What is the best way to install new handlebars?

michelle_7728 · Post by **michelle_7728** » Sat Nov 07, 2009 7:05 am

I did search, but didn't see a post on this...so sorry if there is one and I missed it!

I was in an accident in September (got a replacement Buddy and have been riding since then) and recently bought my Buddy back (they totalled it, but said the frame was not bent). Now we are in the process of putting new parts on to replace the damaged ones.

Although we got my old handlebars off without taking the panel off where the cigarette lighter is, I'm thinking we DO need to take that panel off to put everything back together...my husband had a heck of a time getting the handlebar nut loosened from above and I think it's pretty darn important to get the bolt holding that on as tight as you can.

We had all the top stuff off already since much of it was damaged in the accident: upper and lower handlebar covers, headlight, brake levers and turn indicators, and the front cover of course.

I'm just wondering how to go about taking off the panel where the cigarette lighter is. Any tips?

Lil Buddy · Post by **Lil Buddy** » Sat Nov 07, 2009 7:09 am

I predict a response from Kaos in the near future

Kaos · Post by **Kaos** » Sat Nov 07, 2009 5:35 pm

Heh, I've not actually removed them from my bike yet, but I did get to play with another one at my shop.

They should be completely removable by just removing the front panel. There's only 1 bolt holding them on. So I would assume that the reverse would work for installing them.

I see no reason you'd need to remove the back side of the leg shield paneling as well.

I've also attached a photo of how it all goes together as well.
<img src="http://www.scooterloungeonline.com/file ... ded/F1.jpg" width="80%">

michelle_7728 · Post by **michelle_7728** » Sun Nov 08, 2009 5:33 am

Thanks Kaos!

My worry was if we could get the bolt tight enough going at it in the reverse. I suppose that once we know we have it on and everything lined up, we could tap the box ended wrench with a sledge hammer a couple of times to make sure it's tight!

Thanks for the diagram.

Unfortunately, it's all on hold now as we found out that the wrong handlebars were shipped--they were shaped WAY differently...no way the upper and lower plastics would have fit over them.

On a different note, I do need to call you one of these days Lil Buddy, to talk with you about lights. Every time I think about it, I'm either in the middle of something or it's way late at night!