How to change the steering wheel of a motorcycle?

For aesthetic reasons or rust, we may have to change its motorcycle handlebars. For economic reasons and to have the pleasure of customizing your motorcycle yourself, it is important to know the main stages of changing motorcycle handlebars.

Prepare the change of motorcycle handlebars

Choose your new motorcycle handlebar

The first step is to find the right handlebar for your motorcycle. Indeed, there is no basic model suitable for all motorcycles. You can inquire in a specialized store or on the internet to find the model that will suit. Choose a handlebar that suits your bike but also your riding style.

Tools needed to DIY your motorcycle handlebars

Changing your motorcycle handlebars does not require having a lot of tools. And that's good ! You will need an Allen wrench, dish soap, a Phillips screwdriver, a mallet, wire cutters, and a drill (capable of piercing a handlebar). Don't go into changing handlebars if you don't already have these tools.

Prepare your workshop

It is recommended to have space to perform this maneuver. A calm environment is also ideal. The lucky ones can perform the maneuver in a garage. The others can still change the motorcycle handlebars outside in a garden, on a terrace or in a parking lot.

Changing your motorcycle handlebars: the steps

With the preparation now complete, the real work can begin. Remember to cover your motorcycle (at the level of the tank) to protect it from possible splinters.

Remove the grips from the motorcycle handlebars

The screw (at the end of the handlebars) is difficult to access. Don't hesitate to hit the Phillips screwdriver with a mallet if it's really difficult. Unscrew, then remove the end caps. Now is the time to remove the rubber grips. Usually it is very difficult to remove them like this. Dishwashing liquid (or at best brake cleaner) should be used. To lubricate you can try injecting washing up liquid with a syringe. If you don't succeed, you can carefully cut with a cutter (without hurting yourself of course!)

Attention: Above all, do not use oil to lubricate!

Switch units and handlebar trigger guard

Disassembly

The handles are now removed, it is time to deal with the switching units and the trigger guard. Use a suitable Phillips screwdriver to remove the throttle grip without unhooking the cables. Each handlebar has its specificities so do not hesitate to take a look in store or even via the Motards.net community. Do not unplug anything if you are not sure. Also remove the stalk.

Installation

At the tee, assemble the saddles with the new handlebars. Tighten the interior screws. Attention, it is absolutely necessary to respect the torque. It is indicated by the manufacturer, you will find the information in the manual or on the Internet. Mount the dials and switch units on the new handlebars (loosely). Then rotate the handlebars. You should be able to steer towards the tank and the fairing without any worries. The cables must not be under tension. Otherwise the handlebars are certainly not suitable for your motorcycle. If all is well, you can tighten the fasteners.

Final assembly of the handlebars and dials

Drill the handlebars if the switch units have locking tabs. Identify the optimal position of the assembly beforehand. Attention, you don't have the right to make mistakes when drilling! You only have one try, if you make a second hole you really risk weakening the handlebars. You can check the length of the handles one last time. Turn the handlebars left and right again. Check that nothing is blocking. If so, you can screw it all in.

Tips for mounting your motorcycle handlebars

It is recommended to use a drilling jig to drill the handlebars. This will help you avoid missing this crucial step. You can find them in stores for a price of around 30 euros.

After mounting the handlebars, you need to check the brakes, clutch and switching units. There must be no play!

It is compulsory to go to an inspection body to register it in the vehicle papers. You can skip this step only if you have invested in an ABE handlebars. In this case, the homologation must be kept with the vehicle papers.

Do not hesitate to share your experience if you have changed your motorcycle handlebars!