Wrapping bars with Dia Compe bar-end brake levers

I've got a Nitto handlebar and two Dia Compe plug-in bar-end brake levers.

They're a very tough fit without the bar tape, and usually you'd tuck that before inserting the plugs.

Does anyone know what to do here?

Use some insulating tape of the same colour to stick the start of the bar tape with its edge level with end of the handlebar. Then start winding the bar tape from there.

You can install the tape without any tucking:
http://www.parktool.com/blog/repair-help/handlebar-tape-installation-drop-bar

"An alternative to overlapping the tape at the end of the bar is to first install the bar plug. Next, cut a taper at the end of tape. This allows the tape a smooth and even beginning, rather than a lump from the extra tape."

You can install the tape without any tucking:
http://www.parktool.com/blog/repair-help/handlebar-tape-installation-drop-bar

"An alternative to overlapping the tape at the end of the bar is to first install the bar plug. Next, cut a taper at the end of tape. This allows the tape a smooth and even beginning, rather than a lump from the extra tape."

That's sort of what I was trying to say, but you put it so much better, and a picture is worth a 1000 words ......

I've got a Nitto handlebar and two Dia Compe plug-in bar-end brake levers.

They're a very tough fit without the bar tape, and usually you'd tuck that before inserting the plugs.

Does anyone know what to do here?

I pressed them in by putting all my weight on them while pressing against the coffee table.

Job jobbed. Fecked the coffee table and got me banned from bike work, other than in my workroom though.