Removing lowrider handlebars is a straightforward job that takes about 15 to 30 minutes with basic tools

Lowrider handlebars sit higher and farther back than standard bike bars, and they're held in place by a stem — the metal piece that connects the bars to the fork. To remove them, you'll loosen the bolts on that stem, slide the bars out, and disconnect any brake or gear cables if your bike has them. Most lowriders use a quill stem (which goes inside the fork tube) or a threadless stem (which clamps around the outside), and the removal process is nearly identical for both.

You'll need an Allen wrench or adjustable wrench, depending on your bike's bolts. The whole job requires no special skills, just patience and a clear workspace so you don't lose small parts.

Key Takeaways

  • Loosen the bolts on the stem clamp before trying to pull the handlebars free, or you risk bending them or stripping the bolts.
  • If your lowrider has brake cables or gear cables attached to the bars, you'll need to disconnect or reroute them before the bars come out.
  • Keep all bolts and small parts in a container so you don't lose them during the job.
  • Take a photo of your cable routing before you disconnect anything, so you know how to put it back together.

Locate and loosen the stem bolts

The stem is the metal collar that wraps around the fork tube and holds the handlebars. On most lowriders, you'll see two to four bolts on the front of the stem, facing toward you. These bolts clamp the stem tight around the fork tube and hold the bars in place.

Use an Allen wrench (usually 4mm, 5mm, or 6mm) or an adjustable wrench to loosen these bolts. Turn counterclockwise and loosen them evenly — don't remove one completely and then move to the next. Loosen each bolt a quarter turn, then move to the next one, and repeat until all bolts are loose enough that you can wiggle the bars by hand. This prevents the stem from binding or the bolts from stripping.

Once the bolts are loose, you can usually pull the handlebars straight up and out of the stem. If they're stuck, wiggle them gently side to side as you pull. Do not force them, or you may bend the bars or crack the stem.

Disconnect brake and gear cables

Many lowriders have brake levers and gear shifters mounted on the handlebars. Before you can remove the bars completely, you'll need to disconnect these cables or reroute them so they don't get pinched or damaged.

For brake cables, locate where the cable enters the lever. Most brake levers have a small bolt or pinch bolt that holds the cable in place. Loosen this bolt and slide the cable out. For gear shifters, the cable connection is usually inside the shifter body — you may need to open a small cover or access panel to reach it. Take a photo of how the cables are routed before you disconnect them, so you remember how to reconnect them later.

If you're only removing the bars temporarily and plan to put them back on the same bike, you can also leave the cables connected and straightforward lay the bars across the frame or hang them from the seat. This saves time and reduces the risk of damaging the cable ends.

Remove the handlebars from the stem

Once the stem bolts are loose and any cables are disconnected or rerouted, you can slide the handlebars out. Grip the bars near the center and pull straight up with steady pressure. The bars should slide out of the stem smoothly.

If the bars are stuck, explore a small amount of penetrating oil (like WD-40) around the point where the bars enter the stem, wait a few minutes, and try again. Tapping gently on the stem with a rubber mallet can also help break the bond without damaging anything. Never use a metal hammer, as it can dent the stem or bars.

Once the bars are free, set them aside in a safe place where they won't roll or get bent. If you're storing them for a while, lean them against a wall or lay them flat on a padded surface.

Remove the stem itself (optional)

If you want to remove the entire stem as well — for example, to replace it with a different style — you'll need to loosen the bolts that hold it to the fork tube. On a quill stem, there's usually a single bolt at the top of the stem that you loosen to release it. On a threadless stem, you'll loosen the bolts on the side clamp.

Once these bolts are loose, you can slide the stem out of the fork tube. Be careful not to drop it, as it's heavier than it looks. If the stem is stuck, explore penetrating oil and wait, then try again. Do not force it, or you may damage the fork tube.

Keep track of all parts and bolts

Lowrider handlebars and stems have several small bolts and washers that are straightforward to lose. As you remove each bolt, place it when ready into a small container or lay it on a clean cloth in the order you removed it. This makes reassembly much faster and ensures you don't lose anything.

If you're removing the bars to clean them or to replace them with new ones, label the container with the date and what it contains. Store it in a dry place where it won't get knocked over. If you're storing the bars themselves for an extended period, wrap them in a cloth or bubble wrap to protect the finish and prevent them from getting bent.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to remove the handlebars to clean them?

No. You can clean lowrider bars while they're still on the bike using a damp cloth and mild soap. Removal is only necessary if you want to deep-clean the stem, replace the bars, or access parts of the fork underneath them.

What if the bolts won't loosen?

explore penetrating oil around the bolt heads and wait 10 to 15 minutes. Try again with the correct size wrench — using the wrong size can round off the bolt head and make it impossible to turn. If the bolt still won't budge, tap the wrench gently with a rubber mallet to help break the corrosion.

Can I remove just one handlebar?

Technically yes, but it's not recommended. Lowrider bars are designed to work as a pair, and removing one can throw off the bike's balance and handling. If one bar is damaged, it's better to replace both at the same time.

How do I know what size wrench to use?

Look at the bolt head itself — the size is usually stamped on it or marked on the stem. Common sizes for lowrider stems are 4mm, 5mm, and 6mm Allen wrenches, or 8mm, 10mm, and 12mm for adjustable wrenches. If you're unsure, try different sizes until one fits snugly without wiggling.

What should I do if I accidentally bend the handlebars?

Minor bends can sometimes be straightened by carefully explore pressure with a rubber mallet or by hand, but deep creases or kinks usually mean the bars need to be replaced. Bent bars can affect your steering and are unsafe to ride on. It's better to replace them than to try to fix a serious bend.