Extending wires
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Cruiser
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 109
Likes: 17
From: Minnesota
Extending wires
I'm installing 12 inch twin peak bars on my 2012 ultra limited. I see all of these wire extension kits. I would spend about $90 on these kits for my bike. Has anyone just used bulk wire and extended the wires without a kit? I don't really want to spend $90 on pre-cut wires and heat shrink. Thoughts?
Thanks.
Thanks.
Road Warrior
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 1,422
Likes: 981
From: Northern VA
I'm installing 12 inch twin peak bars on my 2012 ultra limited. I see all of these wire extension kits. I would spend about $90 on these kits for my bike. Has anyone just used bulk wire and extended the wires without a kit? I don't really want to spend $90 on pre-cut wires and heat shrink. Thoughts?
Thanks.
Thanks.
Road Warrior
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 1,422
Likes: 981
From: Northern VA
From what I have read, you should be able to get the ~$30 plug and play wire extensions from Namz, HD, etc. I bought the extensions from Hill Country. Unfortunately I’m impatient and got the bike stripped down yesterday ready for 12” yaffe bars and the FedEx man pulled a no call no show so I cannot confirm. I should know this week and others can chime in. Good luck with the install.
Just for kicks, as far as extending wires, I buy new extended harnesses so there are no spices, especially inside the bars. If you must splice, do it correctly, solder (minimal) - shrink sleeve - stagger, and pull the wires carefully assuming the are inside the bars.
If the existing wires are long enough to splice under the tank it is much easier. Either way take time to remove and replace all the pins in the terminal connectors and insure they are seated properly.
Too many threads on here about - Just Installed Apes and now No Signal - No Start - No Front Brake light - etc.
Not a bad job, just do it correctly and take your time.
If the existing wires are long enough to splice under the tank it is much easier. Either way take time to remove and replace all the pins in the terminal connectors and insure they are seated properly.
Too many threads on here about - Just Installed Apes and now No Signal - No Start - No Front Brake light - etc.
Not a bad job, just do it correctly and take your time.
Tourer
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 273
Likes: 23
I used a NAMZ kit which was much easier than soldering. However, wires of the correct length and color codes soldered would certainly work. It's a tedious job you only want to do once so everything functions properly I wouldn't go cheap. MY .02 YMMV
Tourer
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 421
Likes: 71
From: Hayward Ca
The job could certainly be done with bulk wire if you wanted to go that route. On the pre CANBUS models there will be a lot of wires in those harnesses, maybe 10- 20 each side. If using bulk wire as opposed to a wiring kit you would want to keep the factory terminals ends on all of the wires meaning you would be making two splices in each wire as opposed to one splice with the extension kit which comes with terminal ends attached.
You didn't mention if you plan on internally wiring your new bars. If so that is a lot of splices to fit and pull through the bars. Here is a link to the Namz kit I have used on that model bike ... $56.00. The bulk wire, unless you already have it, will cost something.
https://namzcustomcycleproducts.com/...ultras-glides/
For a few bucks more I use the longer extensions allowing me to stagger the splices better inside the bars. .
You didn't mention if you plan on internally wiring your new bars. If so that is a lot of splices to fit and pull through the bars. Here is a link to the Namz kit I have used on that model bike ... $56.00. The bulk wire, unless you already have it, will cost something.
https://namzcustomcycleproducts.com/...ultras-glides/
For a few bucks more I use the longer extensions allowing me to stagger the splices better inside the bars. .
Last edited by BB59; Jan 6, 2019 at 12:53 PM.
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Thread Starter
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Cruiser
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 109
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From: Minnesota
Thanks for the input guys. Looks like I'll be ordering a kit since I am going to wire internally. I appreciate the advice. Stay safe guys.
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Sometimes a little extra money spent is worth avoiding the potential problems and headaches that can come from saving a few bucks. I’ve learned this the hard way from experience and kicking myself in the *** latter. Sometimes my attempts to save money have not only come with problems, but ended up costing more anyway.
As as far as wiring extension kits, I feel they are worth the money if you get and properly use the right kit. I’m a career electrician and control wiring specialist and the right color wires in a group are priceless for avoiding wiring errors. Just my opinion.
As as far as wiring extension kits, I feel they are worth the money if you get and properly use the right kit. I’m a career electrician and control wiring specialist and the right color wires in a group are priceless for avoiding wiring errors. Just my opinion.
