Handlebar clamps not working well

just assembled a mega moto 212 tillitson from GPS. I tightened the 2 U-clamps that squeeze the handle bar really well using an allen key and tapping it with a hammer instead of twisting with the hand, seems I got them as tight as possible but the handlebars slips a little forward/back, like when I pick the front end up to turn the bike around the handlebars pivot forward. They manufactured ribs on the handlebars where it clamps but it's not helping.
IDK , I see people wheeling this bike on youtube thus pulling on the handles and the last thing I want is my handlebar to slip forward/backwards. I ride bumpy woods trails that can be a lot of pressure on the handlebars.

I Was thinking to drill and tap threads and install a 1/4-20 grade8 bolt in each clamp and use permanent threadlocker. The handlebar metal is about 1/8" thick wish it were thicker but I don't think like the pressure I'll put on it will be nearly enough to shred the metal, it's about 1" tubular metal. The U-clamps are decent thickness to get some good threading into, about 2.5" total bolt threads.
Then I'll probably hide this with a foam handlebar cover for safety but I worry about these things like I'd like to just keep an eye on the bolts to make sure they're good without having to take the foam guard on and off.

Any other suggestions for this? I have 1/8" rubber sheet I could try and sandwich in there instead of drilling but maybe that'll slip too. I feel drilling and threading would be the strongest option but could weaken the handlebars a tad but again, it's about 1/8" thick 1" tube steel, so it should be fine.
 

SRAD97750

Moderator
Staff member
The u-clamps need to be sanded down, providing more clearance for the bolts to clamp.
Should be able to take it off the flat spots of the top halves. There should be a gap between the halves.
-BIG DAN:thumb:
 
If Big Dan's fix doesn't work, one of the problems I've had when playing around with risers is I had some bolts that were too long - they would bottom out in the threaded holes before putting enough pressure on the clamps.
 
I'm referring to these
https://www.gopowersports.com/7-8-h...MImZGZhs7c_QIVofzjBx2KYQAREAQYBiABEgLUv_D_BwE

BTW, only one half is threaded which it doesn't show the threads in the photos, or neither is threaded and the threading is on the dashboard where these bolt in, mine have recessed hex head allen key fasteners I'd rather the regular hex head bolts in the link seems I can get them tighter with a breaker bar and socket rather than banging on the L-shaped allen key with a hammer. Got to bring my bolts to the store thread checker and replace them with grade-8 hex bolts, grade 5 would be fine but only a bit more $ for grade 8s are stronger and more corrosive resistant.
So, someone suggested just grind down the flat section of these. Good thing I asked before drilling because that should work good, someone said drilling a hole in round metal will weaken it. I'll also sandwich some thin rubber in there was agreed to benefit.
 
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