K11 Owners Group

old guy old bike · Posted: Thu Sep 03, 2009 9:16 pm Post subject: Bent handlebar

Something has always been off on my LT. I knew that the PO had dropped it on the RH side because the fairing is cracked. I always figured that the fairing bracket was bent. Not the case. The RH side of the handle bar is bent back about 1 1/4". Best I can tell anyway using wood butchery instruments.

Has anyone ever tried to straighten out a bent baron the bike? I am a little concerned to just go after it with brute strength and awkwardness. If I have to go to the trouble to remove the bar, I will just put a new one on.
Jeff
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1993 K1100LT
2003 K1200GT Gone but not forgotten
2014 Victory Crossraods

Flying Duck · Posted: Thu Sep 03, 2009 9:21 pm Post subject:

Given how they're mounted I wouldn't try it on the bike. I think it would take quite a bit of force to bend the bars back. I think there might be a risk of either tweaking the triple tree alignment or maybe messing up the handlebar mounts.

I've got a set of used LT bars if you're interested.
_________________
93 LT (x2)
94 RS
86-97 K75F(K75/100/1100 Frankenbrick)
86 K75C w/paralever, hi perf cams,TURBO!
91 & 92 K75Ss
91 K1
86 custom K100
14 WR250R
IBA #17739 (SS1K, BBG, 50CC)
Buy parts HERE

Jim · Posted: Fri Sep 04, 2009 1:40 am Post subject:

it's probably a minor PITA to take the bar off - but if you don't mind doing that, you should be able to get it put right at your local straightener.
_________________
Jim
1997 K1100LTSE 94,000 - has gremlins!
1995 R100RT Classic 16,650 crashed - repairing
1992 K75RTP 46,000

"We shall not all die, but we shall all be changed."

SugarHillCTD · Posted: Fri Sep 04, 2009 6:44 am Post subject:

Slight detour (not quite a hijack) but the thread reminded me of this...

Anyone remember when Freddie Spencer was still racing Superbikes in the US before going to Europe for 250/500cc racing? His mechanics noted that on multiple occasions his handlebars would be bent after races- without crashing. Shocked

_________________
John & Cathy

'92 K100RS4V Pearl White SOLD
'04 K1200GT
IBA Several-SS1k, BBG, 50CC NYC to S.F.

Off the grid · Posted: Fri Sep 04, 2009 6:47 am Post subject:

Are the LT handlebars steel or aluminum?

If they are steel they are heavy and should be replaced....bars are cheap 40$ or so, plus you can get a set that is swept back further/wider.

If they are aluminum I wouldn't bend them back due to fatiuge rates.
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Bane of your existence since July 2006
2007 Triumph Tiger ABS. "Sabertooth"
2009 Husqvarna TE610. "The dirty Italian mistress"

Flying Duck · Posted: Fri Sep 04, 2009 11:12 am Post subject:

They're steel.

When removing/swapping handlebars on a K bike, I prefer to do it without disconnecting the brake line and having to bleed the brakes when you put things back together. This can be accomplished by disconnecting the choke and throttle cables and removing the left perch first. Then you can remove the handlebars out of the left perch without having to disconnect the brake line.

Also note that you can keep the clutch depressed to leave slack in the clutch cable by pulling in the clutch and placing a block of wood between the clutch arm and exhaust. Makes dealing with the clutch cable much easier.
_________________
93 LT (x2)
94 RS
86-97 K75F(K75/100/1100 Frankenbrick)
86 K75C w/paralever, hi perf cams,TURBO!
91 & 92 K75Ss
91 K1
86 custom K100
14 WR250R
IBA #17739 (SS1K, BBG, 50CC)
Buy parts HERE

old guy old bike · Posted: Sat Sep 05, 2009 12:02 pm Post subject:

It sounds like a simple project will turn into a real PITA. Think I will wait for the snow to fly. Can you get the heated grips off and back on without buggering them up? I will probably try to straighten my bar. Chicago BMW wants $135 - discount for a new one. Think I will visit Duck's and see what he has.
_________________
1993 K1100LT
2003 K1200GT Gone but not forgotten
2014 Victory Crossraods

Flying Duck · Posted: Sat Sep 05, 2009 12:14 pm Post subject:

The "Right" way is to use a needle to get the terminals out of the four lead connector under the tank.

The more common way is to pull some slack out, cut the wires and then resolder when you put the handlebars back on.

Be careful with the heated grips. If you break the connection where the wires meet the heating elements then you're screwed because you can't resolder them to the heating elements because solder doesn't stick to that metal.

Use a vacuum and a piece of string to pull the wires back through.
_________________
93 LT (x2)
94 RS
86-97 K75F(K75/100/1100 Frankenbrick)
86 K75C w/paralever, hi perf cams,TURBO!
91 & 92 K75Ss
91 K1
86 custom K100
14 WR250R
IBA #17739 (SS1K, BBG, 50CC)
Buy parts HERE