Any suggestions/tricks before I install Apes this weekend. I decided to chrome everything on the handle bars, and run internal wiring. I ride a '03 WG.
Here's the list of stuff I got.
- Buffalo 16" ape hangers
- Polyurethane riser bushing
- Stainless steel brake line kit
- Stanliess Throttle/idle kit
- Stainless Clutch cable kit
- Turn signal relocation kit
- Chrome brake levers
- Chrome master cylinder
- Chrome switch housing
- Chrome switch caps
- Brake fluid
- Synthetic oil
When I left the dealership tonight I was questioning if I needed a wire extension kit for the WG???
Thanks guys.
you will need to extend your wires for 10" apes. you can go with the extension kit, or you can run your own wire and use solder/heatshrink/etc. if you go the home grown route, make sure to stagger your splices so you don't end up with a big clump in any one spot... or you will have trouble routing the wire through the bars. There is some extra wire in the frame you can pull out, but not enough for 16"'s
To pull the wire through the bars, use a vacuum and suck some string through the bars...tie string to end of wires, and pull. Its an easier job if a buddy helps push the wire as you pull. Make sure any burrs on the holes are filed down before you feed the wire.
It takes a hell of a lot of pumping to get the master cylynder primed... once you think something is wrong, keep going another five minutes and you should get it.
putting your switches in new housings is a bitch as well if you don't do it every day. Pay close attention to how that shit is in and as you remove, so you can go back in easy. Those caps are a bitch too, be careful not to f them up, but they do take some encouragement to go on. Test all your switches before you assemble everything to make sure all is good.
there are a ton of tricks to take off left grip. I already had the dealer install non stock grips before I did this project (same exact you are doing) and they didn't need glue so they came off easy. Try shooting some wd-40 in there if yours are stuck.
Be real careful with the front brake light switch... the little rubber boot tears really easy - I did it and had to replace the switch (cheap though)
take your time, pay attention to what you are doing, and if you get frustrated, take a break.
here is an shot of my bike post project. since this picture, I have moved the turn signals above the lower tree, and I put the fork brace back on (always had it, just hadn't installed when I took picture)
One thing I always do with apes, install billet risers, the stock ones are extremely weak & can easily snap with the extra leverage of the apes under hard braking, not a pretty picture trust me on that
.-/c-.,_ /
(_)'==(_)
"parts left out cost nothing and create no service problems" Boss Kettering
Some great tips Thrill. Do you think I should get the wire extensions or just tackle it myself. I was planning on doing the install this weekend. I don't know if any of the local dealers have the extension kit in stock. I'm pissed I didn't get this with the rest of the parts.
Does anyone have a link to the wire extension kit I'll need for this install?
I guess that depends on your level of comfort with cutting wires and splicing them. I personally suck at soldering, but have read where some folks think that has a negative affect on the current running through the wire anyway - I don't know if that is true or not, I'm not an electrical guy. I did some splicing on my project, but not for the whole harness (I did 10" apes, so I didn't need to extend the harness). I just use a good twiste in the wire, and heatshrink.Originally Posted by FarmBarn
I can look up the part number in my parts catalog this evening, I don't have a link.
Here is a non HD kit from J&P. I don't know by looks how it comparses to the HD kit. It looks from the picture you would have to cut the wires, put the ends on your existing wire, then plug in the extensions. Probably a good idea to stagger these as well.
I know this link doesn't do you any good for a project this weekend, just showing what one option looks like. To be honest, this is the first time I have even looked, and based on this I would probably just buy wire and do it myself. If you don't have a heat gun, they are pretty cheap and you will end up using it more than just once. I bought a kit with lots of different colored and diameter heat shrink tubes, so I am ready to splice at any time... like I said, I suck at soldering so this works great for me.
JP Cycles
ok, in my first reply I said "you will need to extend for 10" apes" That is not true, and doesn't apply to your question anyway...
should have read "you will need to extend for 16" apes"
it looks like the HD extension kit is part number 72137-03
I can't seem to find my '06 catalog, this number came out of the '05 catalog.
edit: I combined threads since I posted so many times.[/url]
soooooooo, are you done yet?
The biggest think I found is think the hole process out before you start, were are you going to splice the wires if you do decide to extend the wires and not use wire extenions. Check the switch housing fit to the bars, if there from HD then they should fit, if after market check the fit.
I did my 03 softtail standard, 18" apes and I wanted the factory black plastic wire insulator on the lower end of the wires were it would come out of the handle bars down through the triple trees to still give the factory look, so I did all my solder points up near the switch housing. Speed bleeders for the bleeding the brakes work great also.
Hey Farm, The kit from JP that Thrill linked to is the same kit I used. I have an '03 Fatboy and put 14.5" apes on. got that kit and it made it very easy. Would definately use the kit again as opposed to any cutting and soldering. But thats me. good Luck
" Your suffering from COMPOUND IGNORANCE..................you don't know, and you don't know that you don't know "
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