Switching bars cost
Dirt don't hurt
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 21,065
Likes: 4,561
From: Haslet Texas
That depends a lot on how tall you are going from what you have.
A minor raise that doesn't require new cables, brake lines and wire extensions is way cheaper than a bigger raise that does require longer cables, brake lines and wire extensions.
A minor raise that doesn't require new cables, brake lines and wire extensions is way cheaper than a bigger raise that does require longer cables, brake lines and wire extensions.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 2,400
Likes: 284
From: Fort Worth, TX
If you do not need longer cables and wiring and don't mind external wiring it can be done in an hour ($90), new poly handlebar bushings would be highly recommended. If you need new cables, wiring extended and run internally you are looking at 8-9 hours labor plus parts. On average an ape job at my shop runs $1200; we have done them for closer to $1000 and some as much as $2000. It all depends on what you want parts wise....
Road Master
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 1,054
Likes: 441
From: Tejas
Mostly it depends on how fancy you want it to look.
Outside wiring of the handlebars is simple and quick. Internally wiring them is not.
Your Dyna may or may not be a pain to do based on wiring harnesses. Some Dynas go a lot further than others, so it will depend on models too.
New brake lines, installed and bled to work correctly takes a minute or two also..
Clutch cable replacing may require pulling the exhaust and also re-adjusting the clutch when done.
Lots of small, time consuming steps.
Griz
Outside wiring of the handlebars is simple and quick. Internally wiring them is not.
Your Dyna may or may not be a pain to do based on wiring harnesses. Some Dynas go a lot further than others, so it will depend on models too.
New brake lines, installed and bled to work correctly takes a minute or two also..
Clutch cable replacing may require pulling the exhaust and also re-adjusting the clutch when done.
Lots of small, time consuming steps.
Griz
Cruiser
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 166
Likes: 13
From: Beaufort, NC
If you are having somebody else do the work... Make sure that you buy bars that are already drilled and cut for internal wiring.
Its not rocket science to pop the holes in the right spot, but you'll save enough in labor to cover the difference... and not have bare steel rusting and flaking.
Its not rocket science to pop the holes in the right spot, but you'll save enough in labor to cover the difference... and not have bare steel rusting and flaking.
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Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
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From: Bedford UK
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 9,332
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From: Upstate New York
Since I was drilling stock Harley bars, there was no worry about flaking plating or rust. Stock Harley bars are stainless steel-bet you didn't know that. They are also harder than the hubs of Hades to drill a hole in.
If you have to extend the wiring, you're talking about splicing wires (remember to stagger the splices so they don't have to all fit through the holes at once), then crimp on new contacts and reinstall them in the connectors. Extending the brake line means bleeding the front brakes. A new clutch cable might mean pulling the exhaust (I can get by just by pulling the muffler and loosening the header nuts to get enough clearance to remove the lower screws in the transmission end cover). Don't forget draining and refilling the transmission.
You see, it all adds up.
Last edited by Uncle G.; Jul 26, 2016 at 09:27 AM.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 3,830
Likes: 302
From: Lorain Ohio
This has me thinking...I WAS considering different shaped bars that didn't require longer an internal wiring....I HATE wiring work anyway, then hearing if you have a problem it's a pain to track down an fix...I may just go with new bars an external wiring...I like the clean look but my bike is by no means a show bike so it's prob not worth the trouble.