RSD Vintage Apes install
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Road Master
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 827
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From: NJ
RSD Vintage Apes install
I just received my RSD Vintage apes handlebars for my '12 Street Bob. Everything with the install seems pretty straight forward, the only thing I'm unsure about is the internal wiring. The wires come out from the handlebars, at the risers, then lead into a hole on each side of the frame. Where do these wires go and how do I access them? Is it just a simple connector that I can pull out of the old bars and fish through the new ones? Any help would be appreciated. I searched but couldn't find anything too descriptive.
Cruiser
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 188
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From: Pekin,IL
Search for molex connector disassembly on you tube. That connector is inside the backbone where the wires go in those holes. The wiring pulls out of those holes after you pull those gromets around the edge off. There is also a plastic panel under the backbone to help getting the wiring pushed out and pulled in, it helps to take the tank loose so you can raise it a little to keep it out of your way. You will have to take the connectors apart to get the wiring out of your bars and in the new ones.
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Road Master
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 827
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From: NJ
Ok, thats what I didn't want to hear but it is what it is and I guess I'll be learning something new. I refuse to take it somewhere for someone else to do it. Hopefully it won't be too bad. Thanks for the info.
Cruiser
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 226
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From: Fort Collins Colorado
Its easy. The hardest part is getting to the connectors. Take the front and back bolts out of the tank, than take advantage of the quick release gas line and disconnect. Slide tank back about six inches. Remember to put a rolled up rag or t shirt between tank and rocker covers so u don't scratch covers. Let tank rest on rag.
Now remove plastic cover @ the neck and expose wiring. As for connector you should watch the video on it.
Now remove plastic cover @ the neck and expose wiring. As for connector you should watch the video on it.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 2,960
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From: Sonoma County, CA
It's not very difficult, but you do need to be precise in the process. Removing the wires from the molex connectors is not too difficult and as others recommended, watch a video on it and you'll be good. I always take pictures of the wires at various phases of the process so I can double check everything is in the right location. You don't want to get any wires crossed and into the wrong slot. Good luck!
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Road Master
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 827
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From: NJ
Thanks for the reply. I think this is going to be a winter project where I can take my time and not have to worry about whether I'm going to miss a riding day because the bike is apart. I want to learn as I go and get it right.
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Road Master
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 827
Likes: 1
From: NJ
Is there a disconnect tool like on cars or is it a simple disconnect by hand?
No special tools required. It is simple to remove the wires from the connector plugs. Start by pulling out/back the rubber seal that surrounds the wires on the back of the plug. This makes it easier to unconnect each individual wire. Then pry off the cap that covers the front of the plug. This cap secures the clips that hold in the wire pins. Move the clip that holds the pin with a small screw driver and pull the wire out the back. Its very simple. I wish all automotive plugs were this type. These plugs are easy to take apart and go back together like brand new.
I have Todd's 12" Strip apes which are very similar and I pulled all the wires in under a hour with no problems. I started by sucking dental floss up the bars with my shop vac. Then I used the floss to pull thru a strong wire. I taped the control wires to each other one at a time (to avoid bulking up) then connected the last wire to my "pull wire". I then covered them all with the stock wiring shielding taped it to the pull wire as well and pulled them all thru at the same. Pushing the wires in while pulling them thru helped a lot. I could have pulled them thru one at a time but I wanted the shielding to protect the wires on the inside of the bars as I am sure there are some sharp edges in there.
I have Todd's 12" Strip apes which are very similar and I pulled all the wires in under a hour with no problems. I started by sucking dental floss up the bars with my shop vac. Then I used the floss to pull thru a strong wire. I taped the control wires to each other one at a time (to avoid bulking up) then connected the last wire to my "pull wire". I then covered them all with the stock wiring shielding taped it to the pull wire as well and pulled them all thru at the same. Pushing the wires in while pulling them thru helped a lot. I could have pulled them thru one at a time but I wanted the shielding to protect the wires on the inside of the bars as I am sure there are some sharp edges in there.
Last edited by Big Kev-O; Nov 18, 2011 at 05:26 AM.