I saw the earlier thread about heavier bars. Different question here.

I'm replacing the bars on my 2000 XT350.

This bike has heavy semi-spherical "weights" at the end of the bars for vibration damping. These weights come off easily by removing a long screw, but the threaded "expando plug" inside the tube is a different story.

Can anyone describe a method for "releasing" this plug?

Also the grips are apparently "glued" on according to the kid at the parts desk. Brave new world I guess. Is it possible to remove the grips without destroying them, considering this "grip glue". We used to simply blow compressed air into them to slide them off.

I don't know for sure, but I doubt the insert for the bar end weights will fit in the new bars unless you get stock steel bars and I can't see why you would do that. Aluminium bars usually have a smaller inside diameter. If you really want the weights, you might be able to find an insert that was made for concrete that will fit. You would have to use a different bolt though. Also, an insert made for wrap around brush guards would likely work, but you'd be better off with the guards themselves.

You can likely get the old grips off by sliding something between the bar and the grip, but it's never been worth the trouble for me so I don't really know.
Grips are cheap. buy new ones.

A little off subject, how do you like the 350, any problems, what kind of mileage do you get? Im looking to buy one, reason for the questions. What is involved in lowering one?

I cannot answer your question about your bike but in general any replacement bars can have bar end weights added either 7/8 or 1 inch bars.

Update:

Thans for the comments, guys.

Got the handlebar plugs out OK. It was was less diabolical than I anticipated.

I just had to push the inner nut "inwards" a little, then firmly grasp the rubber plug with needle-nose pliers and twist/coax them out. It was much easier than expected.

The grip came off easier than expected as well, with just the typical application of compressed air. I did see evidence of glue but it was no factor.

I was surprised to learn that "all" grips are glued on nowadays, according to the "kids" down at the cycle shop. They even pointed out new grips on the wall that have concentric grooves for "cinching" the grips to the bars with safety wire. A new innovation, apparently, since working on the 2-cycle bikes at the cycle shop myself in the 1970's.

Drifter1 - I just bought this '2000 model bike so I can't comment, but I had a 1989 model that worked well for me. I liked it well enough to buy another one, but I have modest requirements.

If you are not going to re-use your handlebar plugs, I would be interested in buying them from you.

Thanks, but I reinstalled them.

I'm pretty sure you could buy them at www.bikebandit.com.