adjustment was correct, and your bike is safe to drive.

Tips to remember when adjusting handlebars on a Street Glide

Adjusting the handlebars on your Harley-Davidson Street Glide will be a great way of customizing the bike and making it more comfortable for the biker. However, it’ll be important to remember a few key tips to carry out the adjustment safely and correctly. Here are the essential tips to remember when adjusting the handlebars on your bike – 

#1. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions

Before you adjust the handlebars on your Harley-Davidson Street Glide, it’ll be important to read the manufacturer’s instructions carefully. These instructions will provide specific details on how to adjust the handlebars and the right tools to use. Following the manufacturer’s instructions will help you make sure that the adjustment is carried out safely and correctly.

#2. Use high-quality tools

It will be important to use the correct, high-quality tools when adjusting the handlebars on your Street Glide. Using the wrong tools or tools that lack quality can damage the bike and cause the adjustment to be ineffective. Use a high-quality socket wrench, torque wrench, hex key, and more for adjusting the handlebars.

#3. Check the torque specifications

When you are tightening the bolts on the handlebar clamps, it will be important to use a torque wrench and check the manufacturer’s torque specifications. Under-tightening or over-tightening the bolts could cause the handlebars to shift or become loose, which can be potentially dangerous.

#4. Adjust in small increments

When adjusting the handlebars, it will be best to make small adjustments and take a new position before you make further adjustments. Adjusting the handlebars too much at once could result in discomfort and unsafe riding conditions.

#5. Consider your riding position

When you are adjusting the handlebars, it will be important to consider your riding position. The distance, height, and angle of the handlebars can affect the posture and comfort level when riding. You should adjust the handlebars to a position that will allow you to ride comfortably and safely.

#6. Take your time

Adjusting the handlebars on your Street Glide can take time and patience, so you’ll need to give it time. Rushing the adjustment could lead to mistakes and unsafe riding conditions. Take time and carefully make the adjustments to ensure you get a safe and comfortable riding experience.

Conclusion: The Final Verdict

The handlebars on your Harley-Davidson Street Glide are an essential component of your bike’s operation. Over time, the controls could become loose, uncomfortable, or misaligned, which could negatively impact the riding experience. Adjusting the handlebars on your bike can improve the biker’s comfort level, customize the bike, enhance safety, and more.

Adjusting the handlebars on your bike is a rather simple process that can improve your riding experience. The right way to adjust handlebars includes gathering the necessary tools, identifying the handlebar position, loosening the clamps of the handlebars, positioning the handlebars, adjusting the clutch and brake levers, adjusting the throttle grip, adjusting the handgrips, adjusting the cables, checking for proper alignment, and tightening the clamps to secure the handlebars. Once you have adjusted the handlebars, make sure that you test the handlebars, wiring, and other things to make sure everything is up to scratch and safe for use.

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