Hello,

Just bought a 2017 Softail Slim S . Came with 16" apes. I've ridden the bike as is but I'm a shorter chick so want to change out bars to 10" or 12" apes .

I'm going to have to change cables either way I'm assuming. Unfortunately, previous owner didn't have stock cables. Would one bar size be easier/ more cost effective to change or it doesn't matter?

Thanks in advance for any info!

 

I do believe they use wire extensions when adding some ape bars after a certain size.So you might want to check what you currently have.

Stock cables will work with some apes.

This is my 2016 Slim with mini apes and I used all stock wires and clutch line. Did get a new brake line though.

This feels perfect for me and i'm 5'7".

Hope this helps.

 

The internal wiring just has to be shortened that's the easy part. Get cables and lines that match your selected bar height. LA Chopper sells kits for your bike for different size bars.

 

Sweet whip...diggin' the color. Are your bars 10" or 12" ? Don't see any cable kits for 10"s. Also, where did u get the plug wires? I like the HD screaming eagle ones but they look too long for my setup just like yours.

 

You probably won't find cable kits for 10" bars because the stock cables would reach for those and in most cases 12" bars as well. With 12" bars you normally just have to extend the electrical wiring.

I know that you can order things like +2" cables etc, but you'll have to measure the length that you'll need. You can use a piece of string and just follow the cables that you currently have up to the point where you need it and then just lay it on a measuring tape to see the length. Good looking bike though! Good luck!

 

If you have a local Indy you trust swing by there, they can give you all the proper advice you need. Obviously the HD dealer is going to want to sell you this and that. Have someone help you with height, sit on the bike, put your arms out like you're riding in what you'll feel comfortable with, then have them measure from the clamp. I ordered 12's for my heritage thinking they were taller then my stock bars, but ended up going 14's. Kinda wish I did 16's but the 14's are all day comfort for me.

 

DAMATS48, I am new to this and dealing with handlebar/cable woes as well. From what I have gathered, with the size of your bars, I am guessing you have either extensions OR longer cables. As stated above, check out an independent shop that isn't going to take advantage of you. First figure out for certain what you have. Chances are, you can just have extensions removed, OR if the cables are indeed longer, you will be able to swap them out for stock length cables from someone on this forum or facebook marketplace. Someone will want the setup you have for sure, and you might make out with little-to-nothing out of pocket. You may even find someone with the size bars that you want and are looking to do an even swap. Best of luck.

 

I always recommend folks take a look at wild 1 chubbys for handlebars. Been around forever and make the best stuff in my opinion. Good luck brother

 

Thanks DAMATS48.
I have Harley Davidson bars. Part #55881272 (black)



Most Mini apes will work with OEM cables on the Slim, (minus brake line on some).
There is quite a bit of wire slack under the front of the tank going up to the hand controls. Pulling the tank back about 5 inches will expose this area. Couple plugs on either side.



Might be you have the stook wires. Need to find out what's in your current setup.

What is the rise mesurement on your bars,(reference image "C")


FYI: the following is just for frame of reference.
Couple different versons of wire kits out there are:
"A"
"B"







As far as plug wires. I have Taylor Thunder ones on mine.
You can get them off the Sumax site or do a search. I've seen the Screamin Eagle ones but seen mixed reviews.




Hope this helps.