Last weekend, I replaced the bent handlebars on my 04, with some Pro-Tapers in ATV mid-bend. When I installed them, using only the stock handlebar clamps and bolts, they felt a tad low and hit the tank a little bit on a lock to lock turn. To fix this, instead of buying a fancy riser, I went to the hardware store and got four 3/4" metal spacers and four longer bolts. I placed the spacers on top of the metal plate that the stock clamps bolt to, put the stock clamps on top of the spacers, and put it all together with the four longer bolts. This raised the bars 3/4", they sit high enough now, and hardly hit the tank. My only worry is if this is safe. Are the fancier risers somehow stronger/safer than shimming them up the way that I have? Any input would be appreciated.

 

eh the riser is probably stronger but i dont think you will have a problem, i thought about doing this at one point but never did, as for safety i dont see how any would be any less safer than a riser.

 

I would definantly use grade 8 bolts if you did this.

 

I got the bolts from Ace Hardware, and they have "8.8" stamped on the head, just the like the shorter stock ones I replaced did. This means Grade 8, correct?



<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote>Originally posted by: Tpsycho

I would definantly use grade 8 bolts if you did this.</end quote></div>

 

hardened bolts grade 8 have six lines on top of the bolt head.

http://www.portlandbolt.com/te...ication_markings.html


This is a adress to a bolt ID chart. Hope this help's you out.

 

I appreciate the link. I will check for those lines on the bolts that I bought. I had no idea buying four bolts could become so complicated....lol.


<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote>Originally posted by: Tpsycho

hardened bolts grade 8 have six lines on top of the bolt head.



<a target=_blank class=ftalternatingbarlinklarge href="http://www.portlandbolt.com/technicalinformation/fastener_identification_markings.html
">http://www.portlandbolt.com/te...n_markings.html
</a>


This is a adress to a bolt ID chart. Hope this help's you out.</end quote></div>

 

Looks like "Grade 8" is specific to standard bolts, not metric. After researching this, it looks like Grade 8.8 in a metric is roughly equivalent to Grade 5. I switched to standard Grade 8 bolts and nuts, and now I should be good to go.

 

Cool sure beats flying off a jump and landing and having the handl bars snap off in your hands :0)

 

LOL phycho. Please please no helmet on that too? I want a picture of his face with handlebars not connected.