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Quick question on pulling handlebar wires

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Old Jan 12, 2019 | 07:09 AM
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Default Quick question on pulling handlebar wires

Got the bike torn apart and will be internally wiring my 10" To dd Cycle mini ape hangers this weekend. Got 2 cables on the left (module and turn signal) and 3 on the right (module, turn signal and tbw). Do you recommend pulling one cable at a time or doing all cables on a side at once pulling each a little bit? I removed all connectors except for tbw sensor. One, I couldn't figure out how to get the pins out and two, it appears small enough that when taped with the pull cord (using parachute cord) it wont be any bigger than the cable itself. The bars have 90 degree angles so it'll be slow going. Thanks!

Jeff
 

Last edited by ole_phart; Jan 12, 2019 at 07:28 AM.
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Old Jan 12, 2019 | 07:36 AM
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do all cables for each side at one time. I had two 90 degree angles to go thru. Left side wasn't to bad. Right side took a couple of times. Take your time. Walk away and take a break if you have to. It's a pain in the butt. It's worth it in the end.
 
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Old Jan 12, 2019 | 07:36 AM
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Do you know what poly water lube is? it is a lube used for pulling cable through conduit, WD40 will also work but does not evaporate. makes cable pulling a breeze.
 
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Old Jan 12, 2019 | 08:45 AM
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Instead of parachute cord use the thick, "E" guitar string. It has a loop on one end that you can use to secure the wire too and won't get hung up inside the bar!

I used one to run the wires internally for my bars and it tool less than 30 minutes










 

Last edited by DrPlastic; Jan 12, 2019 at 08:53 AM.
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Old Jan 12, 2019 | 03:21 PM
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Originally Posted by wadejesu
Do you know what poly water lube is? it is a lube used for pulling cable through conduit, WD40 will also work but does not evaporate. makes cable pulling a breeze.
I haven't heard of that but was planning on using a silicone spray lube.

Originally Posted by DrPlastic
Instead of parachute cord use the thick, "E" guitar string. It has a loop on one end that you can use to secure the wire too and won't get hung up inside the bar!
Excellent idea! I've got 2 American Deluxe Strats, an American Standard Strat and a Les Paul Double Cut upstairs. I bet I've got a spare E string laying around somewhere. Hopefully I've got 3 so I can put all 3 in the right side at once.
 

Last edited by ole_phart; Jan 12, 2019 at 03:22 PM.
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Old Jan 12, 2019 | 04:39 PM
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My trick was not to end all the wires in one place , try this if your having a hard time . Say you have 10 wires to pull on just one side . Take 3 and tape them , then step back the next 3 a 1 1/2 “ and tape , repeat with last 4 wires .
This will help getting the wire around the bends in the inside bar .
 
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Old Jan 16, 2019 | 12:01 PM
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You can also use alcohol based hand sanitizer, its nice and slippery and will evaporate. Ive also used (keep it clean) KY Jelly, its water soluble. After I run the wires I used a bottle of rubbing alcohol to flush out any residue. DO NOT USE ANY PETROLEUM BASED LUBE, WD40, Vaseline or the like. Petroleum products can deteriorate wire insulation. I know a lot of guys have used them without problems but why take the chance.
Mount the bars and have a helper to fead the wires, and like said above, be patient.
I used these bars on a different bike and ran the wires inside them, these a 1" with, as you can see, some pretty tight corners.
 
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Old Jan 16, 2019 | 12:39 PM
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Originally Posted by DrPlastic
Instead of parachute cord use the thick, "E" guitar string. It has a loop on one end that you can use to secure the wire too and won't get hung up inside the bar!

I used one to run the wires internally for my bars and it tool less than 30 minutes








Ditto. Been doing like that forever.
 
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Old Jan 16, 2019 | 02:58 PM
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I'd make sure there are no burrs or sharp edges. I use paracord. Step the wires so your wrap has a flexible taper. With black tape I wrap from the wires to the cord, the steps in the tape won't catch. I use clear wire pulling gel.

As stated previously, petroleum products avoid, they soften plastics. I like alcohol for cleaning, never any problems. Goof Off can melt things.
 
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