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Do I need to shorten my cables?

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Old Apr 20, 2020 | 09:09 AM
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Default Do I need to shorten my cables?
2011 FLHTCU. I currently have 12" bars. Due to arthritis in both of my wrists it is becoming increasingly more uncomfortable to not only squeeze the brake and clutch but also to maneuver the bike in tight turns due to the bar height. Creates some awkward angles. If I were to shorten the bars down to 10 inches will I have to get new cables for the clutch and brake?
 
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Old Apr 20, 2020 | 09:49 AM
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You'll just have extra slack to hide somewhere. Shouldn't be an issue.
 
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Old Apr 20, 2020 | 10:10 AM
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no youll be fine
 
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Old Apr 20, 2020 | 10:11 AM
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Thank you
 
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Old Apr 20, 2020 | 12:41 PM
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But, I thought everybody said the higher bars were more comfortable and made the bike easier to handle?
 
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Old Apr 20, 2020 | 12:48 PM
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Originally Posted by hd4evr2008
But, I thought everybody said the higher bars were more comfortable and made the bike easier to handle?
Well, they are! Except when you're me and your joints hate you. I can no longer extend my fingers and squeeze the front brake without adjusting my whole arm to avoid limited range of movement and pain. I can no longer turn the bars full right and operate the throttle without pain due to the extreme and awkward (for my wrists) angle. If I had a more level or lower angle it would be much easier. I've always had 12" bars and they're great but now it's getting to be a struggle.

Sob story over
 
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Old Apr 20, 2020 | 03:32 PM
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^^^^ I hear ya! I have arthritis in my right shoulder that is extremely painful and keeps me from sleeping at night. Weird thing is, it doesn't hurt very much when I'm riding my bike. Sorry about your pain.
 
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Old Apr 20, 2020 | 03:36 PM
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Originally Posted by hd4evr2008
^^^^ I hear ya! I have arthritis in my right shoulder that is extremely painful and keeps me from sleeping at night. Weird thing is, it doesn't hurt very much when I'm riding my bike. Sorry about your pain.
Thanks. I've been dealing with it for years. Just gotta find ways around it. Hence this post lol
 
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Old Apr 21, 2020 | 07:24 AM
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Default Same pain
Originally Posted by glsec507
2011 FLHTCU. I currently have 12" bars. Due to arthritis in both of my wrists it is becoming increasingly more uncomfortable to not only squeeze the brake and clutch but also to maneuver the bike in tight turns due to the bar height. Creates some awkward angles. If I were to shorten the bars down to 10 inches will I have to get new cables for the clutch and brake?
I’m in the process of switching out my stock Road King stock bars for Chubby 517’s just to change the angle of the bars to avoid the wrist/thumb pain. I have a 97 Low Rider with the stock buckhorn bars and they are a lot more comfortable. The angle puts the pressure more into my palm than my thumb/wrist joint.
 
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Old Apr 21, 2020 | 07:32 AM
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Originally Posted by d24112
I’m in the process of switching out my stock Road King stock bars for Chubby 517’s just to change the angle of the bars to avoid the wrist/thumb pain. I have a 97 Low Rider with the stock buckhorn bars and they are a lot more comfortable. The angle puts the pressure more into my palm than my thumb/wrist joint.
My first bike was a Suzuki Intruder and it had similar bars to those buck horns. They were comfortable however they suited that size bike better. I wouldn't mind bars that angle down but I'm not a fan of the typical pull back bagger bars have. Those angles hurt the wrist more.

If $ wasn't an option I'd just get custom bars. But NSAIDS are cheaper.
 
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