I've been told that there are no stupid questions, but this one may push the envelope. How will ape bars (A-5 on p.618 of the H-D parts catalogue) positiion my hands vs the standard bars on my FXDI Super Glide.
Here are the statistics:
Tip-Tip Base Width Rise Pull Back
Apes 30.5" 10.5" 4.5" 9"
Standard 27" 6.5" 2" 8"

With which will my hands be closer to my body?
With hich will they be higher?

I was talking with one of the mechanics at my dealership about putting in a riser and something that would pull the bars back some (One of the women there had that on her bike and they felt really good), but then another mechanic said that her bike had different bars and I prob. wouldn't have enough cable. Does that mean that I'd have to buy new cables for the Apes?
Basically, what I'm looking for is to get the bike seat about an inch lower or narrower. (Iknow they have a "reach seat" but I'm not fond of the looks of it for the Dyna and it dowsn't look real comfortable for long rides) and get the bars about an inch closer.
Can you guess that I'm short? TIA for any advice or suggestions.

 

I've talked to my mechanics as well about the same thing. I have a 2005 FXD, and will be putting on mini ape hangers soon. I have forward controls which bring me closer to the handle bars. I've sat on a couple of FXD's with apes on, and they feel way more comfortable. You will only need the clutch, and brake lines from the Dyna Wide Glide set-up. The rest of the cables will be pulled from the excess in the frame down tube. Here's my parts list as provided by the dealer (excluding labor):

1. Ape hangers for narrow fronts: 56563-95 ($49.95)
2. Front brake line: 45112-96 ($52.50)
3. Clutch cable kit: 38661-00 ($32.50)

Good Luck,

 

HR,
Are those HD parts
Im looking to get back in the seat a bit as well. I have 02 super G and Feel im leaning into the bars to much
Please let me know.
Whats the rise of the apes you looking at? I dont want my arms elevated, long rides would kill me.
Let me know what your looking at.
DD

 

DD,
Yes they are H-D parts listed in the 2005 motor parts book. If you look in the book, go to page# 616. Here are the parameters on the apes:

Tip to Tip: 31.50"
Base Width: 9.50"
Rise: 8.75"
Pull Back: 5.50"

 

The price is right, I will look into it.
Let me know how you make out, and a posted pic would be cool
I was hearing all kind of heavy cost for lengthening the lines.
Thanks again for the info
DD

 

Two further questions on the mini-apes:

* Does anyone have any idea how many hours the labor would take to install what is necessary regarding these handlebars (removal/installation)?

* Are these the same bars found on the stock '05 Wide Glides? If so, has anyone experienced any problems with their back/shoulder due to the different 'reach' on long rides?

 

Fuente, I was looking at this for my bike (and still am), but talked to the guys about doing it before I picked up my bike. Looking at the Apes or Buckhorns with a riser and setback, they quoted me about 3.5 hrs of labor, but were still unsure and thought that I would need more cables than just brake and clutch. Anyway, 3.5 hrs for labor $136 for parts, $65 for Brake cable, $50 for Clutch cable, about $50 for the bars and $8 for a new left grip. All told, I was looking at about $500 IF all the other cables fit. I figured that if the other cables needed replaced, we'd prob. be in the $700 range, then of course I prob would have had to change the grips, add some chrome, etc. etc. etc. Still may have it done sometime, hosever for now, I'm just looking at having the stock bars tilted back about 1/8 - 1/4 of an inch and getting a lower seat from BAR and seeing what she feels like then. Let us know what you do.