I have an 03 softail standard and decided to do some apes, I got some 1 1/4, 13"ers on order, my question, do I need to or should I change the stock pull back risers?? it seems most of the bikes I see on the forum have straight risers, I bought some 2" straights in caseI have to change them, but can always take em back if I have to. Is it just a cosmetic issue or something else. Havent got all my parts yet, so I'll be switching em out next week, also,cant decide whether or not to move the signals to the forks or leave em on the bars? any suggestions appreciated!

 

Not sure about the risers, I used the stock straight ones. As far as the turn signals, I would move them now. I didn't and it bugs me everytime I look at my bike. They are getting moved via lightbar ASAP. Plus, it is less wires to run through the bars. For the standard frontends, there are several ways of relocating that seem pretty easy.

 

Similarly, I added 12.5 chubby's to my 06 Springer. I kept the stock risers and I have a 3" tank lift. When the forks are turned all the way left or right, the bars come within 1/8" of hitting the gas cap and fuel gauge cap. A riser swap could have handled this but with poly bushings they don't hit. I recommend sticking with the pullbacks unless you have fitment issues that require using the straight risers (unless they are just way cooler - then use 'em for sure).

I did move my signals don't to the forks. It saves you having to extend and/or cut those wires and it cleans up the bars. Saved me some work there.

 

hmm.

 

take em off altogether.

 

go with strait

 

Go straight risers and as small as you can. 11/2 - 2" looks much better. Better off with taller bars and low risers than lower bars and taller risers. Looks much better IMO.

 

I'd stick with the stock risers, however I'd change the riser bushings while doing the job.

Harley uses rubber bushings that over a little time will start to wobble a bit. Put the poly bushings in there now while you have the bars apart and you'll be good to go.

As far as the turnsignals go, I don't know of one person who is happy with them mounted on their bars w/ apes. Move em now.