EXPDSGT
Well-known member
I have an '06 A. I did not like the "ANGLE" of the handlebars. They will move up and back almost an inch but the angle of the grips can not be changed. (The AE is the same I believe)
After 200 -- 300 miles the outside heals of my palms (away from the thumb) would get very sore and start to ache. I took the handlebars lose and found they are connected to each other via the larger bolt. I also found that there are "TWO" hardened line-up pins that only let the bars set at a certain angle. (They can only move up and back -- no twist).I asked my friend who is a top mechanic at a big dealership about this, and would it be possible to remove one of the pins or drill different holes.
I took it apart and we decided to remove one of the pins that was nearest the grip. I left the other pin in. Now these pins don't come out easy -- but they will come out. We used two people and side cutters (dykes) to pry them out. You can turn the bar to get under where the pins are. The pins are hardened and that makes them hard to get a grip on. If you do it -- just keep trying.
Now I can move the ends of the bars up or back 2-3 inches. I can get the exact angle for my hand to rest on the entire grip. It is very easy to tell if the two bars are at the same angle from the way they sit on the top crown.
When all set where I wanted them; I re-torqued all bolts and they are just as strong as ever. NOTE: This does not move the bars up or down (you can just chose your angle). They are attached the very same way they were from the factory. One little line-up pin is removed. This is "FREE" and it takes about 1/2 hour to do and you need no different bolts or harware. (I saved the two pins in case I ever want to put them back).
If this makes you nervous -- don't do it. I was brave and my hands feel completely different on the grips.
I am off for a 3000 mile trip next week and will let you know if there is any problem (I don't expect any).
After 200 -- 300 miles the outside heals of my palms (away from the thumb) would get very sore and start to ache. I took the handlebars lose and found they are connected to each other via the larger bolt. I also found that there are "TWO" hardened line-up pins that only let the bars set at a certain angle. (They can only move up and back -- no twist).I asked my friend who is a top mechanic at a big dealership about this, and would it be possible to remove one of the pins or drill different holes.
I took it apart and we decided to remove one of the pins that was nearest the grip. I left the other pin in. Now these pins don't come out easy -- but they will come out. We used two people and side cutters (dykes) to pry them out. You can turn the bar to get under where the pins are. The pins are hardened and that makes them hard to get a grip on. If you do it -- just keep trying.
Now I can move the ends of the bars up or back 2-3 inches. I can get the exact angle for my hand to rest on the entire grip. It is very easy to tell if the two bars are at the same angle from the way they sit on the top crown.
When all set where I wanted them; I re-torqued all bolts and they are just as strong as ever. NOTE: This does not move the bars up or down (you can just chose your angle). They are attached the very same way they were from the factory. One little line-up pin is removed. This is "FREE" and it takes about 1/2 hour to do and you need no different bolts or harware. (I saved the two pins in case I ever want to put them back).
If this makes you nervous -- don't do it. I was brave and my hands feel completely different on the grips.
I am off for a 3000 mile trip next week and will let you know if there is any problem (I don't expect any).