ST1300 Helibars-Movement/Loose?

Taggycar

I fitted the latest Gen Helibars last year sometime.
I did the job myself and although it was quite awkward, I did a good job.
I have used the bike a fair bit since and prefer the new riding position.
I can always recall that there was a bit of movement in the new bars but when the MOT(Annual safety test in UK) was done last week, the tester thought that there was excessive play in the bars and that they needed 'tightening up'.I'm not sure if he has tested any other bikes with helibars fitted?
He showed me that there was some movement where the adapter plate bolts to the steering head. If you sit on the bike and push/pull the bars, there is a slight back/forth and up/down movement at the bar ends which originates at the adapter plate. This is similar to my old BMW K1100LT although I recall that it felt more rubber cushioned?
I have re-checked the bars and they are correctly torqued.It is hard to measure the movement but I'm guessing it's about 5mm at the bar ends. There is no movement where the bars bolt to the plate-just where the plate bolts to the head and I'm guessing that this is rubber mountings?
Can anyone else with Helibars fitted just confirm that 'they all do that'?
 
It has been a while since I had risers on my bike, but there was some movement of the bar assembly. Without taking the plate off to inspect the bushing the two long bolts go through. I am thinking they are rubber mounting for vibration isolation. My stock handle bars move. Maybe 3/8" at the grips forward to backward. I have 117,000 fun filled miles on mine.

Kevin
 
I had the same concerns after installing my Gen III's. I even called Heli; engineering says it's part of the design. They claim some movement is normal, but I wasn't given an exact amount.
 
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Mine as well. Apparently the stock mounting has always allowed movement as well, it's just more exaggerated with the extra leverage provided by moving the bars back and up. I appreciate this in the original design, wouldn't want to be holding a resonating tuning fork for very long.
 
Many thanks to all for such prompt replies.
I feel totally re-assured now.
Although I was 90% sure that they were ok, I must admit that I took it easy on the ride home from the test centre-I thought that it would be like one of these cartoons where the bike goes on way and I am left just holding a set of handlebars!
Thanks again!
 
Yep, mine move too. Never really worried about it. Figured it was a vibration dampening feature.
 
Yes, the handlebars are cushioned at the base plate. One of the reasons is it recommended to not use the handlebars for tie down points when transporting your steed.
 
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