I want to share some of my experinces as a Sunday racer and as a pro mechanic. Yes I was a pro mechanic before but some of my style are very odd. I still do repairs but mostly for my machineries and that is why I always try to keep everything easy and cheap. If you think that my style doesn't fit you, please do not follow my advise. Most of what I will share here are intended for extreme riders who usually break their bikes to peices and may not be needed by other bikers. If you are a techie or a cry-baby, my repair style is not for you...

Saturday, May 15, 2010

Cheap Off-Road Handlebar Repair

If you have a handle bar like mine (Trials, Motocross, Dirtbike), repair is possible. Most sport bikes like CBRs, ZZRs, FZRs, etc cannot be repaired easily because the holders are cast metals. For bars that are similar to my bikes, 1st measure the center, take of the rubber grips off or cover them with leather or thick cloth, use a long pipe and fit it on one end of the bar. Get someone to hold your bike for you and start pumping. You can also detach the bar and clamp it on a vise so that things will be easier for you. Do it slowly because some cheap handle bars may break. You may not get the proper alignment at first but keep on trying. Do it slow and never over-do it. Remember to measure your handlebar as you proceed.

I always bring a two meter long steel pipe, a portable vise, and a big wooden hammer inside my van when I'm riding. I always bring a spare handlebar but these tools often comes handy. Sometime I use my big wooden mallet (10 kgs.) to hammer my bent handlebar when my long metal pipe can't do the work properly. I find a boulder and hammer it there. You can also find a tree with a big branch that is stronger than your handlebar but I prefer bending my handlebar using the big animal guard bumper on SUV's.

This is only a quick fix to get you back in the race but it is always best to change the handlebar if you have a spare.

Handlebar Sure Grip

If you jump and do tricks a lot this may be for you... I apply rubber cement on the grips and taped them with transparent tape to keep constant pressure on the rubber. I also use plastic straps for additional pressure. Let it stay there for 6 to 8 hrs before you use your bike. You can also use very thin wires for your grip but if you do the glueing properly, you won't be needing wires... Remove the tape and the plastic straps before you use your bike. If the grips are sticky because of the tape, use detergent and wash off the glue. Now you are ready to FLY!!!
 
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