[Patch]

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I am wanting to install a new handlebar clamp cover on my bike. Somewhere along the line, my bike had its cover painted in an attempt to match the bike. It was a very poor job. I would like to install a new chrome one. I found this one on eBay but it says that it only fits the 85 to 87 models.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/HONDA-GOLDWING-GL1200-CHROME-HANDLE-BAR-CLAMP-COVER_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ35580QQitemZ4574250185QQrdZ1

My clamp cover does not have those side pieces on it that appear to me to clamp around the handlebars. (is that what they do?) Does anyone know if this will work on my 84?

Also, one other thing, I noticed that me handlebars don't appear to be straight. the left one seems further back (towards me) than the right one. My left arm is nicely bent and feels comfortable while riding straight but my right arm feels a little outstretched and is a little uncomfortable. (maybe my arms are different lengths) Is there a way to "straighten" the bars so that they are positioned the same?

 

[exavid]

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1984GL1200A wrote:

Also, one other thing, I noticed that me handlebars don't appear to be straight. the left one seems further back (towards me) than the right one. My left arm is nicely bent and feels comfortable while riding straight but my right arm feels a little outstretched and is a little uncomfortable. (maybe my arms are different lengths) Is there a way to "straighten" the bars so that they are positioned the same?

If you put your bike on the center stand and stretch a string or use a straight edge to make sure the front tire is parallel to the rear your can check the handlebar. Once you have the wheels lined up mark a point on the top rear of the bike such as the top of the trunk or the rear of the seat on the centerline of the bike. Measure from that point to the end of each grip, if the handlebar is straight and unbent the measurement should be the same. I found my SEI to be off a bit, but on the LTD and SEI the bars are two separate pieces bolted to the tree and are adjustable. On your bike if they are off they are either bent or there's a misalignment in the tree/fork tubes.

 

[SilverDave]

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 .....just tell yourself that your arms  are different lengths, and live with it ?? LOL Silver/forums/images/emoticons/emoticonsxtra/cooldj.gif

 

[Patch]

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Ok, my suspicions were correct. Paul, I performed the test as you said. I found a center point back by the top ot the trunk and marked it. I then aligned the rear wheel and the front wheel with a straight edge. I measured from the end center of each bar. The right bar is 46 1/4" and the left bar is 45 1/8". (1 1/8" off)

I had the left mirror off the other day because it would not stay in place while riding. I want to get a new set of mirrors but haven't done so yet. I removed them and squirted locktite around the join to tighten them up. So far, so good.

I noticed at the joint of the left mirror that the "cup" part of the rotational joint was broken on the aft side. The left mirror also has some scrapes. I can see no other damage on the left side of the bike. What I am thinking is that perhapse somewhere in it's lifetime, it got ran into a tree, wall........ on the left side and this caused the damage to the mirror and perhapse eithertweaked the bar aft on the left side or caused some sort of misalignment in the tree as you described.

Good advice there SilverDave........ Looks like I will have to take this route. At least for now.......:goofygrin:

 

[exavid]

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1984GL1200A wrote:

Ok, my suspicions were correct. Paul, I performed the test as you said. I found a center point back by the top ot the trunk and marked it. I then aligned the rear wheel and the front wheel with a straight edge. I measured from the end center of each bar. The right bar is 46 1/4" and the left bar is 45 1/8". (1 1/8" off)

It's a pity you measured it 'cause now you know it's off and it will niggle until you fix it. The fix isn't difficult, just a pain, take the handlebar off, mount it in a good bench vise padded with some wood blocks and bend it back. The small amount yours is bent shouldn't have caused a kink but there could be a slight flattening in the tube. If that's the case back to the vise and wood blocks and squeeze the tube back toward round, that alone may bring it back to true. If you don't have a nice solidly mounted 8" bench vise you might find a body shop or metal shop that would bend it back for you. My shop vise is about the second most important tool I have, the first is the big hammer I beat whatever is in the vise with!

 

[Patch]

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Am already devising a plan................

I know what you mean. I thought I could just live with it but it is driving me crazy:headbanger:

 

[BRowan]

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There are a couple of different types handlebars listed for the gl1200, so its a good bet that the covers are different as well. Why not just have your existing cover sprayed black again?