Spacers to lengthen handlebars...

[bdmridgeback]

Chopper Jeff;
I also have a 05 BD chopper that I replaced the bars with a set of ridgeback bars and although I absolutely love the handling now (no more stretching) I did run into a major problem which you would probably experience if you decide to take this route. My tank became scratched by the speedometer/tach bracket because it was now too close to the tank with the ridgeback bars and although it didn't scratch when I originally put it on (but it was close, way too close, DUH!) it did eventually rub the paint off from road bumps or the handlebar bushings wearing slightly or the handlebars flexing going over bumps etc. So this past week I just completed paint touch up surgery and also had to modify the speedo bracket and build some rubber gasket to act as spacers. What a PITA!!! I think it may actuall work out good now because the rubber spacers I made will reduce the vibration transmitted to the speedo. So if you switch to the ridgeback bars, chances are you will need the handlebar spacer/bushings anyway in order to get the speedo bracket far enough from your tank so that you don't need to go through all the nonsense that I did.

Yea, if you put the Ridgeback bars on a Chopper you have to use the stock Chopper speedo mount, you can not use the long Ridgeback speedo mount.

The Chopper mount will work on the Ridgeback with the Chopper bars but not the other way around.

The speedo mounts in the same place on both the Chopper and Ridgeback bars, just the bracket is the long one or short one.

http://www.bigdogbiker.com/forums/how/2598-swapping-ridgeback-chopper-bars.html

 

[Vegas]

I'm also interested in some .5 spacers if anyone has a source.

 

[Gas Man]

I think alhall had a place to get them.

 

[T.Byrd]

Chris, I think he got his from Vicky at K.C. Creations.And I think they are out of business know.

 

[bdmridgeback]

I have heard of guys using the correct size of chrome plated 1/2" drive sockets and longer bolts for spacers. Big on the VTX bikes and rat choppers.

 

[Vegas]

When I get a spare moment I'll just head down to the steel shop and get some steel tubing and cut it to length and have it chromed I suppose.

 

[Gas Man]

perhaps T byrd. But its still out there somewhere.

 

[skully]

the guy i got them from has moved. he used round stock, drilled the center and polished them. i haven't found anyone else that does metal work.

 

[07bigdog]

Raywood, I too had to take some tie wraps off the wiring loom and pull the loom tight under the tank to get the extra I needed to get the connectors to mate. I thought I read in one of these posts that you thought the new heavy duty speedo bracket put it still too close to the tank?????? Please clarify. Would it be worth me buying the new bracket and how much did it run you?

The new wider bracket is around $35.

 

[1122 black betty]

Spacers

hey all I just put a set of 1 1/2" spacers on my 06 mastiff that my neighbor made for me out of alumium stock. They work great. I'm 6' 1" and it makes a huge difference. He drilled and tapped them for me and also made a second set with a straight thru hole. On the set that he tapped he got me 2 set screws so i could tighten in two places and still use the original bolts. He is going to make another set for me out of steel and then have 'em chromed. We talked about selling these and he was thinking about $50 a pair. Here are some pics.

 

[T.Byrd]

Shawn, I would be in for a set of the crome ones.

 

[2004BC]

hey all I just put a set of 1 1/2" spacers on my 06 mastiff that my neighbor made for me out of alumium stock. They work great. I'm 6' 1" and it makes a huge difference. He drilled and tapped them for me and also made a second set with a straight thru hole. On the set that he tapped he got me 2 set screws so i could tighten in two places and still use the original bolts. He is going to make another set for me out of steel and then have 'em chromed. We talked about selling these and he was thinking about $50 a pair. Here are some pics.View attachment 3022

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Congratulations. I hadn't heard back from you so I guess my measurements, pictures and info helped you out. Good luck.

 

[1122 black betty]

my bad, big props to superfly and 2004BC for their help in showing me the way. Thanks guys!

 

[sgrind1]

quick question i need my bars about an 1'' higher and closer to me should this do that ?

 

[stlmikie]

I would say that they would bring them up and back yes.

quick question i need my bars about an 1'' higher and closer to me should this do that ?

 

[1122 black betty]

Oh yeah, no problem there. I can tell you my throttle cables came within a 1/2 inch of my tank prior to the spacers (scratched the tank once f***) when the handle bars were turned. now they are off by 2-3 inches..

 

[2004BC]

my bad, big props to superfly and 2004BC for their help in showing me the way. Thanks guys!

No problemo Amigo! That's what we're all here for. I like your idea to do carbon steel and then chrome them. Will blend in perfectly. Like you said, those handlebars are too close to the tank and 1" up to 1 1/2" make a BIG difference with very little effort. It's a good service you're offering to supply spacers to the BD owners. Think about supplying the bolts too. Turnkey kit. Nice job!!!:2thumbs:

 

[1122 black betty]

FYI one of my fellow riders used large washers to space his bars until he decided the right length of spacers (he went with 1.5") but its a good way to determine what feels good. I have several sets in 1.0", 1.5" and 1.75" if you all are interested.

 

[street]

i would be interested in trying the 1", i think 1.5" would be to much.

 

[1122 black betty]

You got it! I sent you a PM