Bonneville America Forums Forums Technical Forums Accessories HANDLEBAR QUESTION

I'm considering installing the Norman Hyde M-Bars from Bella Corse on my TBA. I'm wondering if I will be able to get the left grip off my stock bars or do I need to go ahead and order new grips? Does anyone know a trick to loosen the grip? I will also install some new low profile or bar end mirrors to replace the stock Mickey Mouse ears. Any stories of experience appreciated!

If you're going to use the throttle body on the right grip it shouldn't be a problem. As for the left one, all I did was squirt some WD40 down there and let it sit overnight. It slide off with a little persuasion.

I used a few drops of vegetable oil squirted down into the grip and it slid right off. I think it's easier to clean off than WD-40, too.

I too used a little rust penetrater. I am too cheap for the good stuff like WD40.
I had to use a cut-off wheel on my dremel to get the throtle side bar end retainer off. I don't know how i have made 50,000 miles and who knows how many cleanings without noticing the broken off allen wrench wedged into the head of the bolt holding it on.

I took my stock bars in the house and ran hot water over the left grip. It slid right off. While it was still hot, I put it on my Buckhorns and when it cooled it was stuck tight. There wasn't any adhesive on it - it just fit perfect.

Something else to consider - the stock bars have inserts in them that the tiny allen screws thread into to hold the end caps on. These inserts also help dampen vibrations. If your new "M" bars are completely hollow, you may notice some vibration in them - they will "ring like a bell" at certain rpms...
That was the case with my Buckhorns. I cured the problem with these....

weights

During my research I also found that a similar effect could be had by filling the ends of the bars with small lead shot and sealing it off with RTV.

Then again, you may already know all of this...