How to remove flex in handlebars, 2014 and later models - FIXED!

[taskmaster86]

Thanks @taskmaster86 for sharing this. I tried and it resolve the issue im having with the flexy handle. Hahaha.

Here is mine,

You're welcome and thank you for posting pics so everyone else can see! Yes it does also stop other keys from getting pinched in that gap, lol

Fac- Use a proper fitting 6 point socket, make sure you are turning it anti-clockwise and remember to eat your veggies the night before; You will get it.

It's too bad Photobucket sucks now. All of the pictures I ever posted in any forum, was all through photobucket.

 

[Sierra1]

Late to the conversation....what flex? Off road riding? Because the only flex that I have seen is when I put a tie down strap on the handle bars. ???

 

[taskmaster86]

If you add risers or taller handlebars, or you drop the bike, the rubber handlebar mount bushings get fatigued and allow the handlebars to flex front to back.

I lightly dropped my S-10 and have rox risers installed. Before I came up with this little fix, my handlebars were flexing about a half inch at the bar ends. With the washers installed, they only flex about an 1/8th of an inch now.

 

[Sierra1]

Oh, ok. Mine has no such mods. Thanks.

 

[SkunkWorks]

Thank you for this post Taskmaster.
Having recently acquired my 2014, one of the first things I noticed is how much the handlebars move/flex forward and backward due to the rubber mounting! It is unnerving during more aggressive riding in the twisty stuff. I'm glad that others have experienced this.
I'll be adding washers tomorrow!

 

[fac191]

Fac- Use a proper fitting 6 point socket, make sure you are turning it anti-clockwise and remember to eat your veggies the night before; You will get it.
Just double checking here but tbought to undo the nuts it would be clockwise ?

 

[SkunkWorks]

Fac- Use a proper fitting 6 point socket, make sure you are turning it anti-clockwise and remember to eat your veggies the night before; You will get it.
Just double checking here but tbought to undo the nuts it would be clockwise ?

They loosen and tighten the "normal" direction for right-handed thread, but you have to remember you are looking at it from the bottom-up.
Turn them accordingly.

 

[fac191]

They loosen and tighten the "normal" direction for right-handed thread, but you have to remember you are looking at it from the bottom-up.
Turn them accordingly.

I would like to take the opportunity to move my post to the dumb posts section !.
Thanks for the reply.

 

[fac191]

I would like to take the opportunity to move my post to the dumb posts section !.
Thanks for the reply.

Just coming back to this i wanted to see what method people are applying to loosen and or tighten these nuts. I can't get anything in there. May be a 2ft long extension bar or something ?

 

[fac191]

Just coming back to this i wanted to see what method people are applying to loosen and or tighten these nuts. I can't get anything in there. May be a 2ft long extension bar or something ?

Applied from underneath ?

 

[SkunkWorks]

Just coming back to this i wanted to see what method people are applying to loosen and or tighten these nuts. I can't get anything in there. May be a 2ft long extension bar or something ?

I just used a ratcheting box-end wrench (Gear-Wrench) on the nuts underneath. There is enough clearance to get some swing on it, and the ratcheting end helps. I have big Bear-Paws too..........
I have a picture at home, I could post after work today.
I believe I had to turn the forks all the way to the side to get enough room, but the room is there. (Unless you have a Dash-Panel on there)