How to Fix Loose Handlebars on Motorcycles

If your motorcycle handlebars are loose, they can slide around while riding and cause the rider to lose control, resulting in a crash. Therefore, it is best that the motorcycle handlebars be fixed tightly to ensure safer rides. Read this article to learn how to fix loose handlebars on motorcycles.

Motorcycle handlebars are used to steer motorcycles and provide better control for the rider.

Motorcycle handlebars also have several switches, levers, and attachments. These include the front brake, clutch lever, switches to turn the electrical equipment on and off, and side mirrors.

Threadlockers are anaerobic adhesive substances applied to fasteners to stick surfaces together.

It fills up the space/air in the gap between the fasteners. Threadlockers are also used to prevent rusting.

Using anaerobic adhesives on your handlebar riser bolts can help keep the handlebars from slipping. Handlebars are mounted to the front forks using mount clamps. The bolts are not connected to the handlebars; instead, they are secured to the mount clamps to keep the handlebars fixed in place. The bolts on the mount clamps must be firmly fixed to prevent the handlebars from vibrating and slipping.

The Loctite Threadlocker 271 provides permanent adhesion to seal the threaded fasteners and cannot be removed unless heated at 232°C for 5 mins.

To apply the threadlocker, you will have to remove the riser bolts. Apply only a drop or two of the threadlocker on the bolts and use a wrench to fasten the nut. Make sure the threadlocker covers the entire surface to ensure maximum coverage while fastening the nut.

Most handlebar mount clamps have bolts at the front and rear, while other handlebar clamps only have one fastening point. It is recommended to fasten the rear bolt first after applying the threadlocker to avoid slippage.

If your motorcycle handlebars are loose, you can tighten them with a wrench. With a wrench, you can create adequate torque required to firmly affix the handlebars. Most riders use an Allen key to tighten up the riser bolts; however, an Allen key may not be capable of producing the required torque to fasten riser bolts.

A cheap method of fixing loose motorcycle handlebars is to fit a piece of grit sandpaper between the clamps and handlebars. Cut a piece of grit sandpaper and place it inside the clamp.

Then put on the handlebars and fasten the riser bolts. This will fill any space between the clamps and handlebars and keep the surfaces from sliding against each other. However, this method does not last long as the sandpaper wears down quickly over time.

You can also place a beer can between the clamps and handlebars to keep the handlebars from slipping. After fitting a beer can between the mount clamps and handlebars, fasten the riser bolts. It will make the handlebars’ grip stronger and help prevent slippage. Unlike sandpaper, a beer can last longer.

Emery cloth has an abrasive surface and is used to sand metal surfaces. Unlike sandpaper, it does not wear down or shred easily. Emery cloth can also be placed between the clamps and handlebars to avoid slippage.

Drilling the handlebars and pinning them is a permanent solution to fixing loose handlebars

However, it can worsen the motorcycle’s aesthetic and make it impossible to adjust the handlebars. Before drilling holes in the clamps and handlebars, make sure they are adjacent. Do it carefully as there are wires inside the handlebars that control the electronics on your motorbike.

Minor handlebar vibrations are common while riding a motorcycle. However, if the vibrations become excessive, it can cause the handlebars to come loose. Suspensions play a key role in absorbing shock when a rider hits a pothole or bump, but they become less capable over time.

When the suspension starts to wear out, it cannot prevent shocks and vibrations from traveling up the handlebars, causing the riser bolts to loosen.

High handlebars, including the mini ape and ape hangers, are also prone to coming loose than flat or beach handlebars due to being heavyweight. Mini-ape and ape hangers are high-mounted, heavyweight, and sweptback to better deal with high torque and air pressure.

Handlebars allow riders to steer and control motorcycles. To ensure better control and stability, the handlebars must be tightly affixed. Loose handlebars can be dangerous, especially if they slip during a ride. Therefore, if your motorcycle has loose handlebars, you can follow the advice in this article to keep the handlebars from slipping. The most effective way of fixing loose handlebars is to use a threadlocker. However, if your handlebars, riser bolts, or mount clamps are worn out, replace them to ensure safer rides. Do not ride your motorcycle if the handlebars are loose.

If you are looking to replace your handlebars, Viking Bags has good-quality aftermarket handlebars to make your riding experience safe and comfortable. It also offers aftermarket seats, fairings, backrests, sissy bars, and crash bars to transform your motorcycle into a touring bike. Viking Bags also has specially designed luggage options, including saddlebags and sissy bar bags for your specific make and model.