That is true about state laws varying concerning handle bar height (and exhaust, mirrors, turn signals, etc). By all means, you should be aware of your local laws and speak to anyone with apes in your area and how they've been approached by the police (if at all). I would also look at how your local area enforces bike laws in general. Alot of cops are riding Harley's around here and most of them are very cool about the bikes as long as you're not doing something blatantly stupid or illegal. I believe everyone's exhaust is pretty much illegal by the book, and when you consider the amount of carb and air cleaner work being performed, I'd be surprised how many folks are "legal" on their Harley's........... As far as attempting the bar change yourself, I understand your concern. I researched it all last winter and had performed it in my head dozens of times prior to actually doing it. It was much easier than expected. The shop manual will tell you how to remove the tank, bars, risers, controls, etc, etc. It will have needed information to the wiring harnesses, disconnecting them, etc. The book will have all of the necessary torque settings for reassembly. There are a ton of articles on the net for swapping bars and hiding wiring. Lot's of great information and photos. As long as you have access to simple hand tools, some time cleared off your schedule, the shop manual, and you get everything rounded up and in place ahead of time, it's not really too bad. Soldering and shrink wrapping the splices is a must though. Get some beefy bars that are pre-drilled for internal wires and the wiring will go through the new apes with no problem. I have the benefit of a local Indy here, and he even hooked us up with the correct gage and color of wires to make it as simple as it could be. Off-set the cuts and splices and you'll have no troubles running the wires through the bars. A digital camera is a help to assist in reassembly, and of course good notes throughout. As mentioned, you could easily be looking at a $1,000 in parts alone. The labor was what I had a problem with, so I went for it, then ultimately helped my buddy do his apes a short time later once he saw it was possible. As for removing the tank or not, it seems like I remember the crossover tube being so tight, we had to remove our tanks. Believe me, the tank was easy to take care of (syphoning the gas and removing the crossover hose was the worst of it). I'd get plastic sheeting around the engine and as much as you can before removing the tank. We had some fuel spilled in the process, but kept it off of the bikes. Anyway, regardless of whether you tackle this yourselfor not, I'd definately keep your eyes out for other similiar models with apes and ask the owner if you can sit on the bike and check them out. No one at all seemed to mind when my buddy was trying to get his mind made up and everyone we encountered was happy to be of help. I'd think 16's would be the minimum for your height, but depends on how much riser you want to use, etc, etc. Take some notes on brands, and ask what they used for cable lengths too. And, if you have a good relationship with your local dealer or Indy, just ask plenty of questions and get feedback. Good luck on her!

 

I had 18" with 1.5" risers I am 6'4 and could have stood to go with 20" I did get alot of attention from the popo though they thought they were a little tall....

If you can stand the attn. get the big ones!!!!!!!

 

Rick,

Here's a picture of mine with Wild 1 12.5" Apes. I'm about 6' with my logger boots on and theses work great for me it has my arms pretty much straight out from my shoulders. I had everything installed at my dealer of choice for $712.00 parts and labor. You can also go to www.wild1inc.com and look at the customer picture site and they have Fatboys with all different size apes on there so you can get an idea of what you like best. I just didn't go any higher because I didn't want my arms to go numb.

[IMG]local://upfiles/4934/D6C91290C5984CD9920C162355E64E00.jpg[/IMG]

 

thundercloud,those look real nice.i may opt for the 12.5" not too tall not too small.In fact i'm waiting on my V&H bigshots staggered's to arrive.Which looks like what you have.

 

Rick,

Your right about the pipes, they sound great!!! You'll love them. Be sure to post some pix of your bike when you get it done.

Thundercloud

 

In case anyones interested,i ordered the wild1 12.5" bars and all the stainless cabling today.Came out to less than 500.This of course is without the labor costs which will come upon installation.

 

Hey Rick,

Sounds good, you'll really like the look after all the wires are hidden and everything, I really like mine.

Don't forget the pix!!!

Thundercloud

 

Man, i forgot all about the hiding of the wires.I guess i got to go back and buy them,before all the bars and cabling come in.More $$$$

 

Just picked up my bike after getting the bs pipes installed.On the ride home it was sweet.Look great sound just as great.Really dont know why some people put in the big city thunders,it sounds great as it is.Now i'm waiting for my bars and i'll probably be finished for a while.

 

Congrats on your new pipes and the new bars, sounds like you are on your way to making your bike your own.