Installing Cobra Freeway Bars on the Honda Shadow Aero VT750C

Several CruiserCustomizing members mentioned in their reviews for the Cobra bars that the installation instructions are a bit confusing, so when I received mine, I decided to briefly describe the installation process here, in case it may be of some help to anyone as mechanically impaired as I am. However, the installation really is easy and instructions aren't really necessary! It all takes about 30-45 minutes.

Tools needed:

• 10mm spanner (wrench) for the radiator cover bolt
• 12mm spanner for the hooter (horn)
• 2 x 14mm spanners for the foot pegs (or 2 x 14mm sockets)
• 5/32" SAE allen key (hex wrench)

Summary of installation:

1. This is what the bars look like when you take them out of the box:
   
2. Remove the 2 clamps from the Cobra bars.
3. Remove the horn with a 10mm spanner.  Carefully pull out the 2 wire connectors.
4. Remove the front bolt from the foot pegs on both sides with a size 14mm spanner or socket.  (These are the "M10 bolts" mentioned in the Cobra instructions).  Note: only the remove the bolt furthest to the front on both sides, i.e. you don't need to remove the entire foot peg.  The bolt on the left hand side is threaded into the frame, so you just need one 14mm socket to remove it, but the bolt on the right hand side is fastened with a nut, so you need to hold the nut in place with one 14mm socket while you turn the bolt with another 14mm socket.
5. Loosen the plastic radiator cover with a 10mm spanner.  (You don't have to remove the radiator cover, just remove the bolt).
6. Pull the plastic radiator cover forward a little bit, to make space for the clamps.
7. Put the two clamps around the frame tube.  On the left hand side, put the clamp just above the horn bracket, and on the equivalent place on the right.  Turn the clamps so they face in the right direction, i.e. with the bolt holdes facing to the sides:
   
8. Carefully place the freeway bars between the frame and the front wheel.  The mounting brackets on the bars must face to the back of the bike.  Put a box or something under the freeway bars to temporarily hold it in place.
9. This is the part where you need someone to help: move the bars into place so that all the mounting brackets align.  First insert the top bolts into the clamps, just screw them in lightly, not very tight.
10. Then align the bottom brackets with the foot peg bolt holes, and insert the bolts.
11. Now make sure the whole thing is aligned properly, and tighten all the bolts.
    
12. Now bolt the horn on again, but use the longer provided bolt and spacer - the spacer is necessary to attach the horn a bit further away from the frame since the bar's clamp is now in the way.
13. Fasten the radiator cover bolt again.
14. Done:
    
    
    

Also see the official Cobra instructions at http://www.cobrausa.com (01-1118.pdf)