[rpandey]

Thanks to everyone here for their great advice! I finally (full time+ job doesn't help) got the handlebars swapped out, and obviously sqwert, NzBrakelathes and calvarez have done this once or twice. Like was advised here, loosen everything before attacking the triple clamps, get everything off one side of the handlebar onto the other laying on a towel on the gas tank, then you can just get the other sides stuff shimmied off. Locating holes for the tidbits help.........tweaked ergonomics a bit a'la calvarez.....now I just need to get the throttle play and idle set right again.

I'm having a lot of fun with the bike, and I hardly have taken it riding yet! Thanks again for all the great advice. I now see the advantages of having a "backup bike" in the stable, so one can be undergoing projects/maintenance. At least that is the story I have given the management (my wife), and I am sticking with it!

Happy riding!