how to change a right handlebar

[europa]

Hi there.

Some idiot (not sure whether car or person) knocked my Kawasaki GPZ500S over and i noticed yesterday that not only is the indicator broken, but the right handlebar is bent so badly that the throttle doesn't even function.

What i would like to know is whether as a novice i could attempt to replace the handlebar myself or whether it is best left to an expert. I have a Haynes manual which in theory explains the process, but my worry is the throttle and front break housings do not seem easy to remove. The bike is unrideable so getting it to a mechanic will not be easy. Also, if i change the right handlebar, must the left one be changed also?

Thanks for any advice.
Cheers, E.

[G]

Only the right one needs to be changed.
If it looks like this, it should be very easy to do.

[europa]

[Itchy]

Looks like some allen keys £1 from ASDA (which are actually OK as they are hardened steel and don't round off), and a set of spanners and its a 30 minute job.
____________________
Spain 2008France 2007Big one 2009 We all die. The goal isn't to live forever, the goal is to create something that will. In the end, your life will flash before your eyes. Make sure it is worth watching.

[G]

I'd go second hand - looks about the same as on my FX400. Think I got the bar for under £13 delivered from ebay.

Was maybe a 10 minute job at most to do for me; shouldn't need any 'special' tools for it.

[europa]

My local dealer told me it was a 45min job for them. So i figured it's likely to take me the whole day!

Is it really not difficult to remove throttle and break housings?

[G]

No, it's not hard at all - loosen and slide off. Might have to fully undo the throttle side switch gear as there's often a locating bit in there... but doing it in ten minutes should be fine if you knew what you were doing; bit more if you don't.

[europa]

ok, thanks i'll give it a go.

tried to find second-hand part on eBay, but they only have left handlebars! So it looks like i'll have to get an original after all.

[scott666]

Not too pricey new either. 18 quid plus postage and they deliver pretty quick.

https://www.cornwallkawasaki.co.uk/shop/shop.php?cmd=showdiagram&id=14657

[europa]

[metal ken]

If the say it is a 45 minute job, thats just the 'book time' should not really take more than about 25 minutes.

It shouldn't take you more than an hour, to do it Remove the brake master cylinder (allen keys) remove the bar end, undo the couple of screws on the switchgear, then undo the handle bar and slide the bar back out of the switchgear and throttle slider, check the slider has not been damaged.

To put back on it's just the reverse, slide on the throttle slider tube with the switchgear, attatch the replacement bar then the bar end then the master cylinder.

if you get stuck or have any problems we will help you out,

Good luck, Ken
____________________
My motorbike breakers metalken.co.uk

Current bikes, GSXR750 Fighter, GSXR7/12, RD350 race rep, KH400

[iooi]

[finpos]

Just keep the brake master cylinder upright when it's unbolted - if you let it dangle it may get an air lock and that'll annoy you no end.

f.

[europa]

thanks everyone! will give it a go when back from xmas holidays and have managed to get hold of the part!

have a feeling the throttle is damaged too as when i started up the bike and turned the throttle nothing happened! anyway i guess all will become clear when i change the bar.

[europa]

hi again, hope everyone had a nice xmas!

the throttle slider is indeed damaged, in fact it has snapped off completely, so i was able to remove the grip (and slider) without touching the throttle switch housing

i've been looking at the following parts diagram: https://www.cornwallkawasaki.co.uk/shop/shop.php?cmd=showdiagram&id=14657
and i'm wondering now if it is the grip assembly that i also need (in addition to the handlebar and turn signal).

can anyone confirm?

Thanks!