Ape Hanger and Fork question

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May 19, 2009 | 06:55 AM

Donny2guns@gmail.com

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Ape Hanger and Fork question

Hi all I just installed 18" apes on my Superglide sport. I have never had apes this high. They are installed on the stock risers but the risers have some give ( like when Im backing up and pulling on the bars). Is this just a side affect of the leverage created by the tall bars or are there a different more solid set of rubber bushings I should install? Also I want to get the turn signal relocating clamps for the forks, anyone know what diameter the forks are? (2001 FXDX) 39mm, 41mm? Ill try to post pics of the bike now much to the shagrin of FXDX lovers I have installed progressive shocks,, 21/18 RSD Judge wheels and 18" apes. Thanks Russ

May 19, 2009 | 07:13 AM

Bishop73

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From: New Braunfels, TX

Are the new bars a thicker diameter than the stock? If so you may be hitting the tops of your fork tubes, this will not allow you to tighten the bars down securely. You will have to get risers or lower your tubes, which is what I had to do with my new 1.25 bars. Hope that helped.

May 19, 2009 | 08:35 AM

SC-Longhair

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From: Passaic County, NJ

Yes, the taller bars are creating more leverage for you. You should switch to polyurethane bushings. You'll get a little more vibe through the bars but the poly is stiffer, so no movement. Also, I'd make sure your riser bolts underneath are torqued to spec too. Mine were a little loose w/16's. When I had my bike in the shop last week, the tech was nice enough to tighten them up for me (and adjust them to be in line with the forks GRRRRR).

I wanna say they're 41mm but don't quote me. If you check jp cycles, I bet you could figure it out because they'll say "41mm...fits 99-05 dyna" or something like that. Just a tip for the future. You can always call the dealer or a catalog company like jp cycles. Should be able to tell you.

[EDIT] I just googled...and yes, you have 41mm forks.

Uhh, maybe 39....I think only thr WGs had 41mm

Last edited by SC-Longhair; May 19, 2009 at 08:42 AM.

May 19, 2009 | 12:45 PM

JRK5892

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From: Chicago suburbs (Elgin/Schaumburg)

you need poly... anything 14 and above... if not you will hate them

May 19, 2009 | 01:16 PM

r00k

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From: ,,

I say polys for any bars, made a huge difference on my 10.5" minis

May 19, 2009 | 01:27 PM

compgeek789

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Joined: Mar 2007

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From: Seattle, WA

Another +1 on polyurethane bushings. My 16" apes flexed really far under heavy braking (scary) or when just pushing the bike around the garage. Installed polys and love them.

Joe did a nice how-to for installing them. I followed it and the install was a breeze. I would make one minor addition to the steps, though:

https://www.hdforums.com/forum/dyna-...ng-how-to.html

Before step 3 (unscrew riser clamp bolts) break the riser bolts free from the underside of the tree. Then unscrew the riser clamp bolts. The riser bolts are torqued down to 30 - 40 ft lbs and having the top clamp in place makes it easier to break them free.

Just my personal experience. Easy job either way!

Cheers,
J