Apes
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1st Gear
Joined: Apr 2021
Posts: 5
Likes: 2
From: Northern Ireland
Apes
Hi, is it possible to fit a set of apes to my 2011 Electraglide Classic without having to mess with the cables and if yes what size of bars can be added before the cables need to be extended? Thanks
Road Master
Joined: Aug 2019
Posts: 893
Likes: 537
From: Central NY
I'm finding it all but impossible to get a solid answer to that question for my 15 softail slim.
I see posts both here and on facebook people indicating 10-12" bars work fine with the stock cabling and wiring. Then some say they only had to replace the brake line with a longer one. I finally contacted my local Harley dealer, and Dennis Kirk support, where I bought my bars(Todd's cycle 10" strip bars) and they both agree that I'll need longer cables, and wiring, so I ordered the whole kit, which is on back-order until the middle of this month. I didn't want to be in a place where it's time to ride and the bike is all torn apart waiting on parts, I'd rather have everything I need and then some just in case.
I see posts both here and on facebook people indicating 10-12" bars work fine with the stock cabling and wiring. Then some say they only had to replace the brake line with a longer one. I finally contacted my local Harley dealer, and Dennis Kirk support, where I bought my bars(Todd's cycle 10" strip bars) and they both agree that I'll need longer cables, and wiring, so I ordered the whole kit, which is on back-order until the middle of this month. I didn't want to be in a place where it's time to ride and the bike is all torn apart waiting on parts, I'd rather have everything I need and then some just in case.
Cruiser
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 112
Likes: 63
From: MPLS, MN
One thing to keep in mind is alot of time people go with bigger bars and keep the stock cables, but it dont looks so great. Mostly because now the cables are stretched into a weird angle that fits, but dont follow the bars or needs a new banjo fitting to make it look right. I say just redo the cables and make it look right. It cost more, but like it was said above do it right the first time.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 17,145
Likes: 6,168
From: SE Michigan
And what I often see when the approach is "whats the tallest without buying cables" is a bike who's cables appear to be stretched to fit, they dont look right.
But what do I know?
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 10,858
Likes: 5,420
From: My own little slice of heaven
Bite the bullet and replace the cables when you change bars. If you can’t do it now save some more and do it later. And if you are going to change cables go stainless. Once and done
always amazes me when people will drop over 20 large on a bike and then try and skimp on parts
always amazes me when people will drop over 20 large on a bike and then try and skimp on parts
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 8,216
Likes: 6,129
From: Black Hills
OP, from another point of view - I've been on the end of a poorly executed tall bar install and the wiring was a mess, the front brake switch wire broken off inside the bar, the wire colors mismatched. You might end up paying more in the end then spending the money to have the job done right from the start.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 21,052
Likes: 19,187
From: The Wasteland
I cant speak to your bike specifically but I have changed bars on 2 Road Kings and a Super Glide. Typically you can go about 2-3 inches taller than whatever the stock bars are without new cables or brake line.
You will almost certainly have to reroute the cables and you may need to tweak the brake line a little to get that extra couple inches, and as someone above mentioned sometimes it looks goofy with the cables stretched out like that.
Throttle by wire could be a pain too.
You will almost certainly have to reroute the cables and you may need to tweak the brake line a little to get that extra couple inches, and as someone above mentioned sometimes it looks goofy with the cables stretched out like that.
Throttle by wire could be a pain too.
Banned
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 14,866
Likes: 31,162
From: Whiskey Falls, Texas
I've put apes on 4 bikes, and it isn't a 2 hr job, takes a little bit of time. On newer bikes it's easier to find what you need. I'm currently putting apes on my Shovel and am patiently waiting for my throttle cable, brake line and clutch cable, all had to be custom made.
Don't worry about lines and cables. Worry about the look you want, what's comfortable and go from there.