Wire extensions question?
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Cruiser
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 188
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From: Topeka, Ks
Wire extensions question?
I have a 09 street bob and getting ready to put on some 17" apes. I am going to need to lengthen the wires in my bars and was wondering if any one knows where I can find either a longer piece of cable that matches my bike or what size wire the stock wiring is? Also for those of you who have had yours apart, how much extra wire is there, I have heard different lengths from different people.
Last edited by maddog76; Oct 21, 2010 at 01:38 AM.
Road Master
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 1,013
Likes: 5
From: long island.ny
j&p cycles sells a kit to extend your wires. or you can simply solder in the extra lenth. thats what i did. i think its a combination of 14 and 16 ga. as far as how much extra wire, there is a little. not enough for 17,s.
Last edited by dpriest; Oct 21, 2010 at 07:28 AM.
Cruiser
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 235
Likes: 1
From: Delaware/Colorado
Namz and Novello make wire extension kits that are simple. I used the Namz 8" Extension. http://www.namzcustomcycleproducts.c...07_up.html#top
i always make my own... go to the auto parts store and get a spool of wire for 4 bucks, and some shrink wrap
after measuring it out,for this customer he needed to add 4 inches to his wires... so i cut 4 inch strips (12 of them) to solder in... yes i know you can buy extensions but this is much more solid, they are soldered in, and i do not have to worry about him being stuck on the road somewhere. Then cut your wires and solder in the ext pieces
from there match the color wires up and solder them together
then cut off the excess and shring wrap
then more shrink wrap to keep the wires tight
i then pull down the cable covering and wrap that all with elect tape... no real reason just keeps it clean
to feed the wire i use pull cord from a fan, works awesome.. you can also blow line though with a air comressor but this works just as well. then hook that to the wires, be sure you check to make sure you are feeing the right side of the wires through the right side of the bars. also run the string or in this case pull chain out the very tip of the wires so it will guide the wires though. i also like to use a spray bottle and give it a few sprays of water in there to help it slide, then it will dry up fast enough and no harm is done
after measuring it out,for this customer he needed to add 4 inches to his wires... so i cut 4 inch strips (12 of them) to solder in... yes i know you can buy extensions but this is much more solid, they are soldered in, and i do not have to worry about him being stuck on the road somewhere. Then cut your wires and solder in the ext pieces
from there match the color wires up and solder them together
then cut off the excess and shring wrap
then more shrink wrap to keep the wires tight
i then pull down the cable covering and wrap that all with elect tape... no real reason just keeps it clean
to feed the wire i use pull cord from a fan, works awesome.. you can also blow line though with a air comressor but this works just as well. then hook that to the wires, be sure you check to make sure you are feeing the right side of the wires through the right side of the bars. also run the string or in this case pull chain out the very tip of the wires so it will guide the wires though. i also like to use a spray bottle and give it a few sprays of water in there to help it slide, then it will dry up fast enough and no harm is done
Road Captain
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 728
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From: So Cal
Although soldering extensions is a perfectly solid method, one thing to consider is the permanence of this method. When I bought my Dyna, the previous owner had installed apes and had soldered in the extensions. I changed the bars out to drag bars and it was quite a PITA to undo the soldered-in extensions. It would have been much easier if I would have just had to remove some shrink tubing and unplug the extensions.
Just something to consider
Just something to consider
problem with plug in kind is when you are pulling wires though tough bars they can... well unplug... even the plug in style you are supposed to solder after you plug them in... sucks to have them all hooked up and not have a starter or the plug comes out of the shrink wrap and it pulls out and shorts on the bars and now the bike will not start... i never want to be stuck on the side of the road, so i solder and wrap
Former Sponsor
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 19,364
Likes: 40
From: Los Angeles, CA
You should solder even if using the plug in's to ensure they do not come apart. If you have ever had to take it all apart to check and see if they are all plugged in you will solder. Joe provides solid advice every time.
Drew
Drew
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Road Master
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 1,213
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From: Hot Springs Village AR
What Joe said but I would also stagger your splices so you dont have a big clump of wires where they are all soldered together and also twist the wires going in the same direction so the the wires dont stick out and make sure no wires or solder is poking through your shrink wrap
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Joined: Aug 2009
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From: NC
I wouldnt want the extensions as only a plug in either. I solder all joints as well. I actually will be REextending my cut down harness in the near future. I removed 6 inches to clean up the wiring on my drag bars.