T500 handle bar riser bushings

[mafd2]

Are the handle bars supposed to have a "loose feel" up and down movement? I read another post saying the movement is normal to minimize vibration. I thought maybe the triple clamp riser rubber bushings were worn (which they probably are). Any remedies to tighten the slack up some without changing the rubber bushings? I hear it's a pain in the a** to change the rubber bushings. Thanks in advance guys!

[tricky1962]

Mine were too loose when I got my bike. As far as I could tell new ones weren't available, so I bought these

http://www.discountbikespares.co.uk/our ... -AP50.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

I seem to remember that they were fractionally too long but otherwise fitted, so I ground them down in length.

Fitting was easy, I just had to hammer out the old ones with a suitably sized socket, clean up the hole and tap in the new ones

[MikeH1A]

I guess it really hinges on the definition of "loose". There is meant to be some play for the reason that you mention - in fact, I think Mother Suzuki was quite proud of this innovation. It is a bit disconcerting when you first ride the old girls - it initially seems to be wrong/unsafe/unnatural (choose the word that fits). However, I found it didn't take long to get used to. They shouldn't be sloppy or excessively wobbly though.

[mafd2]

Mine were too loose when I got my bike. As far as I could tell new ones weren't available, so I bought these

http://www.discountbikespares.co.uk/our ... -AP50.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

I seem to remember that they were fractionally too long but otherwise fitted, so I ground them down in length.

Fitting was easy, I just had to hammer out the old ones with a suitably sized socket, clean up the hole and tap in the new ones

Did it seem to take the play out of it or was still about the same? Mine may be normal just don't something to compare it too from one that's normal.

[mafd2]

Would these work?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/New-Handlebar-M ... 3f3819b3fb" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[tricky1962]

I guess it really hinges on the definition of "loose". There is meant to be some play for the reason that you mention - in fact, I think Mother Suzuki was quite proud of this innovation. It is a bit disconcerting when you first ride the old girls - it initially seems to be wrong/unsafe/unnatural (choose the word that fits). However, I found it didn't take long to get used to. They shouldn't be sloppy or excessively wobbly though

At the annual safety test (MOT), the inspector said get it fixed pronto, he was worried about the bars hitting the clocks if they got any looser


Did it seem to take the play out of it or was still about the same? Mine may be normal just don't something to compare it too from one that's normal.

Yes, they firmed the bars up quite considerably, there is only very slight play now

Would these work?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/New-Handlebar-M" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; ... 3f3819b3fb

Same part number - need shortening

[mafd2]

Thanks Tricky. Did you knock them out from top to bottom without taking the tree off the stem?

[tricky1962]

I think so, it was a couple of years ago.

I have just found one of the old ones I took off and I have misinformed you.

The new bushes didn't need shortening, they needed the ID boring out to 11.5mm so the bolts could fit through. Sorry about that

[mafd2]

I think so, it was a couple of years ago.

I have just found one of the old ones I took off and I have misinformed you.

The new bushes didn't need shortening, they needed the ID boring out to 11.5mm so the bolts could fit through. Sorry about that

Ahh ok.. Did you just drill them? Could I just use those bushings and risers from a GT500?

[tricky1962]

Yes I just drilled them.

I see no reason why you can't use the risers from a GT500 providing they fit your handlebars - just more bits to buy so more cash - hence cheaper to bore out the new bushes.

[mafd2]

Yes I just drilled them.

I see no reason why you can't use the risers from a GT500 providing they fit your handlebars - just more bits to buy so more cash - hence cheaper to bore out the new bushes.

OK thanks. What size bit did you use? I would need to do a SAE conversion.

[tricky1962]

A 15/64" should be big enough. I suggest you take a riser off and measure the stem

[mafd2]

A 15/64" should be big enough. I suggest you take a riser off and measure the stem

Thanks for the help!