Posted about the LA Choppers handlebar clamp here the other day. They are supposed to be a good company but I've never been impressed with their designs or fitment. Had bought the clamp because it was the only one currently available. To recap, wouldn't clear the fork lock switch unless I turned it backwards (not the end of the world) but also was to wide to allow the Wild1 Chubby 1-1/4" bars with the necked down clamp area to even sit into the clamp.
Solution: Order a Wild1 handlebar clamp. Unfortunately back ordered, but I found a NIB on ebay and got it coming.
Yesterday, handlebar day so that I can take off for the weekend. Got an 800 mile trip with two meetings and an overnight. Left school as soon as possible and straight out to the garage.
Take the stock handlebars back off (no wiring because I already switched that, they were just there for pushability). Take the stock clamp off, install the Wild1 clamp.
Which also doesn't fit around the fork lock assembly. Sigh. The CVO Road Glide has electronic locks. A not completely useless feature as you can lock the forks, the saddlebags, and the tour pack with one push of a button. In order to make this fork lock portion happen, it has a fork lock assembly where the ignition switch used to be, which looks like the old ignition switch, but which is larger to accommodate the electronic lock assembly. Just like the LA Choppers, I turned it upside down so that it will fit. It's not the end of the world, but at least I know that the Wild1 clamp will actually fit a pair of handlebars. The wide part is supposed to go forward. I'm really hoping that it doesn't matter that much, but it goes forward on every Harley ever built. My experience suggests that it doesn't really matter at all, that the biggest problem could be tank clearance on some bikes, but the baggers it's all enclosed anyway so doesn't change the clearances.
So then mounted up the handlebars. Wires didn't need extension (not sure if I can return the extension kit I bought so I may be out that as well). The wires come straight across to where the plugs are sticking out of the bars. In the picture the extensions are installed, but I took them out when I removed the black plastic "divider" that the plug are mounted on (top of picture). This also made room for the hydraulic cable extensions from Fat Bagger. These are pretty cool in that instead of replacing the hydraulic cables that run from handlebar to ABS module and clutch actuator (under the seat and down on the end of the transmission, respectively), you just add an extension. They have spring loaded bleeder valves so once they are installed you open the valve (with a suitable hose and container attached), pump the lever a few times, and top up the cylinder. The down side is tucking the extra hose away but that's why the divider was removed. Unfortunately I forgot to take a picture of the tucked away hose as I was to focused on getting the bike done.
Anyway, done, test ridden, ready to go. I'll ride to work today, just to make sure there are no problems, then 0500 KU (kickstand up) tomorrow morning.
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