I'm thinking about removing the handlebar from my 696 and bending it to fix some damage during a low-speed low-side a few weeks ago. Is there anything I should know about removing the handlebar accessories and re-installing them? Does the master cylinder and clutch reservoir need to be at the same level or can I let them droop down as I work on the handlebar? Or should I somehow tie them to the garage ceiling/wall?
I know buying a new handlebar is the easiest, but the damage only seems to be on the right side where the bar is bent down and back towards the fuel tank a little, so what happens is my kill switch housing jams into the fairing/intake vent by a few millimeters. If I buy a new handlebar, I fear that I'll just bend the new one and be back to square one.
Couple things:
Bending metal = weaker metal, so keep that in mind.
With the reservoirs, keep them in as close to the normal upright position as possible. If you get air in your brake or clutch lines, you have to take the time to bleed them. Not an impossible idea, but can be avoided with good preparation.