I have a 2008 FLSTF Fatboy and this winter I'm looking to put a set of ape hangers on to make the ride a bit more comfortable for my back (being 6'4, I feel too hunched over with the stock bars). I feel like I know the height and pull-back that I would like, but I want to know what kind of cable kits people have used and how difficult it is to DIY. It's my first time doing handlebars so any information, tips and tricks would be helpful.


Thanks for your time.

 

It's not an easy job, probably 4-6 hours is my guess.........can you solder? Are you comfortable changing the cables? You will need to replace your clutch, throttle and brake cables for apes. I would go in the regional forum and ask someone in your area who has done them to come help......

 

I used the Burly kit. It came with everything I needed and was fairly easy to install, but I have built bikes up from basket case status and have put bars on back in the day before people made kits so I had to order all of the cables separately and cut and splice wires, so the kit was easy to me. This past weekend we just did my buddy's road king with the Carlini cables.

My recommendation to make things go smoother would be to take the old stuff off like the night before and sit at a table(dining room for me) and get all the wiring extended and such and ran in the new bars. Then the next morning get up and install the new bars and cables on the bike. The clutch is the only one that takes any kind of skill really, and it isn't hard.

 

Bars aren't that difficult. You will have to remove your fuel tank which is a PITA. I always get my cables from magnum shielding and get my wire extensions from Namz.

On a fat boy you will have it done in a Saturday.

Also, make sure you upgrade your riser bushings. The stock ones aren't stiff enough for the extra leverage you get with apes.

 

Another option is Hill Country Customs. They sell fully set up bars with the wires ran internally. They also have a plug and play option so you don't have to solder anything. That is what I'm planning on ordering from them.

https://hillcountrycustomcycles.com/