Sportster Handlebar Install (step-by-step guide)

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[@thomasmarquez6790]

Just to make it clear using a torque wrench it is not recommended to do a re check. One click only. Every time you recheck it, it over torques it. Learned that in automotive school when I was a kid. Been doing professionally for over 30 years. It’s a bad habit I seen a lot of mechanics do. Good instruction video.

[@sportster9633]

Thank you for letting me know! I appreciate the help.

[@Gio0285]

Great vid man. Really helpful!! 👌 thx

[@dannydannydanny1978]

Thank you so much for this vid, i actually went with 8”mini apes bar also so this vid will really help me with the change… And now i know that i just need to replace the brake lines❤

[@sportster9633]

Absolutely, you’re welcome! I hope the bar change when smooth for you.

[@mykedntsleepmykedntsleep9313]

Best video by far good job 👍🏽 brother

[@sportster9633]

That means a lot thank you for the compliments!

[@redneckgearheadgarage495]

Compressed air is great for removing grips.

[@cgraffam7]

if I'm just changing out some bent bars with the exact same ones do i need to bleed the brakes or anything or is it just a simple take off one bar place on the other?

[@RoadRider123]

thanks for the video, very helpful. Question, in your case you flushed the brake fluid since you were installing another line, but I wouldn't have to if I'm not changing the height of the bars, right?

[@sportster9633]

Awesome, I’m glad to hear you enjoyed it! As for just changing the style of bar and not the height, you should be fine with your stock brake line.

[@bernardlesperance742]

Good job. Personally, I prefer putting anti-seize grease on the clamp bolts, not threadlock. Torque the bolts to spec and they won't come undone. Next time you remove the bars, the bolts won't have seized in - which they can do, especially after some years and/or extended exposure to the elements.

[@sportster9633]

Thanks for the input! I have heard of people using anti-seize instead of thread locker, however multiple forums discussed the handlebars on Sportsters shifting even after torquing to the service manual specifications. I’ve used thread locker in handlebar clamps for years with zero issues, not to say I won’t have them seize some day in the future. I hope you found the video helpful.

[@mikeward2922]

Great video, and what a beautiful bike. I'm considering these same bars for my daughter's new-to-her 2018 Iron 883. Much of the components and sizes look the same. I noticed the link to the bars is no longer working for part 503-886. I'm taking a good guess the bars are now 503-884, non slotted. There is a slotted version and a TBW version though. So, after a couple summers of riding, how did the Park Tools compound work out? Any slipping?

[@sportster9633]

Thank you! I’m not sure on the part number, to be certain I recommend calling the company and have them verify before ordering. I never had any issues with the bars slipping at all. That compound works great and a little goes a long way. Be sure to torque the clamps to the proper spec.

[@EnterTheCantaloupe]

Great video! Before you changed the bars out, which bar end mirrors were you using? They looked sharp.

[@sportster9633]

Thank you! I honestly don’t know and they aren’t labeled. Those came on the bike when I got it used.

[@EnterTheCantaloupe]

@@sportster9633 no worries - thanks for the reply!

[@jiaoneal]

So all cable wire and clutch cable all stock? Except the brake line?

[@FlightMedic406]

Do you think the biltwell Keystone XL1 handle bars would work with only changing the brake line. They are 1/2 inch higher than the chumps

[@sportster9633]

Possibly, you would need to measure to know for sure. You always want some slack in the throttle cables and clutch cable. Just because it will reach doesn’t mean it’s safe to ride. I hope this helps.

[@fernandobasurto5674]

What length break line extension do you recommend if I am going with 14" ape hangers?

[@sportster9633]

That will most likely require around a 48 inch line. 50 inch to play it safe. I used a 42 inch line on mine and that handlebar was a 8 inch rise.

[@longranger308]

What length of magnum brake line did you get? I want to put on Biltwell frisco bars with a 7” rise

[@sportster9633]

I purchased a 42 inch. I have a direct link to it listed in the drop down. Be sure to read the notes on the brake line as it makes a difference depending on what year you have. I hope this helps!

[@Scooter3194]

Will 42” be good for my 2009 sportster xl low with 8” rise ?

[@redneckgearheadgarage495]

Loctite retaining compound (not thread locker) will work without the worry about scratches.

[@DeliveredCarCare]

Why did you bleed the breaks if you weren’t replacing the break lines?

[@sportster9633]

I did replace the front brake line. I had to replace the oem brake line with an extended one due to the increase in handle bar height.

[@davefish5248]

Hi sportster 96, I have a 1200 xl 2016 model..will my clutch and cable line go from a 12 inch (factory install) to 14 inch without me having to change them as you did? thanks

[@sportster9633]

That’s difficult to answer accurately as the specifications are going to be different. I would think that it would be fine since it’s only a 2 inch rise. You would still want to measure your cables first before making a decision.

[@davefish5248]

@@sportster9633 thanks man..really good video too bro

[@damianpoulter9090]

@@davefish5248 Hey mate are u saying u installed 12" with all factory lines and cables? No extensions?

[@christopherflores8244]

How long did you let the parktool dry for?

[@sportster9633]

I don’t recall the tube giving a specific time. I just applied a small amount and positioned the bars and torqued the clamp to spec from the service manual. Months have passed since I installed them and I haven’t had any issues or handle bar slippage.

[@stevengates8695]

Why didn’t you go internal with the wires? Thx!

[@sportster9633]

Those particular bars aren’t drilled out for it.

[@stevengates8695]

@@sportster9633 thank u!!

[@ajiprayoga2676]

How many inch ?

[@sportster9633]

Aji Prayoga The handlebars are 8 inches of rise.

[@drfetuseater]

Definitely doesn't show how you changed and replaced the clutch, throttle cables and brake lines.

[@sportster9633]

It’s shows me taking off the brake line around 4:00. I broke loose the banjo bolts and proceeded to remove the brake line after removing the brake fluid. The reason you didn’t see a clutch cable or throttle cables replaced is because I didn’t have to due to the handle bars only being a 8 inch rise.