Well, it looks like I am for sure going to pick up the Road Glide. In light of that, I have been doing some digging. I was looking at bar swaps. I want at least 12" apes, maybe 14". Either way I would have to change cables. I know some have had success with 12s without any change, but some of the ones I have seen, the cables look like they are pulled to tight. A guy on another forum said he didn't want to change the cables because of ABS. He said its a pain in the ***, and when you're done, you have to take it to the dealer for them to be bled and then they typically void your warranty. Anybody got some insight on this?

 

I have not changed my bars but the only downside (if you want to call it that) is that you will need to bleed the brakes if you change brake lines.

I have read a number of posts on here that indicated the users either pre-filled the new lines or reverse filled the new lines by adding fluid at the caliper and forcing it up to the reservoir.

Reverse filling eliminates the possibility of getting air into the ABS module which according to the service manual requires connecting the bike to what's called the Digital Technician. I don't know for sure but I suspect this operates/cycles the ABS module so that any air trapped within it can be flushed out using normal brake flush procedures. The way the manual reads, it sounds like if you get air into the module that normal flushing techniques will not get it back out.

Hope this helps.

 

thanks. what a PITA

 

If you insist on apes, it's going to be not just brakes, but clutch cable and maybe wires.


You might want to look at Heritage style bars. More comfy than stock, but still keep your hands in the pocket of the fairing. AND...... no extra parts to buy. Direct fit. Same brake line, cables and wires.

 

yeah I knew I'd have to change clutch cables too, not so worried about that. Just the ABS. I have found several other places online that say the whole taking it to the dealer thing is a way to get money. Most everyone who has said they bled them the same as standard brakes has reported success. We'll see I guess.