Installation and fit of Cobra Freeway Bars on a 1996 VT1100C:

The instructions were clear enough, since the installation is simple, the instructions provide enough information to disassemble the bike and install the bars.

The holes used for the upper bracket are already drilled, but you must enlarge them to use the supplied bolts. This did not prove to be difficult.

Installation process:

Remove seat,

Remove Tank,

Remove both front side covers,

Drill holes,

Remove upper bolt on both sides, peg brackets. On the right side (break), the stock bolt gets replaced with a longer, supplied bolt.

Replace everything in the order it was removed.

PROBLEMS:

Once the brackets are installed, the attaching nut on the upper side covers is very difficult to get back into place, you should have a 90 degree wrench to do this.

The right side bar hit up against the brake lever and wedged it into place. The lower hole had to be levered into place since it did not align properly.

The fit and finish of the right side bracket was not as good as the left side bracket which went right into place. The weld was not finished as well, and the lower bracket bound the break lever. TO cure this, I wrapped a towel around the bar, and gave it 15 moderate kicks wearing tennis shoes. The bracket moved about one eighth inch, enough to allow the break lever to operate normally.

The replacement bolt for the right side foot peg is an off the shelf bolt that is un chromed, kind of disappointing.

RIDING:

The freeway bars were installed mainly for appearance; however, once up an running proved to provide a good rest for the outer foot area. Since I have a problem with leg position, these in conjunction with the Cobra horn covers provide an unexpected resting place and position for the foot and leg.

I was left with the impression that the two bars were made at different times, by different persons, an indication that QA at Cobra is not all it should be.

Purchased from Accessories International, cheapest price found, about 139.00.