Finished 16" ape install complete...have question/need advice.
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Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2007
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From: California
Finished 16" ape install complete...have question/need advice.
I finished my project...a painted inner fairing and 16" apes (didn't get to the stereo install...didn't get all my parts in).
Anyway, I've had the 13" CycleSmiths on for about 2-3 months with no issues. Today, after finishing everything up I went on a short ride with my neighbor. While taking off on a hard start, I thought I notice the bars slipping a little. When I got home I decided to give the bars a decent tug and sure enough...they slipped about a 1/4". Now, I know I have them tight as hell because they slipped on me during the install and I figured I just didn't have the clamp tight enough...so, I tightened it. I dont have a torque wrench (man, do I need one) but I'm sure I tighten the clamp good enough. I even got a little scared of busting off the screw head.
I just did a quick search for a remedy and found all kinds of things...aluminum shims, emery cloth, rubber bike tube, use poly bushings instead of rubber, etc.
I want to know if anyone had this problem and what you did that worked for you?
Anyway, I've had the 13" CycleSmiths on for about 2-3 months with no issues. Today, after finishing everything up I went on a short ride with my neighbor. While taking off on a hard start, I thought I notice the bars slipping a little. When I got home I decided to give the bars a decent tug and sure enough...they slipped about a 1/4". Now, I know I have them tight as hell because they slipped on me during the install and I figured I just didn't have the clamp tight enough...so, I tightened it. I dont have a torque wrench (man, do I need one) but I'm sure I tighten the clamp good enough. I even got a little scared of busting off the screw head.
I just did a quick search for a remedy and found all kinds of things...aluminum shims, emery cloth, rubber bike tube, use poly bushings instead of rubber, etc.
I want to know if anyone had this problem and what you did that worked for you?
Road Master
Joined: Aug 2008
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Brypink,
You were on a few post that I was on about doing 16 apes. Do have any pics of what it looks like, so was it a big difference between the 13 apes. Do you think it looks funny from the front with the apes sticking up so far. I am about 75/25% going to go with 16. Thanks
You were on a few post that I was on about doing 16 apes. Do have any pics of what it looks like, so was it a big difference between the 13 apes. Do you think it looks funny from the front with the apes sticking up so far. I am about 75/25% going to go with 16. Thanks
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2006
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From:
No personal experience but more than one person has fixed this common problem with either/or aluminum shims cut from a beer can (a soft drink can will do also 
) or replace the two piece top clamps with the HD one piece top clamp.
) or replace the two piece top clamps with the HD one piece top clamp.
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Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 2,307
Likes: 53
From: California
Brypink,
You were on a few post that I was on about doing 16 apes. Do have any pics of what it looks like, so was it a big difference between the 13 apes. Do you think it looks funny from the front with the apes sticking up so far. I am about 75/25% going to go with 16. Thanks
You were on a few post that I was on about doing 16 apes. Do have any pics of what it looks like, so was it a big difference between the 13 apes. Do you think it looks funny from the front with the apes sticking up so far. I am about 75/25% going to go with 16. Thanks
If there is any doubt you might like the 16" apes...just go with them because if you don't, you will be down the road.
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Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2007
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From: California
I need to figure something out. Whatever I decide, I know I will be changing out to the rubber bushings for poly bushings. I went back out and tugged on the bars slightly...ALOT of play with the rubber bushings.
Road Captain
Joined: Mar 2007
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As you said in your original post - YOU DO NEED A TORQUE WRENCH!
Per the service manual (the 2007 touring one), you're supposed to tighten the front screws FIRST so that the two sides touch, then torque the rear to 16-20 ft lbs, then torque the front ones 16-20 ft lbs. This will leave a slight gap between the two sides at the rear - that's normal. I used the one piece top clamp too. Never had any slop. . .
Per the service manual (the 2007 touring one), you're supposed to tighten the front screws FIRST so that the two sides touch, then torque the rear to 16-20 ft lbs, then torque the front ones 16-20 ft lbs. This will leave a slight gap between the two sides at the rear - that's normal. I used the one piece top clamp too. Never had any slop. . .
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From: california
it`s probably the overlay of chrome baried in the cross cuts were your clamp should be biteing, i used sratch cloth to knock the chrome down then took a sharp flat bit punch, a hammer & created heavy cross lines for a better bite, hope this helps,, i should note that i did this on the enitial install so my bars never did slip, & one could say that this may or may not have made any diference , i say it DID..
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Stellar HDF Member
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From: California
Originally Posted by 07FLHRCMarinePatriot
As you said in your original post - YOU DO NEED A TORQUE WRENCH!
Per the service manual (the 2007 touring one), you're supposed to tighten the front screws FIRST so that the two sides touch, then torque the rear to 16-20 ft lbs, then torque the front ones 16-20 ft lbs. This will leave a slight gap between the two sides at the rear - that's normal. I used the one piece top clamp too. Never had any slop. . .
Per the service manual (the 2007 touring one), you're supposed to tighten the front screws FIRST so that the two sides touch, then torque the rear to 16-20 ft lbs, then torque the front ones 16-20 ft lbs. This will leave a slight gap between the two sides at the rear - that's normal. I used the one piece top clamp too. Never had any slop. . .
Yep, they are for sale. Haven't listed them yet though.
Originally Posted by eagletalon
it's probably the overlay of chrome baried in the cross cuts were your clamp should be biteing, i used sratch cloth to knock the chrome down then took a sharp flat bit punch, a hammer & created heavy cross lines for a better bite, hope this helps,, i should note that i did this on the enitial install so my bars never did slip, & one could say that this may or may not have made any diference , i say it DID..