handlebars misaligned on my Downtown

[pttdds]

A small issue missed when it was new but noticed recently is that the handlebars of my scooter are off center.   
The left side is noticeably farther back than the right. 
Now that see it, it has become bothersome. 
Suspect that when the scooter was assembled the bars were put on the spline one notch off.
How hard is it to change the handlebar position?

Don Stromberg
pptdds

[CROSSBOLT]

No splines, just a though-bolt. Your bar is bent is my conclusion if the plactic bar cover is distorted. The through-bolt is missing if the bar cover is not distorted. Investigate BEFORE you ride it again!

[pttdds]

Thanks for the heads up, Karl. 
I will check it out.
The plastic bar cover is not distorted.
I did take a virtually "standing still" fall to the left early on when under 600 miles.
The braked front wheel slid on some mud while I was turning around very slowly.
It landed on the left handlebar.
If there is no spline, it is possible that my spill bent that left bar enough to produce what I now see.
Maybe I should just try to bend it back into alignment?
Or just live with it.
Don

[CROSSBOLT]

Personally, I would bite the bullet, take the handle bar top cover off and at least inspect it. These are pretty robust built machines and do not bend easily. We can give you the sequence if you decide to do this. It is a PITA but doable.

[pttdds]

Karl,
Yes, I would appreciate getting the sequence for removing the cover to take a look at the connection. 
Could not find how to get there in the manual I have. 
It would not be a good thing to lose the connection of the handlebars while in motion. 
Had that experience with a bicycle once with a bad outcome.
Don
pttdds

[CROSSBOLT]

OK, Don here we go! Stig says a pizza cutter works well at prying these plastic pieces apart. I use my finger nails! Squeeze the bottom cover while you pry up the top cover. Here is the sequence that is not in the service manual:

1. Pop loose the top handlebar cover.
2. Find, fish out and disconnect the tiny two-wire connectors that go to turn signal lights on each mirror.
3. Pull up rubber boot at base of mirror mount and loosen 17 mm locknut, unscrew mirror right-hand thread, both sides.
4. Remove top cover.
5. Examine handlebar tube left and right for centering within bottom plastic cover.
6. Examine center of handlebar stem for fore-aft bolt and nut.
7. Report what you find or what action you did to correct misalignment.

[moparkid]

Hey Don...I too experience my handlebars not being dead on "12:00"...it was assembled that way from the dealer and was told that the holes on the fork were not perfectly drilled. It bothers me every time I ride for the first 5 minutes then I forget about it but there is no danger and no fix. Awhile back I had to change out the bearings in the fork and once apart I noticed that indeed the holes were not drilled to perfection but as Crossbolt has pointed out, it is a through bolt set up and there is no danger. Just enjoy the ride and dont focus on the slightly off  center problem. It doesn't effect your ride and shouldn't effect your enjoyment.

[john grinsel]

Sounds to me like you bent them.

[pttdds]

So far I am stuck on step 1. 
Have been unable to "Pop loose the top handlebar cover."
Guess I hope that moparkid is right and the holes were drilled less than perfectly.
Thanks.
pttdds

[CROSSBOLT]

S'not easy! Start about an inch from the end where the mirror mount is, squeeze the bottom and roll your other hand finger tips under the top cover edge. Once you get one of those things busted loose it will get easier!