Problem with my ape hangers!!!
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Cruiser
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 220
Likes: 0
Problem with my ape hangers!!!
I installed a 16" Carlini chino ape handlebar last september and have been riding it all over the place until recently when i tried to pull it off the trailer as it came back from the dealer and the bar gave way....
I checked the bolts and they were all properly tightened but it is still loose... Has anybody had any similar trouble with ape hangers and what can I do to solve this problem?
Thanks...
I checked the bolts and they were all properly tightened but it is still loose... Has anybody had any similar trouble with ape hangers and what can I do to solve this problem?
Thanks...
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 2,049
Likes: 6
From: Oregon City, OR
Would recommend the polyurethane bushings from H-D whenever you change bars, especially for apes. They will usually get rid of most of the h-bar slop. I'm putting 16" apes on my FXD as soon as my new front end arrives and will be swapping the bushings out. Hell I'm switching my FLHX bars out on Monday to the same size as currently on there (but in black) and I'll be switching out the riser bushings on that one too.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 5,230
Likes: 4
From: Amherst, VA
If you are talking about the handlebars moving loosely separate the risers then either a rubber pad between bars and rised crimped will stop that. I have also seen crushed beercans do the same.
Club Member
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 11,483
Likes: 39
From: Passaic County, NJ
Would recommend the polyurethane bushings from H-D whenever you change bars, especially for apes. They will usually get rid of most of the h-bar slop. I'm putting 16" apes on my FXD as soon as my new front end arrives and will be swapping the bushings out. Hell I'm switching my FLHX bars out on Monday to the same size as currently on there (but in black) and I'll be switching out the riser bushings on that one too.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 2,120
Likes: 192
From: Lakeland, FL
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Road Warrior
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 1,641
Likes: 4
From: south of Boston
The stock riser on Harley's are the worst. They just don't grip properly on aftermarket bars. I had my Wilds slip a few times even though i tightened the riser bolts a tad beyond torque spec. I got rid of them and bought a Burly one. Now, I have to virtually loosen the thing completely for the bars to move. They bite into the bars, nicely!
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Club Member
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 11,483
Likes: 39
From: Passaic County, NJ
The stock 1.25" diameter risers are fine. They held my stock 1.25" mini-apes without a problem but then I went to 16's that stepped down to 1" at risers. I bought a 1" to 1.25" adapter from wild1 and I could never get the clamps tight enough. The adapter was knurled on the outside but not on the inside where it would contact the bars so there was no 'bite'. I probably could have dimpled the bars and been fine. When i replaced my 16's I installed a true 1" diameter riser and those bars don't budge an inch. As far as the bushings, they're rubber to isolate the vibes but you compromise rigidity. I added poly bushings during this swap recently and the bars have no play in them at all. I do feel slightly more vibes through the grips now though. Again, another compromise.