So I have a 1999 springer softail with drag bars, I want to put apes on it but I can't seem to find a kit for the cables--the earliest I can find are for 2000 model bikes. So, does it REALLY matter that much? I mean as long as I'm getting a brake line with single disk brakes, and it doesn't have throttle by wire throttle/idle cables. Give or take an inch I SHOULD be good no?
What I was thinking is get a burly kit for a 2000 16 inch when I only need for 14 inch bars (as an example) this way I will end up with too much cable vs not enough. Would this be acceptable?

 

You can get anything you need. There are vendors out there that will make cables and hoses for as long or short as you want or need if you can't find a kit. When I did my apes, or had them done, I went with everything internally. My INDY made all the small hydraulic hoses needed for the brake and clutch system and he ordered the cables but I can't for the life of me remember where he ordered them from. I can ask him next time I run by the shop and he's there. Food for thought...I would LOVE to see a springer with apes and have everything run through the bars.

 

Here you go.
https://www.magnumshielding.com/inde...4&color_id=any

 

Thanks for that, I will definitely keep it in mind. What I really liked about the kits (burly for example) is they are cheaper. The springer is my second bike and I was wanting to do this on the cheap. Well, without costing too much lol

 

On, and tony, your bike is SICK!

 

Thanks Perrysplus, like so many others on here I have a lot of time and money in my sled. I think I have it pretty close to what I always dreamed of having or owning. Long ago I had it in mind to have it painted this winter, I even have another tank and a line on fenders because I was not going to lose or ruin this stock set of black and white tins. It turned out so nice though that I can't bring myself around to do it now. Maybe someday. I know about "doing things on the less expensive" side but I just wanted to throw that out there as food for thought.

There isn't anything worse, when it comes to my bike, then saying "I should have done this, that or the other". Going all internal was one of the things that turned out so much better than I thought it would and looks so much better and clean up front than I thought it would too. Honestly? If it was my 2nd bike or if I was fortunate enough to have a 2nd bike I think I would save until I could afford it, but that's just me and I am not challenging you to do something you don't really want to do. Pics of before and after of your bike would be really cool too.

 

I installed 16" burly bars on my Deluxe. I did retain my 4.5" riser. When I spoke to Burly to figure out what cable kit I needed, they told me that they base their cable kits off a 2" riser. So, since my riser was 2.5" higher, I opted for the 18" cable kit. Everything worked out fine. The brake cable was a bit tight and I would have liked it to be another inch or two longer.

Also, I've had to make several adjustments on the throttle cables to reduce slack. I have not had to touch the clutch cable adjusters. I've put 4K on the new bars and cables. I'd say I've adjusted the throttle cables about 4 times.

If you stick with the 16" bars and go with the 18" cable kit you will be okay.

One other thing. I ordered the cable kit off of the Burly website and immediately got an email from JP cycles stating that there was a 6 week backorder on the kits. I called JP Cycles and they had no idea why that happened. They do ship the kits for Burly but they did not have a back order. I called Burly, canceled my order and then placed the cable kit order directly with JP. Had the kit 3 days later.

 

I recently put apes on a friend's 1990 Softail. I found that the best approach was to put the bars on the bike and actually measure how much longer the throttle and clutch cables need to be to operate properly. In his case, it was 5" over stock. Also, Magnum Shielding sells do-it-yourself brake line kits and components that are surprisingly easy to use, and you can get the brake line to the exact length that you need. Two fittings and 6' of braided stainless line were only about $47 (bought through Powersport Junkies along with the throttle cables).