Topic: Anyone sell PRE-DRILLED bars?

[cleveland]

I just screwed up my set of bars for my CB550.  Does anyone sell pre-drilled drag or sport bars?  I would love to just drop in the controls and be on my way.

Thanks, Bobby

[bradweingartner]

Just out of curiosity, what do you think would be a fair price for a set of drag bars pre-milled and pre-drilled for through-bar wires?

[Raul CB750K1]

I drilled a set, and even had to drill one of the sides in a set of Honda bars -strangely, the switch was too much to the inside.

Not a hard thing to do. Just get the old ones as a pattern of where the holes go, both in distance to the end of the bar and orientation. Center punch, drill, and for the center holes use a file to smooth the sides.

I have seen switches filed and with the pin removed, because the previous owner didn't want -or know- to make the holes. It takes more or less the same time to adapt the switches to the handlebar, than the other way round.

[Steve F]

A trick I used to locate the holes for the controls on the bars is to wrap the bar where the control clamps with some paper tape (masking tape), one wrap is enough, and position the controls where you want them, then lightly clamp the two halves down.  The "pin" will leave a mark on the tape where the hole is to go.  When you make the elongated hole where the wires exit the bars in the center, be sure you thoroughly de-burr it so you don't cut through the wire insulation. 

[chrislib]

That is an awesome idea Steve! Altho measuring for them can be a little dicey that makes it almosta n0-brainer.

[cleveland]

I like the masking tape idea!  I'll give it a shot.

BTW, I am guessing no one offers pre-drilled. 

[bradweingartner]

When you say drilled, do you mean just for the Pin, or for the actual wires?

I've personally found that a single hole is not ideal for the wires as the cover gets brittle with age, as well as the wires. I've slotted the last few bars I did - just like the factory - and had a much better time installing them. If there was interest I'd buy up a handful of bars and modify them the same as stock.