Running Wires Through Drag Bars
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Intermediate
Joined: Mar 2008
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Running Wires Through Drag Bars
I went to the Harley dealer and they told me it would be $400 worth of labor to install my drag bars on my 2008 Harley softail night train since the wires are run through the bar itself. No way am I paying $400 for labor on a $150 set of bars. Does anyone have any tips/tricks to running this yourself? I am going ot give it a shot myself. Anything specific I need to do it, or bit of knowledge that may help me?
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Joined: Jan 2008
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RE: Running Wires Through Drag Bars
The labor is more simply because they have to remove the gas tank. Running the wires really isn't that difficult, it's getting to the plugs to remove the wires from them to run through the bars.
Drag bars are cake to wire internally, once you have access to the plug ends. Get a service manual, they are invaluable.
http://www.bikernet.com/garage/barwiring.asp
Drag bars are cake to wire internally, once you have access to the plug ends. Get a service manual, they are invaluable.
http://www.bikernet.com/garage/barwiring.asp
Road Master
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 1,045
Likes: 74
From: AB, Canada
RE: Running Wires Through Drag Bars
I came to the same conclusion... Hell they wouldnt put my bars on they wanted me to buy their bars at 3 times the price...
So im in the same boat as you. Looks pretty straight forward... Run the wires inside the bars instead of out... lol
I think you need a Deuch(?) Pin removal tool to de-pin the connections, pass them through the bars, then put the wire connections back on. Simple! I hope...
So im in the same boat as you. Looks pretty straight forward... Run the wires inside the bars instead of out... lol
I think you need a Deuch(?) Pin removal tool to de-pin the connections, pass them through the bars, then put the wire connections back on. Simple! I hope...
Tourer
Joined: Jun 2006
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RE: Running Wires Through Drag Bars
Get a service manual. The wiring plugs in below the tank. Once you unplug the connectors you can use a paper clip or other small object to release the wires from the connector. It shows you how in the service manual. Removetheswitch housings, grips and levers. The easiestway to actually pull the wires is to cover all the holes, except the two you will be using, with masking tape. Use a vacuum cleanerhose on one hole to suck a strong linethrough the bars from the opposite hole.Secure the wires to this lineand get a buddy to help you pull them through. A little lubricant on the wires helps also.I did my bars with no prior experience. Just take your time and get the service manual.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 2,120
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From: Lakeland, FL
RE: Running Wires Through Drag Bars
it's easy work. it shouldn't take more than a few hours. You shouldn't even need new cables or extended wiring.
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5th Gear
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 9
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From: Long Island NY
RE: Running Wires Through Drag Bars
I just did this on a 96 Softail custom. I did not have to remove the tank, and the whole thing if I did it from start to finish would have taken 3 maybe 4 hrs. Watch the right side of the tank for clearance. The 90 degree cables did hit my tank. After careful adjusting I got it so they miss my about 1/8 of an inch. I may want to go to 6" risers, the 4" ones are cutting it way to close.
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Cruiser
Joined: Dec 2006
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RE: Running Wires Through Drag Bars
Getting the tank back on was tedious the first time, but it's gotten easier and easier.
Be patient with the pins in the connectors. That was biggest thing with mine. Running the wires internally was the easiest and fastest part of the job for me. It's not bad at all. If you don't have to swap control cables or extend the wiring, it shouldn't take too long at all.
Some of the connectors gave me fits, but that's the way to go about it, just be patient.
Be patient with the pins in the connectors. That was biggest thing with mine. Running the wires internally was the easiest and fastest part of the job for me. It's not bad at all. If you don't have to swap control cables or extend the wiring, it shouldn't take too long at all.
Some of the connectors gave me fits, but that's the way to go about it, just be patient.
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