I'm Convinced My '21 Freewheelers Handlebars Are Bent

[JTJersey]

My brand new $30,000 HD handlebars are bent. What brought this to my attention was putting the fairing and windshield on. It became apparent that the windshield was way closer to the handlebars on the right side than on the left. If you disregard the brake reservoir on the right side and focus on the top bend of the bar, look at the distance from that point to the black acorn nut holding the windshield on then look at the same point on the left side.

If you measure that distance the left side is 1/2" further away. I took the fairing off and went over all the mounting hardware, but there's nothing there that can go on crooked. If you measure from the outer tips of the fairing to any point on the trike they measure the same. If I measure from the outer ends of the handlebars to any point on the trike the left bar measures 1/2" closer.

Now it doesn't seem to bother anything, handles fine, feels fine, but my I'm trying to keep my OCD from kicking in so please tell me that Harley does this on purpose. I mean, I thought that after a hundred years or so they'd of figured out how to make a set of handlebars.

 

[ROAD DOG]

My brand new $30,000 HD handlebars are bent. What brought this to my attention was putting the fairing and windshield on. It became apparent that the windshield was way closer to the handlebars on the right side than on the left. If you disregard the brake reservoir on the right side and focus on the top bend of the bar, look at the distance from that point to the black acorn nut holding the windshield on then look at the same point on the left side. If you measure that distance the left side is 1/2" further away. I took the fairing off and went over all the mounting hardware, but there's nothing there that can go on crooked. If you measure from the outer tips of the fairing to any point on the trike they measure the same. If I measure from the outer ends of the handlebars to any point on the trike the left bar measures 1/2" closer. Now it doesn't seem to bother anything, handles fine, feels fine, but my I'm trying to keep my OCD from kicking in so please tell me that Harley does this on purpose. I mean, I thought that after a hundred years or so they'd of figured out how to make a set of handlebars.

View attachment 102963

They have nothing right after 100 years

 

[rhino 2]

My brand new $30,000 HD handlebars are bent. What brought this to my attention was putting the fairing and windshield on. It became apparent that the windshield was way closer to the handlebars on the right side than on the left. If you disregard the brake reservoir on the right side and focus on the top bend of the bar, look at the distance from that point to the black acorn nut holding the windshield on then look at the same point on the left side.

If you measure that distance the left side is 1/2" further away. I took the fairing off and went over all the mounting hardware, but there's nothing there that can go on crooked. If you measure from the outer tips of the fairing to any point on the trike they measure the same. If I measure from the outer ends of the handlebars to any point on the trike the left bar measures 1/2" closer.

Now it doesn't seem to bother anything, handles fine, feels fine, but my I'm trying to keep my OCD from kicking in so please tell me that Harley does this on purpose. I mean, I thought that after a hundred years or so they'd of figured out how to make a set of handlebars.

View attachment 102963

Any chance the fairing itself is bent not the hardware but the fairing?..Some aftermarket parts will never be a perfect fit......??

 

[JTJersey]

Any chance the fairing itself is bent not the hardware but the fairing?..Some aftermarket parts will never be a perfect fit......??

Even with the fairing off you can see the handlebar is bent. No matter how I measure it the left side always measures 1/2" different that the right.

 

[Sidecarbill]

Harley googled your name before you took delivery. Google knows everything about you,so they quickly realized one arm was shorter than the other. Replacing the standard bars with ergonomically designed bars just for you. I'm surprised they didn't charge you extra for them. When you bring it back for them to see they'll probably realize their oversight and charge you accordingly.

 

[JTJersey]

Harley googled your name before you took delivery. Google knows everything about you,so they quickly realized one arm was shorter than the other. Replacing the standard bars with ergonomically designed bars just for you. I'm surprised they didn't charge you extra for them. When you bring it back for them to see they'll probably realize their oversight and charge you accordingly.

LOL! I'm going with that. Thanks. :laugh:

 

[cScjhb]

While getting your bike ready for delivery, the $10.00 hourly kid probably knocked your new bike over which caused the bent bars. Nothing to worry about..... :Joker3: Jim

 

[paws]

Any chance the bike was tied down by the handlebars at some point?

 

[rhino 2]

Loosen the handlebars and slide them just a little to the left....They are not centered on the tree...

 

[cScjhb]

Loosen the handlebars and slide them just a little to the left....They are not centered on the tree...

I like the "kid knocked it over" solution. But I DO think you are correct. (The kid didn't center them) Good eye..... Jim

 

[Teufelhunde]

Loosen the handlebars and slide them just a little to the left....They are not centered on the tree...

^^^^^THIS^^^^^^ You can see the difference in the picture....

 

[LadyonaMission]

Loosen the handlebars and slide them just a little to the left....They are not centered on the tree...

I agree with your assessment.

 

[JTJersey]

Any chance the bike was tied down by the handlebars at some point?

Not by me, but who knows how it was handled before it was put on the showroom floor.

 

[paws]

May be a lighting effect from the reflection of the black cable but I can still see a slight downward curve of the left handlebar under the black cable wire. Would like to run a hand lightly over the top of the bar to see if one could feel a difference…as well, might also be off-center.

PLEASE let us know what your final determination is..

 

[JTJersey]

While getting your bike ready for delivery, the $10.00 hourly kid probably knocked your new bike over which caused the bent bars. Nothing to worry about..... :Joker3: Jim

I can see him accidentally picking it up by the right wheel and lifting it until if flipped over on it's side. If that's the case, he may be somebody who doesn't take criticism well and perhaps I'll not mention it.

 

[JTJersey]

Some pics with a tape measure. Oh, the handlebars won't move left or right no matter how much I loosen the two accessible bolts. Measuring it there wasn't enough difference for even me to stress over.

 

[Old Road Dog]

JT send those picks to your GM. Your under warranty make them fix it.

 

[LadyonaMission]

Maybe it's not your handlebars. It could be the risers or clamps, the whole front end could be out of alignment.

 

[JTJersey]

Maybe it's not your handlebars. It could be the risers or clamps, the whole front end could be out of alignment.

Lola, I'm trying to ween myself off the meds. Your not helping

 

[rhino 2]

Lola, I'm trying to ween myself off the meds. Your not helping

John.....As of now the only solution to the problem is to ride up to Secaucus' Park it under the Rt 3 Bridge at the Paterson Plank rd....Now this is important make sure your insurance is up to date...Leave the key in it with the engine running....And have someone drive you home............:laugh:...

.

.

:Joker3:..............Serenity...

 

[JTJersey]

John.....As of now the only solution to the problem is to ride up to Secaucus' Park it under the Rt 3 Bridge at the Paterson Plank rd....Now this is important make sure your insurance is up to date...Leave the key in it with the engine running....And have someone drive you home............:laugh:... :Joker3:..............Serenity...

LOL! On the way :laugh:

 

[DaleH]

Loosen the handlebars and slide them just a little to the left....They are not centered on the tree...

thats exactly what i was going to suggest, moving the bars a quarter inch shout center it up

 

[NJtony]

Bent handle bar

thats exactly what i was going to suggest, moving the bars a quarter inch shout center it up

I agree. The bar looks off center. Just my 2 cents.

 

[rhino 2]

I agree. The bar looks off center. Just my 2 cents.

Welcome to Trike-Talk.....Tony......:clapping:...:wave4:...

Of cause the bars are off center...All Jersey Trikes bars are off centered from all the Jersey ''Jug'' Handel's' That we have to drive though.:laugh:...

 

[NJtony]

Thank you Tony

 

[JTJersey]

Got the Freewheeler back this morning after the dealership did the 5000 mile service. The tech verified in writing that the handlebars are, in fact, bent about 1/2" on the left side and recommended replacement. I declined. They had the trike for a week and I just wanted it back. I did 30 miles after they delivered it to "test" it out. If I didn't have an irate customer at my shop door I'd of been out longer. Supposed to be upper 50's tomorrow. Not scheduling anybody for the afternoon.

 

[paws]

May be a lighting effect from the reflection of the black cable but I can still see a slight downward curve of the left handlebar under the black cable wire. Would like to run a hand lightly over the top of the bar to see if one could feel a difference…as well, might also be off-center.

PLEASE let us know what your final determination is..

Got the Freewheeler back this morning after the dealership did the 5000 mile service. The tech verified in writing that the handlebars are, in fact, bent about 1/2" on the left side and recommended replacement. I declined. They had the trike for a week and I just wanted it back. I did 30 miles after they delivered it to "test" it out. If I didn't have an irate customer at my shop door I'd of been out longer. Supposed to be upper 50's tomorrow. Not scheduling anybody for the afternoon.

HA! Good eye Paws ... even if I do say so myself! Thanks for the update!

 

[rjcuttone]

$30K handlebars are bent?

My brand new $30,000 HD handlebars are bent. What brought this to my attention was putting the fairing and windshield on. It became apparent that the windshield was way closer to the handlebars on the right side than on the left. If you disregard the brake reservoir on the right side and focus on the top bend of the bar, look at the distance from that point to the black acorn nut holding the windshield on then look at the same point on the left side.

If you measure that distance the left side is 1/2" further away. I took the fairing off and went over all the mounting hardware, but there's nothing there that can go on crooked. If you measure from the outer tips of the fairing to any point on the trike they measure the same. If I measure from the outer ends of the handlebars to any point on the trike the left bar measures 1/2" closer.

Now it doesn't seem to bother anything, handles fine, feels fine, but my I'm trying to keep my OCD from kicking in so please tell me that Harley does this on purpose. I mean, I thought that after a hundred years or so they'd of figured out how to make a set of handlebars.

View attachment 102963

I, too, have a 2021 FLRT. My problem is that they don't fit me. Do you happen to know their HD part #? And their width, pullback, and height characteristics?

 

[JTJersey]

I, too, have a 2021 FLRT. My problem is that they don't fit me. Do you happen to know their HD part #? And their width, pullback, and height characteristics?

No, I'm afraid not. Just that their 12" in height. If it ever gets above 25 degrees here I'll take some measurements and post back.

 

[Jack Klarich]

I, too, have a 2021 FLRT. My problem is that they don't fit me. Do you happen to know their HD part #? And their width, pullback, and height characteristics?

Hi Ralph, Welcome to Trike Talk

Check your local dealer, the parts and accessory catalog used to give the specs on handle bars, your dealer may have this info for you