Changing handlebars
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2nd Gear
Joined: Jul 2019
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
From: Brisbane
Changing handlebars
Hi, I'm thinking of changing to western or beach bars on my 2013 Fat boy and wondering if anyone has done it and could enlighten me as to whether the wires and cables need to be lengthened and how to go about it?
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 21,053
Likes: 19,189
From: The Wasteland
How much longer are the bars you currently have. Generally speaking you can go 3 or 4 inches without any problem at all, maybe another inch or two if you re-route the cables. Anything much more than that and you'll be changing cables and brake lines.
Road Master
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 832
Likes: 1,173
From: Wisconsin
It can depend on several factors. I just changed out my stock bars on my 08 FXDL and put on Dominators.
The hand grip heights weren't that much different, but the angles were completely different, requiring
more cable length than one would think.
I took a string and traced along each cable and measured its length with the current bars from a fixed point on the
bars (right above the triple tree).. Then I rigged up the new ones (just taped them on) and used the string, starting
from the same point, to see where things would end up. I ended up needing +4's for everything, even though the
grips were only a couple inches higher than stock.
The hand grip heights weren't that much different, but the angles were completely different, requiring
more cable length than one would think.
I took a string and traced along each cable and measured its length with the current bars from a fixed point on the
bars (right above the triple tree).. Then I rigged up the new ones (just taped them on) and used the string, starting
from the same point, to see where things would end up. I ended up needing +4's for everything, even though the
grips were only a couple inches higher than stock.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 5,691
Likes: 1,651
From: Olean, NY
Get the new bars, measure the difference, order the extensions and new cables if you need to.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 9,510
Likes: 13,800
From: Pa.
Figuring out whether you need longer wiring and cables is the same for all bikes.
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2nd Gear
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Thread Starter
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2nd Gear
Joined: Jul 2019
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From: Brisbane
That was what we did before HD forums come along with a plethora of information on hand. I'm trying to work out the cost of this before I start and whether or not it'll still appeal.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 9,510
Likes: 13,800
From: Pa.
Are they?
My advise would be to get the bars you want and are more comfortable for you, and do what it takes to make them work. If they require lengthening of wiring and longer cables, so be it. It's pretty easy to do. While you're at it, either buy your bars pre-drilled or drill them yourself and run the wiring internally. Makes a nice clean looking job.
My advise would be to get the bars you want and are more comfortable for you, and do what it takes to make them work. If they require lengthening of wiring and longer cables, so be it. It's pretty easy to do. While you're at it, either buy your bars pre-drilled or drill them yourself and run the wiring internally. Makes a nice clean looking job.