My Road King classic has stock bars and exhaust.I hate both but can't seem to make a decision on what to do first.I'm going with 14 in Carlini Gangster apes and Samson 39 inch True Dual Fishtails. I wanna do one this spring( still saving up) and one next winter.I just can't figure out wich one I want first.This of course is the beginning of a long transformation..What would yall do first?

 

Apes first, fine tune the ride than the sound

 

I'd second the notion of doing the bars first. Gotta have the proper fit first.

 

+1. Definitely comfort first if you have to make a choice.

 

Put 16" apes on my King this fall. It was like getting a new bike!! I loved the fit and look. Could be close to one of my best mods to date!

 

[quote=Badass Bagger;7682004]My Road King classic has stock bars and exhaust.I hate both but can't seem to make a decision on what to do first.I'm going with 14 in Carlini Gangster apes and Samson 39 inch True Dual Fishtails.

Badass,

My bro is building a gangster softtail w/ stretched saddlebags, & q/d front batwing fairing, and grabbed the last Samson 39 inch true dual fishtails that he could find anywhere.
From his searching, the person who he got these from said that Samson is not making these anymore.
Now, that maybe only for softtails, and may still be around for the touring bikes. If
so, unless you're trying to get a set of used ones, it if maybe difficult to find. I would call Samson direct to find out for sure.
With that in mind, I would for sure go for the Gangster Apes first.

Good Luck!

YELLOWBIRD

 

I would try to determine which bars will work for me best, which seat height ( 'cause that changes the whole bar thing, seat first). take your time look at other bikes, ask guys what bars they use etc.

Put together you parts list, and figure out what a good price is for each item.

Start trolling craigslist, the classifieds here etc. post wanted to buy ads.

as stuff shows up, buy it if it is a great deal.

Not unusual not find guys moving used bars for $30...and you'll need cables, wiring etc.
so you need to watch for that.

watch for used pipes too- why buy new at $500 when some one has a set they'll take $200 for?

it's like recycling!

Mike

 

I have to say when I did my RK, I used the Harley reduced reach bars, they fit me perfect, internaly wired and nice chrome, fairly cheap too. The seat I ended up using was a Sundowner, but I'm kinda short!

 

even though this will cost Samson a sale i would do the apes first as well. your riding comfort is the most important and the height is totally your choice. i love apes and ran them for many many years even in the seventies with the jockey shift with no front brake. the handling of your bike and your comfort are more important than pipes. but dont forget us
thank you,
JR / SAMSON

 

I'm getting ready to start the same project. Ordering 39" Fishtails, programmer, intake and bars tomorrow or Thursday. I can't decide on bars tho. Looking at the Carlini Gangster apes and the Trask Bro Bars. Right now im leaning towards the Trask bars.

Anyway.....I agree with the other posts. I was going to do my bars first but I was able to sell my project car so now I can do them both.
Good luck......