Switch to Apes on FXD
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Cruiser
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 163
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Switch to Apes on FXD
Does anyone have info (price, do's and don'ts etc.) on a switch to Ape Hangers on a FXD? I have stock '02 bars and risers. This model has the speedo attached to the bar clamp also. I'm not looking to spend a ton but want it done right. I need some height for comfort (I'm 6'0) and love the style too. I would like to have the wires run internal and am not sure whether to go with the stock Wide Glide bars or get something a bit higher, thicker, and chromed instead of stainless. I would welcome ANY opinions on these questions. I've done some asking at the local dealers, but would love some "real" experience answers and advice as far as price etc... Thanks guys, I absolutely love this forum!
Road Master
Joined: Oct 2005
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RE: Switch to Apes on FXD
IMHO Wild 1 makes the nicest handlebars. I'd suggest getting the wild 1 chubbys (1 1/4") 10" or 12.5" apes. They are not overly tall but taller than WG bars. You can run the wiring internally although you'll obviously need to lengthen the wire and get new cables (throttle, clutch) and brake line.
Your speedo should still be able to mount the same as before.
Your speedo should still be able to mount the same as before.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 7,279
Likes: 56
From: Union Bridge, MD
RE: Switch to Apes on FXD
I have changed mine over to mini apes after trying risers with the original bars first. MISTAKE! I learned the hard way. I did not think it through, like where the speedo would end up and how it would look. The mimi's work great but I am thinking about going to T-Bars by Milwaukee Twins soon because of the look. J&P Cycle offers the neccessary bracket to relocate my dual guage setup and make it look good. I wish I knew that before I tried risers!
If you want better pictures of the bars e-mail me direct and I will send them to you.
atrox88@adelphia.net
[IMG]local://upfiles/4722/1FD3A653145240048C8114F300F6A695.jpg[/IMG]
If you want better pictures of the bars e-mail me direct and I will send them to you.
atrox88@adelphia.net
[IMG]local://upfiles/4722/1FD3A653145240048C8114F300F6A695.jpg[/IMG]
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Cruiser
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 163
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RE: Switch to Apes on FXD
Thanks for the info so far guys. I'll check on all those ideas. I'd heard about the Chubby's and most likely will go that route. Jose, I'm gonna check your post now.
thanks
thanks
Road Warrior
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 1,529
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RE: Switch to Apes on FXD
I love the look of the Swayback bars in the HD catalog, I think they are designed by Arlen Ness, but not available on the FXD. Anyone know of a similar bar that would work?
Kicks
Kicks
Road Master
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 754
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RE: Switch to Apes on FXD
i'm not familiar with the swayback bars but just because the catalog says something doesn't fit, it's not necessarily so. It may just be that you need to change cables or risers or something. I can't see why handlebars shouldn't be interchangable unless the risers are built in and it has different spacing than normal.
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Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 7,279
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From: Union Bridge, MD
RE: Switch to Apes on FXD
You mean the swingback bars listed for the FXDWG, etc? I agree with haksaw. If you go to the J&P Cycles catalog they have a crome billet bracket that hooks to the bars that your guage holder bracket will mount to and its a clean looking piece to. I dont have the J&P Catalog with me at work but can get the part# later. I am thinking of doing the Street Slammer bars or some pullback T-Bars and the bracket will make it all work cleanly.
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Intermediate
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 44
Likes: 0
From: Culver, Indiana
RE: Switch to Apes on FXD
JSW,
Had the stock bars on my 97 FXD replaced with wide glide mini apes at the dealership the day I bought it in August. No wiring changes or cable changes were needed. I am much happier with them now but am still considering having even bigger apes and a wide glide front end put on the bike also.
Good riding, Mark.
Had the stock bars on my 97 FXD replaced with wide glide mini apes at the dealership the day I bought it in August. No wiring changes or cable changes were needed. I am much happier with them now but am still considering having even bigger apes and a wide glide front end put on the bike also.
Good riding, Mark.