Topic: Question on replacing handle bars

[nomad]

When I replace my stock bars, will the replacement bars have to have the same knurls in them if I plan on using the stock clamp?  The set I'm thinking about using doesn't have the knurls.  Any safety issues or will simply tightening them down be sufficient?

[MCRider]

They should be fine without knurls. Most bars don't have them. I haven't had them on my CB750 in distant memory, several different styles of bars used.

[MoMo]

They should be fine without knurls. Most bars don't have them. I haven't had them on my CB750 in distant memory, several different styles of bars used.

+1  The knurls were a supposed additional Honda safety factor.  Properly tightened your new bars will be fine...Larry

[nomad]

Thanks guys!

[rhos1355]

Nomad, are you threading the control wires in thru the bars or outside? The reason I ask is that I've read somewhere in the forum that only original Honda 'bars will accommodate all the electrical wires inside.
Is this true?

[72 yellow]

Nomad, are you threading the control wires in thru the bars or outside? The reason I ask is that I've read somewhere in the forum that only original Honda 'bars will accommodate all the electrical wires inside.
Is this true?

I replaced the bars on my 72 CB750 with a set from Bikemaster and had no problems getting the wires through.  I did have to drill the holes to feed the wires through however.  Used the old bars as a guide.

[Elan]

I bought the cheap clubman bars off ebay, and they came with the knurls, lined up great. Wiring inside is a bit of a pain but definately possible.

[nomad]

Nomad, are you threading the control wires in thru the bars or outside? The reason I ask is that I've read somewhere in the forum that only original Honda 'bars will accommodate all the electrical wires inside.
Is this true?

I'm going to do what 72 yellow did.

[MCRider]

Nomad, are you threading the control wires in thru the bars or outside? The reason I ask is that I've read somewhere in the forum that only original Honda 'bars will accommodate all the electrical wires inside.
Is this true?

Nope, never ran across one yet that wouldn't accept the wiring internally. Clubmans being the exception and its becuase of the extreme turn/ joint, no other reason. Some still get it done anyway.

[72 yellow]

Nomad, are you threading the control wires in thru the bars or outside? The reason I ask is that I've read somewhere in the forum that only original Honda 'bars will accommodate all the electrical wires inside.
Is this true?

I'm going to do what 72 yellow did.

A side note. Make sure to smooth the holes when you drill them.  No sharp edges anywhere.  I made a nice radius on mine.  Nothing for the wires to hang up on, nothing to rub through and cause a short later. 

[nomad]

Nomad, are you threading the control wires in thru the bars or outside? The reason I ask is that I've read somewhere in the forum that only original Honda 'bars will accommodate all the electrical wires inside.
Is this true?

I'm going to do what 72 yellow did.

A side note. Make sure to smooth the holes when you drill them.  No sharp edges anywhere.  I made a nice radius on mine.  Nothing for the wires to hang up on, nothing to rub through and cause a short later. 

Thanks for the heads up.

[Hinomaru]

When I replace my stock bars, will the replacement bars have to have the same knurls in them if I plan on using the stock clamp?  The set I'm thinking about using doesn't have the knurls.  Any safety issues or will simply tightening them down be sufficient?

You will probably be OK without the original knurls present, however should your replacement bars end up slipping in the stock clamp or you just want some peace of mind, an easy solution is to "stipple" the bars. Mark the bars so you know what area will be hidden by the clamps. Use a punch and hammer and "stipple" the bars. This is will roughen the surface and help the clamping force to stop the bars from turning. The link is from a gunsmith article, but it explains the process:

http://www.gunsandammo.com/content/punch-up-your-guns-appearance-?page=1

[nomad]

When I replace my stock bars, will the replacement bars have to have the same knurls in them if I plan on using the stock clamp?  The set I'm thinking about using doesn't have the knurls.  Any safety issues or will simply tightening them down be sufficient?

You will probably be OK without the original knurls present, however should your replacement bars end up slipping in the stock clamp or you just want some peace of mind, an easy solution is to "stipple" the bars. Mark the bars so you know what area will be hidden by the clamps. Use a punch and hammer and "stipple" the bars. This is will roughen the surface and help the clamping force to stop the bars from turning. The link is from a gunsmith article, but it explains the process:

http://www.gunsandammo.com/content/punch-up-your-guns-appearance-?page=1

Another great idea!  I have a heavy duty electric engraver that might work well for this.

[Nortstudio]

When I first swapped out my bars, I had a bit of slippage.  i have thought about slightly roughing up the spots that the clamp contacts with a Dremel.  has anyone had any luck with this?

Thanks