HOW TO: Install Drag Bars on Harley-Davidson Sportster

How To Install Drag Bars and Grips! Parts used:
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J&P Cycles 1″ Black Drag Bars (Knurled / Dimpled / 4.5" pullback)
► bit.ly/DragBarsBH
Arlen Ness Black Fusion Grips:
► amzn.to/2kgP13w
Joker Machine Handlebar Clamp:
►amzn.to/2lzX5xt
Blue Loctite 243 Threadlocker (removable)
► amzn.to/2lXzGag
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I've had MANY people asking me over the last few weeks, "Have you installed your drag bars yet? Are you going to make a 'How To' video?" The answer: Yes! Finally installed them, and here's the walkthrough for installing drag bars on an Iron 883 Sportster (and models similar to the 2013.)
Firstly, I apologize if it's a little choppy and the camera angles aren't the best, as I was having technical difficulties, and actually went back to re-record some parts for you all. (The GoPro has been sent back for warranty repairs!)
Seems like it would be a pretty simple process, and once you've gone through it once, it is, but please be mindful of refitting everything together, and make sure everything lines up. The handlebars are the controls of your bike, pretty important stuff! Double check, and then triple check that you've reinstalled everything correctly when complete!
Should be common knowledge but I'll say it anyways; You should be using Loctite on the appropriate screws and bolts, as well as torquing things back down to factory spec. Be mindful of your torque specs!
As always, thanks for tuning in, and if you have any questions, please feel free to post in the comments section below, and I'll answer to the best of my abilities.
Thanks again, and ride safe out there!
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Useful links:
If you're considering doing this and looking for a great in-depth how to video covering the grips, please check out the following video! Would highly recommend watching this video regarding the throttle cables, this guy runs a great channel!
Delboy's Garage: Bar Grip Change
► • Delboy's Garage, Harle...
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*DISCLAIMER:
This is only a guide, and not meant to be taken as the only means of completing this job. I assume no responsibility and am not responsible or liable, directly nor indirectly, for any damage or loss caused or alleged to be caused by or in connection with use of or reliance on any such Content, site or resource.

[@kylestanford9208]

Bought a 2016 iron 883 Tuesday. Ordered the drag bars and grips you used and they came in today. Super easy install following your tutorial. Thank you for posting this even if I am 2 years behind.

[@jameschicken7482]

I'm 5 years back and this video is still helpfull

[@thisiskeverything]

I like the sword noise when ya pull the new bars out. Hahaha. Nice, man.

[@Fgvmoto]

I didn't even have an iron 883.....damn, I didn't even have a motorcycle driving license ....but i still enjoyed watching this and i know that one day in the nearest future this will help me !!! Thank you !

[@ronlheureux7623]

I put these bars on my 1994 883 with 3" pull back risers. Loved the effect and the riding comfort.

[@marcellgonzalez5513]

I’ve been looking to see what handlebars you put on as I think they look great. Took me some time to find this video. But finally found it. Thank you!

[@efrain18rivera]

2023 here! Just got a 2015 iron 883 and got drag bars! Thank you sir!

[@lukaszkoczen]

I just did mine. Love it! The clutch got little more harder, I might need to get shorter cable or position it different🤔

[@KillswitchQueen]

Drag bars make for an excellent aggressive feel to the ride, good stuff!! But I'd mention that when resetting your throttle cables, to make sure they aren't tight/loose when you fully turn the bars. And if someone is going from larger/longer bars they might need to get shorter cables. I went from drag bars to my pull-backs and completely forgot to order longer cables... felt so silly lol.

[@BlockheadMoto]

Definitely makes it feel more aggressive, responsive for sure! Didn't mention the cables as I was going from stock bars to drags, but I'm hoping people out there do their research beforehand if they want to go higher. Could definitely see how it might be an easy oversight, haha

[@Danielson107]

Thanks man! This is gonna help me ALOT. I'm getting my iron 883 on my birthday. Love the unsheathing sound lol great video, keep it up man.

[@dana.7881]

Great video. Definitely a fun tutorial to watch, though I doubt I'll be brave enough to try taking my Harley apart myself. Still nice watching people show their bikes love.

[@BlockheadMoto]

+Dan A. Thanks Dan! If you ever get brave enough, the tutorial will be here when you're ready! :)

[@trashes_to_treasures]

You can also use some zip ties instead of the screwdriver for removing the left grip. Just push them in and pull the grip off. Won't scratch your bars 😉

[@itsbeek2420]

Love the drag bars! I wanted to know how your turn signal lights were bright white then changed when turn signals were applied? If you could link me to the stuff used that would be great👍🏻

[@ronlheureux7623]

Sometimes compressed air and a pointed tipped nozzle will separate the grip from the bars. Takes about a second. Strong pressure from your compressor is required.

[@aaronglass890]

thanks for these vids. currently building my dream sportster and these help a ton.

[@davidruiz5533]

I added these bars to my Iron but my mirrors now hit the gas tank. Had to put the mirrors back on top of the bars...I hate them up there. All I see is my arms. Any advice on how to keep them from hitting the tank when under the bars?

[@ADVzac]

someone buy this guy a work bench/ table to layout his parts on! keep up the good videos!

[@BlockheadMoto]

lol, there is a table in the garage, I just use the stools sometimes so the parts are within arms reach :)

[@BlockheadMoto]

But if anyone wants to donate towards a work bench / table, then by all means! haha

[@streetstunna600]

BLOCKHEAD those little $29.99 harbor freight roll around red carts are awesome for projects like this!

[@gettywood]

Just bought an 2017 iron, basically most of the changes I want to do...you have a vid for.. good work man, keep it up 👍

[@BlockheadMoto]

+scott getty Nice! Glad to help :)

[@funguseater40]

Hey Blockhead, very nice mod. Liking those bars and grips. Only thing I would have done different would be to use Copperslip on those control screws (but we probably need it more here in the UK than you do I guess !).

[@greenmarine5]

Very well done video, step by step and very detailed explanation of the entire process.

[@sportsterdawg5508]

Hey @blockhead. Looks really nice. Thanks for the how to vid. This is going to be my next mod on my iron. I'm trying to challenge myself to do mods only after every 1000 subs, a little game that I feel will make things interesting! The seat looks awesome too!

[@BlockheadMoto]

+SportsterDawg Thanks man! Does sounds interesting (1k subs / mod.) I'd have... 3 mods done to my bike if I waited, haha. Too slow for my pace. Best of luck man!

[@thisisgil7394]

you, Blockhead, and I are going to end up having our bikes alike. I'm waiting for riding season to start to start doing all the mods on my Iron

[@nickviles9207]

I didn't know you super glued that left grip. I thought Amazon sent me the wrong grips😞. Thanks for the tutorial. Even if you don't have this bike anymore!

[@merylfabian7920]

Funny thing I lost the brass fitting on the throttle when I changed my grips. I couldn't find it for a few hours. The drag bar looks sick.

[@BlockheadMoto]

+Meryl Fabian Yeah you definitely have to be careful with those little brass parts, easy to drop and lose forever!

[@zhack3d]

The only Harley Davidson I like

[@monkeyking5991]

Love this video and the channel. I'm gonna replace a drag bar for my 2021 iron 883. Hope luck.

[@N0VA_PLAYS]

Can anyone tell me what that cut away at 2:20 was about? I’ve never worked on a motorcycle and I’m trying install new bars on a 1991 but can’t find a tutorial anywhere and I’m struggling. Don’t wanna waist my money on labor work at a mechanics shop

[@nory826]

pretty sure I'm going to put in my order today for these bars and grips. looks great man!

[@BlockheadMoto]

Thanks! They feel great, too. Happy installing! :)

[@jasonsanderson9385]

very informative video!! Main reason to watch this video was to see how the speedometer looked mounted on side of fork BADASS!!! Ride Safe

[@sgt.squeegee5953]

Hey blockhead your iron is really looking good. can't wait to see what u do next

[@BlockheadMoto]

+burt spradlin Thanks Burt!

[@omkarjagdale4241]

Can u please tell us how to get maximum milage from this bike? What rpm , gear and speed we need to get great milage??

[@thanhdinh100]

Can you link what brand of the seat please?

[@robbynolan2400]

literally have that same exact tool set lol. i recognized the screw driver and bit set

[@tyty1400]

Looking good. Can you show me how to tighten a blinker? Mine move really freely.

[@kimmarieherrera]

Love these how to videos. Makes it easy to follow

[@c4rn4g32]

If you’re just changing the bars and not the grips couldn’t you just remove the brake lever/Mount and loosen the hand control housing for the throttle side to slide it off as you take the bars off? To prevent from having to loosen/remove the throttle cables.

[@Walker1592]

Hey blockhead! I’m after those drag bars for my 2018 iron 883 but jp cycles’ page is telling me they won’t fit on the bike? Should I disregard and order them anyways?

[@moroseyt]

Just ordered the drag bar and the tank lift, I just won't be doing a wire tuck

[@jp1munoz]

Can you share a link to the dash relocation kit? Did you have to extend wires?

[@bernardlesperance742]

People often forget to cover their headlight casing too . . . which can result in it getting damaged when taking off / putting on the handlebars. Also best to work slowly and methodically, carefully (with full care). Think through everything. And then think again. Then execute.

[@erikdravn]

Hey Blockhead. Longtime viewer, first-time commenter (not really, I've commented before, but it's an old saying). I'm going to be doing this exact swap out next weekend. Not drag bars but a mini-ape set. I want to sit a bit more upright when I ride my 2016 Iron 883. Please wish me luck. It's my first ever mod.

[@jamievandalen]

this may be a stupid question, but could you not remove the clutch off the left side, loosen the brake screws 70% of the way, remove the clamp bolts in the middle and slide the bar right out of the throttle grip? Then slid the new bar directly into the throttle grip without having to undo the linkage at all? Slide it into the throttle, bolt the clamps down in the middle, re-assemble the clutch side and done? Am I missing a reason this wont work?

[@StrangerOfficial]

Drag bars! I've waited since video one. Awesome

[@BlockheadMoto]

Yas!

[@IMonYo6]

Thanks for the videos .. I just finished up the work on my 48.

[@BlockheadMoto]

+Shawn Bernard Nice! Grats :)

[@Michaelandrewscott1]

Did you order the same bars? Did they fit?

[@chichiszolusha608]

Awesome video , few years later Did you make a video of the speedometer relocation and was there a kit Thanks in advance bike looks great

[@lordofadventures]

What side lights you use???? They make white light to?? Amazing!

[@michaeltyus9874]

Followed Your video, install was flawless!!! Thanks again for making it easy 👊🏾👊🏾👊🏾

[@umad8ro]

My brake switch works after going to drag bars, but it isn't clicking anymore... ever had that happen lol?

[@savagenez9584]

Did anyone encounter an issue with the throttle grip moving side to side? The dimple isnt wide enough so had to push the throttle out a bit :/

[@4door_vette04]

You didn’t have to do anything with the front brake lever? I seen somewhere that someone said you hafta hold the brake lever in and stick something in between the lever where it opens or some shit🤷🏻‍♂️ something about some pieces will fly off. Maybe it was a different bike but I swore it was for sportsters. Anyway, nice video. Been sitting on a pair of bars and these grips for about a month now but now I know it’s not that bad they’ll be done by the weekend.

[@aidanvinum]

Nice. Can you do a video on how to lower the suspension on the iron 883, please? Can’t seem to find a video for that aaanywhere.

[@robbieomeara1649]

I like the simplicity of an 883

[@BlockheadMoto]

+robbie omeara Same! No unnecessary bells and whistles.

[@bennyrodriguez8788]

Robbie O’Meara what do you guys think of the 1200? I’m asking because I want to buy one.

[@billbyrd9845]

If you have a compressor, blow air into the left grip to get it off.

[@jjr2sticks]

Good job thanks going to do the same on my 2017 Forty Eight

[@jeffshouse3932]

Blockhead, what is the size torx screw? I have a 2018 HD Sportster Custom that I want to deinstall the crash bar

[@justinh6627]

is it possible to keep the instrument cluster on top instead of relocating to the side of the bike?

[@skeptrontambayanvlog]

Blockhead so you do not need to replace cables?

[@gustavochavezalcivar815]

I have installed the same bar on my 2012 iron 883, when taking apart the throttle I did not mess with it and put it back on the new bars without doing any adjustments, then next morning I tried test ride the new bars , I turned the switch on and soon realized the throttle is "stuck" cuz the bike it's already accelerated, but the weird part is the throttle snaps back in the starting position on both the bar and by the engine, I'm a first time HD owner and any advice will be helpful and how I can fix this issue. Thanks in advance

[@LowHeartRate]

Question; I also have Iron 883 and do I need all the extra parts you used if I have NOT relocated my speedometer or can I just purchase the drag bars themselves and just swap those out with my current bars?

[@BlockheadMoto]

+lowheartrate Should be able to do just the bars 👍🏼

[@KemDIY]

Do you like how they feel? Are they much wider hand placement than stock? I’m hoping not. Looks awesome man.

[@classicuniquegifts9704]

I have a 2021 harley davidson iron 883 and was wanting to install a set a set of these bars on it. The dealerships wanted to charge me 1300 bucks to do it because they said the 2021 had internal wiring. What is the difference between internal and external? As this is my first bike and I would like the difference between them and is there a disadvantage to doing it myself?

[@alexisclement9002]

Hi, did you ever figured it out, I want to put drag bars on my 2022 iron 883. Thx

[@classicuniquegifts9704]

@@alexisclement9002 I didn't find anything and haven't gotten to the bars yet. I actually installed a 2 into one exhaust and replaced my air filter and did a re tune on it. The bars I'm gonna do last. I found my harley dealership to not be telling the truth because alot of the stuff they said it would cost was a fraction of the cost by a mom and pop shop in my city. Hopefully I find out soon and keep you posted. Good luck buddy!👍

[@ad1960rag]

i just put the same grips on my sportster and i got the pegs and shifter too

[@BlockheadMoto]

+ALHD 48 I was thinking about pegs and shifter also, but wouldn't the knurling cause wear on the top of your shoes? I wear black boots for the most part, and the soft OEM rubber on the shift peg doesn't seem to have too much of an impact on the boot.

[@ad1960rag]

No damage to shoes. Iuse tonhave hd black dimond. They dk up your shoes lol. Arlen ness ones are fine. And heaps of grip

[@stratosjeff7007]

nice job!..was that throttle grip removal the grip install edited in reverse?...lol

[@BlockheadMoto]

+stratosjeff lol, no I actually re-recorded uninstalling the throttle side grip bc the original video angle I got was terrible. So, I uninstalled the new grip while re-recording at a better angle, and then reinstalled it again to get the shot for you guys ;)

[@luisvillalba4759]

Badass 883!!!

[@Ashroyer86]

I can not for anything figure out how to get the throttle side controls back on. It's like the wires are in the way so the clam shell won't go together.

[@IanRI1911]

How much does that headlight grille interfere with nighttime visibility? Looks great, but I ride at night a lot.

[@BlockheadMoto]

Very minimal. You can see the slats projected on the road a little bit (mind you I have the Daymaker style LED headlight,) but even w/ the grille, I can still see fine, hardly even notice it. Watch the install vid I did on it, I ride around at night.

[@robbyclark6915]

You should make sure your throttle cable is adjusted as to open the throttle body valve 95+% open or better with the throttle wide open. I haven’t been able to get mine 100% open and still have adequate snap back from the opposing cable. But I got 95-98 which is a lot better than from the factory!🤷🏻‍♂️. They had it opening about 85% or so? Weird.

[@beniaminv]

Did you have to mess with the stem bolt at all? Or is it just the Harley Drag Bars you have to do that with?

[@omar_1617]

What drag bar is that? I want the exact drag bar you have here.

[@jamesparker438]

Have a question for you hope you can help I got myself an 883 Iron had drag bars on it when I got it the clutch cable is in front of the headlight kinda loops around in front and goes through the forks how have you rooted yours behind the headlight if you don’t mind me asking ? Was thinking of a boat in the headlight and putting it behind the bracket however when it moves wiring it’s going to hit the Speedo and scratch it all up or interfere with the wiring looks so untidy in front of the headlight

[@mackdiesel6437]

great video, the 883 looking mean!

[@BlockheadMoto]

+Jesse Baskiewicz Thanks Jesse!

[@KingGreen78]

Question did u need to change the cables?aren't they longer from original bars or they were ok.

[@BJ-ky8sy]

the Jp drag bars are on back order for months , which for me will be the whole riding season in NJ . Do you know of any other comparable bars , i like that fact that they are over 30 inches wide. with 4 inch pull back.

[@strada21_]

I'm having trouble putting back the brake and clutch housing part the electrical wiring it's in the way , I checked on the original handlebars they got some kind of groove in the bottom side ,is there a solution??

[@Ladosligese]

use air to remove the handlegrips ? would be nice and fast then unless its glued on ofc did you ever consider some lifters on her ? :)

[@dmgomez100974]

Hi BLOCKHEAD! Great Video.. you showed the "direct bolt-on series", where did you use it on this video. And, i'd like to know if there are some issues replacing stock handlebar to drag bar pertaining to all the cables. and if so, what are they?

[@justinperdun8911]

Really good informative vid like always brother.

[@xxmartyrxx6350]

I tried to change my bars to a drag bar but I have troubleshooting​, my bike won't turn on, the lights are the ONLY thing that turns on. pls help

[@jonathanberrios9879]

did you keep the stock throttle cables, clutch cables and brake lines with the drag bars?

[@jamesfoster358]

Sick bike!! What tank is that

[@cedricpulvinar7341]

love it man! what sportster is that?

[@thesumitchakraborty]

im thinking of flipping the mirrors in my superlow. due to the tank size im bit skeptical if replacing the default bars with iron's default bars be helpful or not. any suggestion will be much helpful.

[@Mert131E30]

looks great, this is my dream bike :)

[@BlockheadMoto]

Thanks Mert :)

[@cathyboza8977]

Thanks bro, very informative! It will make my install much easier.

[@danielcalles7515]

Do you think this set up would work with the Harley 4.5 gallon tank?

[@cewbacca36]

Hey. Use compressed air to blow off the handles.

[@cewbacca36]

And you don't need to loosen the throttle cabels. Attatch the handle before you mount the bar.

[@MrSnguon]

I have an iron 1200 with mini ape bars, I plan to switch them to drag bars. should i buy a cable kit with shorter cable to acomodate the slack that would be left from moving down from mini apes to straight drag bars? i read somewhere that you also need to do something with the brakes lines? the manual on the bars ( that i purchase from harley ) said that the brake line gaskets need to be replace when changing out the bars

[@MegaVydra]

Again nice video thanks. I hope you do not mind I'm building the same Iron :) Please ask what saddle do you have , looks good. Can I link? Greetings from the Czech republic.

[@redlinedepartmentofcrimina6737]

Where is that solo seat from

[@tonymoots7955]

I bought these cheap drag bars from eBay and they don’t have the grooves or the dimples for the wires....is it ok?

[@billyboi319]

Sorry if you already answered, but did you end up rising the bars? I think you had mentioned hunching over a bit for the drag bars and was curious to know if you did or not. I wanted to do the same to my iron but wasn't sure if I should just go with the rised drag bars. Thanks!

[@rrrjae1872]

Do I have to relocate my turn signals or can I just install these bars?

[@TimothyCorbette]

how you do feel about buying a separate throttle tube and biltwell $17 grips?

[@andrewjuarez9217]

Hey @blockhead what kind of mirrors are those? I'm thinking about throwing some on my Street 750

[@BlockheadMoto]

They're the stock Iron 883 mirrors, flipped and reversed :)

[@jofal62]

you don't take any precaution for the brake lever ?

[@braylezunig09]

Hey @blockhead I like the video! I appreciate all the how to videos, I had a question on the drag bars. I click on the link for the drag bars but the drag bars don't fit my bike. I have a 2016 iron 883. Does the handle bar that you bought will fit any 883 year?

[@BlockheadMoto]

+Brayle Zuniga It should I imagine, so long as your bars are 1" bars, which I believe all Harley's are? Would call Harley just to confirm, but I believe they should fit

[@Doubledge]

Looks sick! How you liking them?

[@BlockheadMoto]

+Doubledge007 Thanks! So far so good, had to adjust a little. Will have the initial thoughts video up in a few days :)

[@Construct87]

How long does this take total if you don't have 2 left hands?

[@mikegoldner9873]

Great video, thank you. Quick Q: How did you do the Spedo/Tac relocation? Do you need a whole new cover plate on top at the handlebar mount? And then how do bolt it to the frame on the side?

[@StephenTimesTwo]

He’s got a vid on it

[@matt5082]

Anyone know if the stock 2017 iron 883 comes with enough slack on the wires to install mini apes?? Thanks

[@greenmarine5]

Put these on my wife's 883, and my Soft tail

[@isaiahbaugh3233]

Very easy, thanks for the vid