Used Bikes...No Barends

[FFDougK]

Hey everyone.  I'm happy to say that the used 2000 I bought last year is up and running beautifully, so now I'm on to aesthetic work.  I've painted the chain guard silver to match the frame and polished the pillion handle to a metallic mirror shine.  However, the lack of barend balancers is really bugging me.  In their place are two screw holes colored reddish brown with rust.
   First, is there an easy way to eliminate the rust without damaging the screw threads or that block all together?  Do you think I'd have to tap out the screw to a larger side due to the rust chewing of the old threads?  Is it possible to just replace that plug/insert with the threads without replacing the entire handlebar?
   Second, would everyone suggest ordering the OEM balancer weights or is there a better aftermarket option.  The balancers are designed to reduce handlebar vibration, right?  Would a heavier aftermarket weight be better?  Or should I just not worry about it a live with it because it's a hassle?

Thanks for the thoughts....

[Ry_Guy]

Don't know about the rust. It'd say use that 'Extends' rust neutralizer stuff from Menards. It will turn the rust into metalic kinda thing but won't eat your threads. Or just WD 40 it to prevent further rust.
You can replace stock bar ends with GSX-R bar ends that look pretty good and are cheap ~ $12/pair. Don't know for sure if it minimizes vibration though; they are lighter than stock. But they'll match the silver  

[DerekNC]

I've got the exact same problem with my handlebars - no barends and a rusty hole. The barends are ordered so I'm hoping I can just run a tap through it to clean it up.

Derek

[FFDougK]

I'm thinking I'll just go ahead and order new ones and try it.  Let me know any tricks you learn along the way and I'll do the same...thanx!

[cummuterguy]

you can use a dab of anti-seize when installing your new bar-ends if the threads are still somewhat decent. that way you won't have to worry about the bar-end bolts welding themselves in there.

[John Bates]

I had the same situation.
No bar ends and rusty threads.
I ran a tap in to clean the threads, then
picked up a pair of used OEM bar ends from someone on this forum.

[starwalt]

The bar that came with my ebay project bike had broken off screws and missing bar ends. The bars were bent so I bought a set of "straight" bars from someone who needs an eye exam. Then I just bit the bullet and bought some new stock bars via BikeBandit along with stock bar ends.

Some bars do not have the welded insert. Some have an expansion clamp to hold the bar end in. I would just clean it out with a tap (prob. metric), blast it with some brake cleaner, wait till it evaporates and use a service removeable Loctite (most blues are), then go with it.