I think my bars are bent...

[lewismug]

The p.o. laid the bike down on the right side and it pushed the right side of the bars far enough to dent the tank.  With the bars turned to the right, they still hit the tank and I believe that I can see a slight bend up close to where it connects to the tree.  Is there any way to straighten them back out?  How hard is it to remove the bars?  If I have to get some new bars, is there a certain size/kind I need?  I'm a newb to this and this will be my first season of riding.  I've been on the boards for a little while and learning a lot about my bike from you guys.

[erbilabuc]

just buy some used oem bars off ebay. It is not worth the money or hassle to even trying to straighten them.

[bluelespaul]

any 7/8 bar should work i believe . as far as removing and replacing them goes, its very easy. all you have to do is loosen the controls, take off the four bolts on the top of the triple that clamp down on them and then take off the bars and slide off the controls. the only thing you have to make sure of is when you put them back on, put the controls on first then put the bars back on. if you try and put them on the bars already mounted it wont work because the cables wont let them reach.

[lewismug]

Thanks guys.  Exactly where are the bolts/screws to loosen the controls?  I can see the bolts that hole the brake and clutch levers in place, but how do I get the throttle and headlight/blinker control boxes off?

[bluelespaul]

there are three little screws under each control. they`re hidden pretty well but if you search around the underside of each one you should be able to find them easy enough.

if you have trouble finding them ill take some pics of exactly where they are tomorrow if you need

[lewismug]

Thanks!  I saw those screws, but figured the controls would be held in place by something a little more.....well, more.  I'll get to taking the bars off tomorrow.  I need to replace the fork oil and mount a new set of tires as well, so it'll be in pieces by the end of the day!  Thanks again for the help!   

[bluelespaul]

the controls are also held in by a little plastic tab stuck in a little hole on the bar, thats what keeps them from twisting. and oh yea, when you put new bars on you`ll have to drill holes in for those tabs, its nothing major, i was really nervous about drilling into my new bars at first but after the first one was done the second only took a minute or two. just make sure you measure it at least twice to make sure your right. 

[lewismug]

I just saw that you have an S40!  I have a 99 S70 n/a with 231,000 miles on the clock.  You do the work on it yourself?  If so, I'm sure you've heard of brickboard.com and matthewsvolvosite.com .  I'm a member of both and they have helped me save a ton of cash on my car.  If you haven't been to either of them, you should check them out!  I'm lewismug on them as well.  Thanks for the advice on the bars.  I need all the help I can get with this thing!