Thursday, July 1, 2010

Change Out Handle Bars On A Yamaha V Star

Your handlebars are held in place by a pair of risers on the steering clamp.


The handlebars of your Yamaha V-Star motorcycle are deceptively difficult to switch out. Even though it would appear as simple as unbolting them from the risers on your steering clamp, the handlebars are attached to numerous switches, cables and controls that must be removed first. While the task isn't difficult, it is quite time-consuming, so set aside enough time to do the job properly without rushing.


Instructions


1. Remove the plastic cable ties that secure the electrical wiring on both sides of the handlebar. Unplug the wiring leads connected to the front brake switch and the clutch lever switch on the right and left handlebars, respectively.


2. Loosen the clutch cable adjuster's lock nut by hand, then twist the adjuster clockwise until it is seated against the clutch lever perch to loosen the clutch cable. Pull the clutch cable out of the channel cut into the adjuster, lever perch and the clutch lever. Pull the cable's end barrel out of the catch on the bottom of the clutch lever. Set the clutch cable aside. V-Star models equipped with a hydraulic clutch may skip this step.


3. Remove the pair of bolts securing the upper and lower switch housings on the left handlebar using a Phillips screwdriver. Pull the switch housing apart, then remove it from the handlebar.


4. Pull the end cap off of the left hand grip. Slide the hand grip lengthwise, using a razor blade, then peel the grip off of the handlebar. Loosen the bolt under the clutch lever perch using a 10-mm wrench, then pull the entire perch off the handlebar.


5. Unscrew the bolts from the front brake master cylinder's bracket on the right handlebar using a 4-mm Allen wrench. Pull the master cylinder away from the handlebar.


6. Remove the pair of bolts securing the upper and lower switch housings on the right handlebar using a Phillips screwdriver. Pull the upper switch housing away from the handlebar to access the throttle grip and cables. Pull the throttle cable's barrel ends out of the catches on the throttle's flange. Lower the switch housing away, and slide the throttle grip off the handlebar


7. Pull the rubber caps off the handlebar riser's mounting bolts. Unscrew the bolts using a 6-mm Allen wrench, then lift the upper riser caps off the handlebars. Pull the handlebars away from the motorcycle.


8. Mount the new handlebars onto the risers, and reinstall the upper riser caps, using a 6-mm Allen wrench to tighten the mounting bolts. Reassemble the handlebar controls, except for the left hand grip, following the reverse method of removal


9. Spread a small amount of hand grip cement on the inner lip of the replacement left hand grip. Slide the hand grip onto the handlebar, using a single motion, until it is seated against the left switch assembly. Squeeze the grip, and hold it in place for 30 seconds to set the cement.

Tags: hand grip, clutch lever, clutch cable, handlebar using, Allen wrench