The grips and controls on the handlebars of my 2001 Prarie 300 are too wide and far apart for comfort. Later models have them closer together. What problems would I encounter if I move my grips, throttle and brake levers, etc, toward the center of each handlebar about 1 1/2 inches apiece? That would make them more in line with newer quads, and be easier to handle. It appears that all I would have to do is to loosen the fastening bolts and slide them in. Anyone have any experience doing this?

Of course I would then have about 1 1/2 inches of handlebar sticking out on each side. Just cut them off? Any suggestions?

 

You would find it harder to steer.By cutting your bars shorter you are lessoning the mechanical advantage(leverage) of the bars.Move the controls to where you would preffer them and try it,if you like it then cut the bars.M/M

 

Yeah, I realize it may be harder to steer, and won't cut the bars until I'm sure. But are there any surprises in moving the controls over a little, or is it a fairly standard proceedure? Just loosen the bolts and move them? Thanks.

 

Well, there's nothing to it. Just loosen the screws and move it over. I was afraid there was a trick to it. It's much more comfortable now, and my handlebars protrude about an inch from the grips, which is ok, no cutting. Thanks.

 

If you want to cut them, use a pipe cutter. Thats what I used to use to cut the bars on my bmx bikes. The kind that clamps on and then you just spin it. It makes a nice clean cut.