DIY Apes.........
Thread Starter
|
Intermediate
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 46
Likes: 0
From: FL
DIY Apes.........
Ok seriously, I have been hearing a lot of jazz about ape hangers and a DIY install. Everything from 4 to 7 hours, needing to replace Tran and Oil fluids, removing the tank or not needing to. I just really want the skinny on the possibility of saving 4 hundred dollars and continuing to learning the ins and outs of my bike. Is torque and issue with bolting on apes?? If so what lbs?? Just some insight in possibly making me save some money and getting the ol lady off my *** for worrying about my bike more than her, little does she know.....hahah Thanks Fellas
Road Captain
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 546
Likes: 2
From: Rio Grande Valley, TX
I switched out my apes a couple years ago with a complete kit from HCC. Chrome controls were installed and the bars internally wired when I received them. It is a fairly easy process but labor-intensive and will take a while. I did mine after work, a few hours a night over a 3 night period.
The tank must come off and so must the clutch cover to install the new clutch cable. I don't remember if I needed to drain/replace any fluids. As for torquing down the bars - make sure they are tight as they will have a tendancy to move since apes provide more leverage. Do a search and you'll find many here have put sandpaper, emery cloth, and other materials around the bars, inside the risers, to keep them from moving.
Just remember to take your time and you will be proud of the end result.
The tank must come off and so must the clutch cover to install the new clutch cable. I don't remember if I needed to drain/replace any fluids. As for torquing down the bars - make sure they are tight as they will have a tendancy to move since apes provide more leverage. Do a search and you'll find many here have put sandpaper, emery cloth, and other materials around the bars, inside the risers, to keep them from moving.
Just remember to take your time and you will be proud of the end result.
Cruiser
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 106
Likes: 0
From: NE Ohio
I did my own also, glad I did. It is time consuming but if you can read a service manual and pay attention to details you'll be fine. Took me a weekend but I really took my time, besides it was over the winter so there was no rush.
You're right, there are many ways you can do it.
Tank off or not? Your choice, I took mine off. I like having room to work. Otherwise you will push the tank back to expose the wires - was too cramped for me.
New Tranny oil? At a minimum you'll have to top it up a bit since the cover has to come off to swap clutch cable, which you'll do if you go high enough bars to require a longer cable - and really, wtf would you do this and NOT go high enough?
Torque specs and other details are in the service manual: get one it pays for itself the first time you use it.
I also got the complete kit from HCC. It was nice having it mostly ready to go.
There are a ton of threads that detail this job and will pretty much walk you through it.
You're right, there are many ways you can do it.
Tank off or not? Your choice, I took mine off. I like having room to work. Otherwise you will push the tank back to expose the wires - was too cramped for me.
New Tranny oil? At a minimum you'll have to top it up a bit since the cover has to come off to swap clutch cable, which you'll do if you go high enough bars to require a longer cable - and really, wtf would you do this and NOT go high enough?
Torque specs and other details are in the service manual: get one it pays for itself the first time you use it.
I also got the complete kit from HCC. It was nice having it mostly ready to go.
There are a ton of threads that detail this job and will pretty much walk you through it.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 5,691
Likes: 1,651
From: Olean, NY
Damn mobile version posted that before I finished. What I meant to say was....
Can't really say more than what's already been said. The service manual and this forum provide every bit of info you need to do it on your own.
I did it myself, including ordering my own cables vs going with an HCC kit. It wasn't hard at all. Just take your time and do your research on the tear down and install before you get your wrenches and hands dirty.
Can't really say more than what's already been said. The service manual and this forum provide every bit of info you need to do it on your own.
I did it myself, including ordering my own cables vs going with an HCC kit. It wasn't hard at all. Just take your time and do your research on the tear down and install before you get your wrenches and hands dirty.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 4,002
Likes: 1,240
From: On the Front Range, CO
Apes aren't hard to install. Attention to detail and a service manual will be your best bet.
I could go into great detail, so let me know if you'd like more information.
For a shade-tree mechanic, you're probably looking at about 6-8 hours. Don't forget, you need to extend wires, run new cables, bleed brakes, drain and fill transmission fluid, install new clutch cable...etc etc.
I could go into great detail, so let me know if you'd like more information.
For a shade-tree mechanic, you're probably looking at about 6-8 hours. Don't forget, you need to extend wires, run new cables, bleed brakes, drain and fill transmission fluid, install new clutch cable...etc etc.
Cruiser
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 241
Likes: 0
From: Lafayette, CO
Go for it. I did my own like most of the members on here.
Tons of how-to threads on here as well. Those and the manual and you're all set!
Tons of how-to threads on here as well. Those and the manual and you're all set!
Trending Topics
Road Master
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 995
Likes: 2
From: Canada
Removing the tank....Yes
Removing clutch cover and needing to replace some fluids....Yes
Worth paying someone $400 to do it.....Not a fu(king chance!!
I too went with a complete kit from HCC internally wired, new throttle, clutch, and Brake cables. The thing that took the longest amount of time was bleeding the brakes, I would say from start to finish I was into it about 3.5 hours total. Pretty easy job IMO.
Removing clutch cover and needing to replace some fluids....Yes
Worth paying someone $400 to do it.....Not a fu(king chance!!
I too went with a complete kit from HCC internally wired, new throttle, clutch, and Brake cables. The thing that took the longest amount of time was bleeding the brakes, I would say from start to finish I was into it about 3.5 hours total. Pretty easy job IMO.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Southpaw Super Glide: A Left-Hand-Drive 1979 Harley FXE Built to Fit the Rider
Verdad Gallardo
Road Master
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 1,059
Likes: 32
From: Oregon
4 Hours and yes pull the tank. Easy job if you know how to wrench on stuff and have common sence. I would never pay some clown to do the work. Most of the time they will F*ck it up. Just my opinion.
Stone
Stone
