I am getting ready to start my ape hanger install. I have read that the stock bushings are a little to flexy for apes, any experience with this? The bike only has 1300 miles on it so it is not like they are old bushings. I was thinking about going to a poly bushing.

 

It's mandatory,you can do it now or do it later

 

you should do it now while everything is taken apart, easier that way.

 

With apes I'd definitely run the poly bushings...they'll take the "slop" out of yourrisers but you willfeel a little more vibration in the bars...I installed 'em with my Chubby 501 drags and have no regrets...you can get 'em cheap offa eBay.

 

Thanks that what I was thinking, and you guys just cleared it up for me.

 

I put 12.5" Wild1 Chubby apes on my Springer. Initially I just had the OEM bushings. Lots of slop and movement - which is what the bushings are deigned to do; absord vibration and provide some softness to the bars. But it was overkill, especially with apes. I put (Springer specific) poly bushings in and it tightened things up a lot. I can't say I noticed any added vibration. A local indy recommended I tighten them a little tighter than the spec torque. That helped firm things up even more.

If you are going to have the front end apart, I'd highly recommend you do the bushing swap. Its worth the extra couple bucks.

 

Change the bushings to the poly ones, it is pretty simple.

 

Benson, where did you find springer specific poly's?

 

you shoud put the poly bushings in anyway, even if you don't run apes.

The OEM bushings are so loose and if you ever remove or loosen them, and tighten them back up yourself, the bars are permanently "twisted" left.

Just switched mine out. Huge difference, cheap and easy!!

 

http://dragspecialties.com/fatbook/15/440/3871750?q=art