Blackline Apes and cables installed
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Tourer
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 270
Likes: 0
From: Denver
Blackline Apes and cables installed
Just got done installing a set of 16" (30" wide) Dukes from hardtailchoppers.com, on my 2012 Blackline (non-ABS). Was going to take it to the local stealership, but they wanted close to $600 for the labor. I consider myself to have basic mechanical abilities and I was able to pull it off, but thought I would pass on some info since the blackline is a pretty new model.
1. I removed the following: Seat, Tank, Exhaust, front fender, and complete aircleaner assembly. Maybe not all necessary, but it was my first time doing the job and this gave me plenty of room to work.
2. The clutch cable install was the most technical part of the install, imo. I watched a video on youtube, and it got me through it.
3. I ordered a cable set from LAchoppers.com. I ordered a set for 12-14" bars because the company adds 1.5" for riser height. The blackline has no risers, so I went with the 12-14" set and had more than enough cable length. So keep in mind, the blackline has no risers, when you order your cable lengths, just incase the company you order from figures in a standard riser height.
4. There is quite a bit of extra length on the electrical wires under the tank that go to your controls. I have heard of guys installing 14" bars and not needing extensions, if you install a 16" or larger bar you WILL need an electrical extension kit. I went with a set from NAMZ. It shipped out really quick, uses factory plug-ins so it was super easy to install, and was less than $40 with shipping. They come in 4", 8", and 12" I think. I went with 8", had some extra, stored it back up under the tank.
5. Get a GOOD set of snap ring pliers. Don't use the chitty pair my dad gave me 15 years ago...LOL You will need these for the clutch cable.
6. Patience is key!!! Running the wires internally can take some time, be patient. I feed a really thin rope, with a small bolt tied to the end for weight, through the bars. Then taped the wires to the rope and pulled them through. Again, video from youtube.
7. You will need zip ties to secure wires during install.
8. There is a quick disconnect under the left side of tank for the fuel pump.
9. Have a drip pan ready to catch gasoline, brake fluid, and tranny fluid.
It was a pretty straight forward job. It took about 6 hours total, but I had never done it before and I did it by myself. Youtube has several helpful videos, so check those out. Like I said, I have basic mechanical ability. If I can survive it, you can survive it. I will get a pick up later.
1. I removed the following: Seat, Tank, Exhaust, front fender, and complete aircleaner assembly. Maybe not all necessary, but it was my first time doing the job and this gave me plenty of room to work.
2. The clutch cable install was the most technical part of the install, imo. I watched a video on youtube, and it got me through it.
3. I ordered a cable set from LAchoppers.com. I ordered a set for 12-14" bars because the company adds 1.5" for riser height. The blackline has no risers, so I went with the 12-14" set and had more than enough cable length. So keep in mind, the blackline has no risers, when you order your cable lengths, just incase the company you order from figures in a standard riser height.
4. There is quite a bit of extra length on the electrical wires under the tank that go to your controls. I have heard of guys installing 14" bars and not needing extensions, if you install a 16" or larger bar you WILL need an electrical extension kit. I went with a set from NAMZ. It shipped out really quick, uses factory plug-ins so it was super easy to install, and was less than $40 with shipping. They come in 4", 8", and 12" I think. I went with 8", had some extra, stored it back up under the tank.
5. Get a GOOD set of snap ring pliers. Don't use the chitty pair my dad gave me 15 years ago...LOL You will need these for the clutch cable.
6. Patience is key!!! Running the wires internally can take some time, be patient. I feed a really thin rope, with a small bolt tied to the end for weight, through the bars. Then taped the wires to the rope and pulled them through. Again, video from youtube.
7. You will need zip ties to secure wires during install.
8. There is a quick disconnect under the left side of tank for the fuel pump.
9. Have a drip pan ready to catch gasoline, brake fluid, and tranny fluid.
It was a pretty straight forward job. It took about 6 hours total, but I had never done it before and I did it by myself. Youtube has several helpful videos, so check those out. Like I said, I have basic mechanical ability. If I can survive it, you can survive it. I will get a pick up later.
Tourer
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 299
Likes: 2
