81 HD Sportster handle bar problem

[dk1ben]

I just bought a 1981 HD sportster 1000 iron head for my father in law. Sweet old bike for a good price. I have only owned Fat Boy's so i am not sure what a part is called on this sportster. When you grab the handle bar you can move/wiggle it around with out actually moving the wheel. It also "sags"/"leans" towards you when you sitting on it with holding the bars. Rides perfect with that one exception. I can see what appears to be rubber or a boot where the handle bars mount to the forks. Appears to be a damper system or something. So two questions, do these go bad? And what the heck are they called so I can order them? I have searched google and several forums and cant seem to figure it out. The guy at the local harley shop had no idea without seeing it. That will be my next step once we finish some other repairs and get it on the road. Just like to get it done now while we are doing other work.

Thanks for any help.
Ben

[Garry01]

Sounds like your talking about the handlebar riser bushings stock are rubber when there old they get real loose upgrade to the polyurethane ones fairly easy install.

[stupidglide]

Originally Posted by Garry01

Sounds like your talking about the handlebar riser bushings stock are rubber when there old they get real loose upgrade to the polyurethane ones fairly easy install.

This is an over the counter fix, and most shops, both HD dealers, and indies have on fhem the shelf. Pretty inexpensive. Takes about 20 to 30 minutes, and minimum hassle.