How much of a pain

[ghostrider_23]

in the butt is it to change out the handle bars on a GS. Is there any theing I need to worry about or look for or is it all just unbolt and rebolt

[Twisted]

You just want to pull them off or replace them? The stock bars have lil holes where the nubs for the controls fit to keep them in the correct position. If you are gonna replace them you will need to redrill these holes on your new bars or file the nubs down. Depending on the style of bars it may be a squeeze to get the MC to fit next to the speedo.

[adidasguy]

Done it a lot. Simple - except the bolts that hold the top plate on are REALLY REALLY on there.
Tell us what you're going to put on and we can offer any other advice needed.

[ghostrider_23]

I bought a set of Euro's short (as per you advise) but haven't put them on yet.

They came off a running bike and have threads for the bar end weights and one hole on either side of the handle bars (I am thinking as a set point for control)

I am not sure how the whole throttle grip works?

I am going tomorrow to buy so new grips as I'm sure the ones on the handle bars won't work.

Is it just a unbolt and bolt new up job???

[adidasguy]

Unbolt and bolt.
EVERYTHING can be moved from your old bars to the new ones. No need for new grips.
To move the clutch grip, slip a slender screw driver under it. Squirt in a little WD40. Work it around and it will slip off.
CLEAN IT GOOD! then put on your clip-ons. Use a little paint or glue and they slip right on. Glue sets up in a short while.
Throttle grip is on throttle tube which gets moved as you move the right controls.
ONLY thing to watch out for is the brake contacts. Be sure the brake switch contacts are not touching the right clip. That can happen if you rotate the brake master cylinder too far around. Hit the brake and SHORT and there goes your fuse. Not been there - but friends bike been there and I was there to know what the problem was.

You don't need to buy anything. Do it now and report back when you're done in 30 to 60 minutes.
Remember the 4 tiny bumpers under the top plate. Usually they fall off. No biggie if they are not there. Take them from your old top plate if you need to.

Watch out for bar end screws. Those holes DO NOT go through. Measure how far they go in. You probably need to shorten your bar end screws. I always run a #6 1.0 pitch tap in first to clean the rust from the threads. REMEMBER THERE IS A BOTTOM! That's why so many bars have broken screws stuck in them.

PS: If you want to use bar ends with the rubber bushings, you can reverse the bars. Use a file to put the notches in the right place. Been there - done that when bars had broken screws stuck in them. Just watch for the position of the index hole for the controls. That keeps them from slipping if their screws work lose.

PS:PS: Throttle grip: Loosen the screws for that control enough so it slides off the index pin. Then slip onto your new bar. Really simple. No need to completely disassemble it.

[ghostrider_23]

WOW this is what I need Adidas, some step by step instructions.

To avoid the brake contacts from shorting out, would it be wise to disconnect the battery and then assemble everything? How will I know if the contacts are not touching the right clip and in place?

[adidasguy]

You can see? Eyes? 

Otherwise use cardboard as a feeler and be sure it slips between the contact and the clip. Bend contact if necessary. No need to disconnect battery. The spade lugs have insulation on them. Only a problem if they are pressing against the clip and push through the insulation. One wire is +12, other is to the brake.

When it happened to a friends, wires were worn. Outer wire was +12. Wire running the clip was to the brake lights. When he used the front brake, then it shorted +12 through switch and into the clip (frame ground) blowing the fuse.

Never hurts to disconnect battery ground when working just in case things short while moving them around.

[ghostrider_23]

OK, now you've done it. I have the new gel grips and am motivated to put the clip-ons on next weekend. I have set aside the time (Saturday) with no honey do list or anything else for the day. I will post pics and give feedbacks