2001 EV1100 handlebar and switches question

[Jeff Abgrund]

So I've been pretty happy with my EV1100, but I wanted to change the bars, as I felt that the stock "cruiser" style bars weren't doing my posture any favors.  Ok fine, I bought some "tracker" style bars and I'm all set, yes?

Nope.  On the stock bar there are little holes drilled out for a little post on the switches.  I guess so they don't go flying away like they do on every other motorcycle?  Never had that problem but ok...  These little posts make it impossible to put the switches on bars without those fancy holes.  So my options look like:

1. Drill holes in my new bars.  Ok but I can't do that with tools on hand.

2. Buy new switches.  Kind of extreme, really.

3. Lose the little post.  Seems the most reasonable, but how?  I don't want to break the switch in trying, because that guarantees option #2.

Has anyone else had this problem?  My search-fu doesn't turn anything up, but I feel like it must have happened to someone else in the history of riding odd Italian twins.

Thanks again...

-Jeff

[rodekyll]

Gotta have the posts.  They keep the pods from spinning around.  Drill, baby, drill!

[John A]

Where are you located? I can drill them for you. You do want to drill in the correct place or you will have multiple holes. Not a big deal and no one will know if you have multiple holes....

[Sheepdog]

I always just file down the nubs. I haven't had one rotate on me yet...

[rocker59]

Must have holes.

Easy to drill.

No special fixtures required.

A Ruler or Tape Measure, a Punch to mark the hole, and a the proper size Drill Bit.

I've done it several times with the bars mounted on the motorcycle.

Easy, peasy...

[Jeff Abgrund]

In hindsight it seems obvious that the posts are there for a reason.  I haven't changed bars on a Japanese bike in a while so I don't remember how that works, but I do remember not needing to drill special holes.  Oh well.  I only have hand tools readily available so I was hoping to avoid more steps.  So it goes.

Thanks for the offer of help John, but I'm in Portland, OR so maybe a little too far for you out there in WI?  I can figure something out I was just surprised when I pulled the switches off and found that.  Learn something new everyday...

Thanks guys.

-Jeff

[rocker59]

With some companies, the switch housing clamps to the bars, and no pins are present.

Not so with bikes like Moto Guzzi, Ducati, Aprilia, etc.  The plastic housings are located by the pin.

[Tom H]

Check with your local Home Depot or construction rental places. They may be able to rent you a drill if you have no need for one latter.

Tom

[guzzinka]

In the past I've cut or filed down the nubs and carefully wrapped a few layers of electrical tape on the bar to add gripping power when the switches clamped down, always worked great.  I find the nubs still allow the pods to wiggle, which I find annoying.