So I have started to give thought to swapping out my Hollywood bars for some 12" mini-apes. I have been doing my research but there are various brands and prices out there and as it is my "cheese in the wind", I would like to know what I should be looking at- there are TONS of choices, so I am leaving it to you softail bretheren. Money not a limitation; while it is a consideration, I am not going to let that impede with quality. Sure you get what you pay for, but then again there are lots of quality for lower cost. I am looking for honest opinions, even if it is something that if you had to do over again, what would you do differently. So my questions...

1- What to look for in bars? 1" vs 1.5"? Qualities to look for, what do some bars offer that others do not? I do want predrilled for wiring...
2- Cables and lines- things to look out for, things that I should keep in mind
3- Wiring? What should I know, what should I include in my thought process?
4- And Lastly, brands- what are quality products, which are not, what is the most bang for the buck (quality + price point).

 

There is also the asthetic look of my bike as well...look good? Bad? Opinions are welcome on that front as well...

 

Carlini gangster 1.5" apes/risers, Namz wire extensions (cut & solder kit), Magnum Shielding cables.


Worth the money. You wont be disappointed.

 

Flanders on my last bike, KhromewerKs on the current.

 

I got mine from Wild1inc and they are 1.5's and by looking at your bike, I'd suggest the same size.

 

Here ya go.

http://www.radioflyer.com/33-0849099.html

 

Oh that's ****ing bad ***. Gotta love the streamers.

Carlini,Burly,Wild1's

 

Nice!


***EDITED***- I answered my own question- Taking a look and using a measuring device has opened my eyes...sigh...I am going to have to swap and extend...Please disregard below.

For those who have just gone with the 12" or 12.5" mini-apes- did you need to change your cables/brake line and extend your wiring? Looking at Burly Brand, they do not sell kits for anything less than 14".

Side note/background I failed to initially mention- I will be doing the change out under the tutelage of a local indy shop pro bike mechanic. He is tasking me to do all my own research but will "supervise" as I do all the work myself. Pretty good deal...I do love learning all this stuff anyhow.

 

I went with 12 inch wild ones on the road king I previously owned and they were great. The ones on the heritage in my sig are 16's from Harley. I also plan to get a set of 18's from carlini for my other softail.

 

I went with 12" bars after much debate between 10, 12, and 14 inch. A lot of people told me that 1" diameter bars on a FL front end would look out of place. After seeing the price of most 1.5" bars, I took a shot and went with a set of 12" tall, 1" diameter Khromewerks bars.

The bars fit perfectly on the stock 2" risers. I had a family friend do the install, so I can't tell you what when into the wiring process, but everything has to be extended. As far as cables go, I got all of them from Magnum Shielding in the Black Pearl finish. Keep in mind that their Black Pearl finish is not black. It is a dark grey color.

Looking back on everything, I am glad I went with 12" bars. I keep them inline with the forks and my hands are right at shoulder height. A few days after I got the bars installed, I went on a 500 mile trip and the only discomfort I had was in my butt due to the Bare Bones seat. I did a 500 mile trip earlier in the spring with the stock Hollywood bars and my neck, back, and shoulders were in pain after the weekend. No more pain with 12" apes.

I thought about saving some money and getting plain, black OEM cables. It definitely would have ruined the look if I did and I'm glad I spend a little more and got the Magnum cables.

Now for some measurements:

Clutch - 68 11/16" - P/N 422212HE
Brake - 48" - P/N 46148SW
Throttle - 36 5/8" - P/N 43256
Idle - 36 5/8" - P/N 44256

Khromewerks 12" Apes - P/N 300821


If you plan on keeping your Slim (I read the other post by you) then I would do the apes. They are an investment that will give you plenty of comfort in return. I thought about trading in my Slim due to the lack of comfort on longer runs, but the apes definitely changed that.