| Author | Message | ||
     Jon |
I do not like the standard handlebar grips and controls on my 95 S2 and am contemplating trying to switch to the more current diameter and signal set up. Any thoughts? Also, does red wine go with hot links? | ||
| Essmjay |
You could buy an S3. Or... maybe take a piece of solid 1" stock, put it on a lathe and spin the end down to fit the controls, then bend the bar stock to your desired angle. Other than trading self canceling for 2 hand signal control, not sure why you would want to. | ||
| Leftcoastal |
Jon - you can use the 96 and later control pieces without replacing the bars. They are a bit more 'streamlined' looking than the S2 units and you can use the late Sportster grips which are a smaller diameter than the ones on your S2. Usually dirt cheap on ebay, though the internal switches can get pricey. You can get the master cylinder setup included, just make sure you get the right one for your brake - the Harley's had 2 sizes, one for single front rotor or for dual discs. It will say what size yours is on the end of the master housing where it is hidden by the switch housing. You can drill the bars at the indentation under the switch housings and run the wiring through the bar for a cleaner look. Red will go with the links, but you have to purchase a bottle that has a twist-off cap. Pairing hot links with a 'snooty' corked wine will tend to give them a sense of inferiority and they become mild, ashamed links. | ||
| Jon |
Thanks, Leftcostal. I find the diameter of the grips and movement on the throttle hand to signal and cancel discomforting. I like the controls from my X1 better where turn signaling was handled on the left grip only. | ||
| F_skinner |
I have the small diameter bars on one of my project S2Ts. As soon as I find an original setup I will be ditching these which may be S3 bars with adapter so they will mount on the S2 forks.    | ||
| Essmjay |
Al- I am confused I guess (normal). Aren't the later controls for 7/8" bars, and the S2 controls the standard HD for 1" bars? Or are there some later controls that are made for 1" bars? Or is Franks setup how they were made in '96, with what looks like either a stepped down bar at the controls, or maybe the bar clamp is machined for 7/8 instead of 1"? | ||
| F_skinner |
Shane, as I understand it and I am sure a "duty expert" will correct me if I am wrong, HD bars and controls are 1 inch. Most everyone else uses 7/8 and Buell went to the 7/8 inch in 96 with the S1 and everything after. The S2s all came with 1 inch bars and HD controls. What I have on this S2T is a 7/8 setup. The clamp is machined for 7/8 and the bars may be from a S3 but I am not sure on that. They could just be 7/8 round stock bent to however the PO wanted it. I think, and I could be confused as well Shane, that what everyone is calling "standard" is 7/8 inch bars. I would call the 1 inch bars standard. I have always preferred the 1 inch bars and controls but it has never bothered me that much to change out the system like the PO of this particular S2T did. | ||
| Onahog |
HD bars have bin 1" for as many years as I no...Buell used HD controls on all the early bikes as well as the S2s to 1996.. I believe they went to a Japan style control in 1997 and they were 7/8".. hd makes different versions of grips for people with smaller hands..1995 was the last year HD used the 83-95 controls..They changed in 1996 to the More rounded version which is still being used... Buell used the 83-1995 HD control in 1996 as well...Maybe HD blew them off to Erik.. Either one works well... my 2 cents on the issue...Hankb.. | ||
| Court |
That is accurate. | ||
| Buellish |
I think Leftcoastal was referring to the style of HD controls that came after the type that was used on the S2's,which also used 1" handlebars.Not the metric or european type that mounts on 7/8" bars. | ||
| Leftcoastal |
Yea - I was letting him know what his options were that did not include changing the S2 bars, which are the 1" units. Unless you go with a system like Frank's above, it can be rather involved to swap bars. | ||
| Rex |
Can you drill the triple claps and put regular bar clamps and bars on the bike? | ||
| Jon |
I have large hands, but I just do not like the standard S2 controls. | ||
| Firemanjim |
Guess you need to sell me the bike then, Jon. Losing the self cancelling turn signals alone would stop me, not to mention keeping the bike stock.  | ||
| Sportyeric |
Rex has it right: to drill the triple and use standard bars. Its a tight fit between fairing and gas tank to monkey with the position so it might take a few different bars to try. And I've disabled the self-cancelling doohickey on my bikes. Turn on the signal a half block away and then find yourself sitting at an intersection without the signal on? No thanks. | ||
| Essmjay |
Frank- I have the same aftermarket clamps that you have, but mine are setup for 1". I think grip choice makes a bigger difference than anything else Jon. I like that the stock HD controls self cancel, but I prefer the left hand/right hand of the euro controls. If only the two could be combined. | ||
| Onahog |
Are These S2T TTTTTTTTT bars....LOL..  | ||
| Jon |
Jim, Your relentless pursuit of the S2 knows no bounds! You are to be commended.  | ||
| Jon |
I think I should try the grip thing first for sure. Any suggestions? | ||
| Gowindward |
If you heat a pair of 7/8" dia grips in boiling water you can get them to stretch and fit on the 1" bars. I did that with a pair of the Buell traction grips after Smoke (Tim) telling me about the trick. That and using some compressed air to puff the grip and they slide right on. Sure opens up some grip options beyond the chrome and skulls options for the 1" bars. Loren | ||
| Buellish |
The '05 and later Sportster grips are a smaller diameter.I have them on both S2's. They measure 1 1/4" outside diameter,the same as the grips on my M2 and S1W.Both of which have 7/8" bars. | ||
| Jon |
Excelent tips which I will pursue. Thanks very much for taking the time to post. I'll post later with the results. | ||
| Phelan |
Frank, I believe those handlebar clamps are Westek pieces. I had an identical set of clamps but made for 1" bars on my S2 when I bought it. I wouldn't doubt Westek built them on and "as ordered" basis and had an option to use 7/8" openings. | ||
| Essmjay |
I have your old Westek clamps on my bike. Love em, so adjustable. | ||
| Phelan |
I know, and I miss them  . Not so much now though, since I don't have a bike  . | ||
| Ratbuell |
If you want left-hand turn signals, 7/8" bars are the only way to go. If you change to 96-up HD controls, the layout is the same but you lose the concave buttons and get the "chicklet style", and you also have to change throttle cables and throttle grip. I've been thinking about putting some HD heated grips on the S2, but they're for 96-up controls and I'd need to change quite a bit to get the throttle side to work. Until I find some police switch housings with the huge red horn button (and the siren button I can use to wire up my aux lights), I'm just not worrying about it. | ||
| Buellish |
Rat,I've got Polly Heaters in my S2 bars. http://pollyheaters.com/ Easy to install on an S2 with open end bars. | ||
| Ratbuell |
I already have the HD grips, NIB. Bought for "her" XL before she stopped riding it. And, I kinda want an excuse to get old police switches. I love that big huge pinball-flipper horn button! Reminds me of my FLHP... | ||
| Phelan |
Rat, I had the police housings on my '03XL1200S. Never did anything with the extra buttons, but I picked them up at a local Harley junkyard shop for $10. Actually I probably still have them but they'd be in terrible condition- they've been sitting in the elements for 4 1/2 yrs now. |
