So lets start off by saying I'm pretty mechanically challenged. I'm going to get some 14 inch burly narrow apes and the burly 14 inch ape cable kit. A couple questions. First off the shop around here quoted me about $600 for install with my own parts, is this normal or am I getting overcharged? Also aside from the bars themselves and the cable kit will I need to buy anything else. I have a 2008 Street Bob with the stock 10 inch mini apes right now.

 

If your at the dealer, the average about $75 per hour and typically an 8 hour job. I think they have a rate sheet that specifies how much they charge for a bar swap. An indy would be a little cheaper.

Consider swapping out the bushings to poly, it will feel a lot less flex.

 

I could never pay that much to install some handlebars, that's crazy. Even being so called mechanically challenged, I would still do it myself. All you need is basic hand tools. The only way to learn is to do things on your own. You can a few more mods for $600.

But aside from what DonN said, you should be good. Personally I don't think you even needed the cable kit. I went from stock mini apes to 16" tbars with no additional wiring needed.

 

wow from what i'd heard you could only go to 12 inch with the stock cables.

 

It might vary with different bar designs. Mine are only 27inches or so wide so they cables don't have to go as wide as apes.

 

I did mine myself a few weeks ago. 0 mechanic experience aside from working in a factory for 9 years making magazines. I had to swap my cables out since I went with 17" bars. The cables a breeze except the clutch. I didn't have a set of large snap ring pliars so it took holding my mouth just right to unhook the cable in the tranny. The thing that took me the longest was splicing all the wires. I added about 10" of wire just in case so it was 52 solder joints to tend with. I had never solder before so I had to learn how. I know you can just take the connecters apart but since I added length I just spliced them.

I say go for it!!

 

Super easy. Just get a manual and save yourself the 600

 

Indeed, a manual and a mechanics tool set along with some allen head / torx bit sets. If you don't have any tools, the craftsman tool sets are very well priced, usually find a nice basic set less than $100.

 

Thanks a lot guys. It sounds like a lot of beer and cussing, but I love beer and cussing, so I'll give it a shot.

 

I'm about to do my fourth bar job and I have descent mechanical skills, but I'll tell you what, it was this forum that made me feel the confidence I needed to do it myself. If you hit a wall, take a break, grab a beer, get on your computer, and ask for help from the people here on the forums. Most of these guys have more mechanical and HD knowledge in their little finger than I have in my whole body, and they're more than happy to help. Sure, you ask a smart add question and you just might get a smart *** answer. But do yourself a favor and do it yourself. It'll give you the confidence to do more yourself and you'll learn more about your bike along the way. Take your time, don't rush yourself and make silly mistakes and you'll be much happier in the long run. I've saved thousands of dollars soing my own work so far and so if/when I get to something that I can't or don't want to do, I'll more than justify paying someone else to do it.

Good luck!