Switching from stock bars to Apes
- Thread starter BWDCFL
- Start date
And.... where would I put the speedo? I’ve seen some down by the ignition...
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mleach72
Well-Known Member
Luckily, you have an '03, which still uses harley-type controls. You can still use regular after market apes. You will need longer s&s throttle cables, longer brake line, longer clutch cable, and a wiring extension kit. As for the speedo, you will probably have to find a way to clamp it to the bars or risers. Someone may make something.
What size bars do I need? Also, would I need risers?
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mleach72
Well-Known Member
I would get 1 1/4". That should be what is on your bike now. They also make pulling the wires through the bars easier. You will need risers, unless you want to get a set of apes with the risers built in, kinda like the stock bdm bars. I wouldn't go that way. The bars are unadjustable then. The height is up to you. You just gotta figure out how much longer everything needs to be. Those ones in the picture look like 14" or maybe 16".
And.... your bike looks sweet in the profile pic too!
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mleach72
Well-Known Member
The best way to do it is sit on your bike and hold a yard stick or a rod of some kind where you want your hands to be. Get a buddy to measure from that to the top of the triple tree and subtract 1" for the risers, or whatever size you are using.
There are a lot of variables to consider to achieve the look that you want. For example, I like my bars wide at the top, but not wider than the triple tree at the bottom. I think that makes the bike look wierd, but that's my own personal opinion. Also, consider going a little wider in total width. The higher your bars are, the wider they need to be to keep a feeling of control, especially when cornering at highway speeds.
mleach72
Well-Known Member
Thanks!
I want them about shoulder-height... not super-tall like yours.. probably 10 - 12”, maybe 14”.. like you said, depends on risers
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Brent Herridge
Active Member
Matt is definitely your source for those type of bars on a Big Dog.
But if shoulder height is what you're after, look more closely at picture #1. Stock bars on a chopper or K9 put your hands right at shoulder height, which I agree is perfect.
But if shoulder height is what you're after, look more closely at picture #1. Stock bars on a chopper or K9 put your hands right at shoulder height, which I agree is perfect.
mleach72
Well-Known Member
That's kinda what I was thinking too, but to each their own. Going to a traditional set up with risers does give you the ability to adjust your riding posture a little though.
Jersey Big Mike
100K mile club
I don't know about texas but a lot of states have weird rules about ape hanger heights. Some are can not be above shoulder, some are can't be more than x"s above the saddle.
You need to draw the line at not attracting too much 5-0 attention when/if you travel out of your home area IMHO.
You need to draw the line at not attracting too much 5-0 attention when/if you travel out of your home area IMHO.
Well, that’s me in picture 1... and my arms are slightly below shoulder width... (that was taken for a small car)
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Yeah.... I don’t think there laws here about those... but I’m thinking maybe 2 - 3” risers, and 8 - 10” apes. Not that much higher than I currently have
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mleach72
Well-Known Member
I say if that's what you want to do, then go for it! Personally, I love apes. I have them on both of my bikes. They aren't for everyone, but I think they are much more comfortable than stock bars. Believe it or not, my bars are only a couple inches above my shoulders if I sit up straight, but I am 6'4".
I don't think ape hanger laws are strictly enforced anymore, unless you are being an ass. I was a little worried about riding my bike into NY, which has an ape hanger law. I saw quite a few bikes with apes with NY tags.
I don't think ape hanger laws are strictly enforced anymore, unless you are being an ass. I was a little worried about riding my bike into NY, which has an ape hanger law. I saw quite a few bikes with apes with NY tags.
I had apes on my old Sportster, and my street bob too! They’re awesome!
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Does BG make a different “mounting clip” for the speedo? Or a “relocation” mount?
Went and talked to a local shop... he’s thinking like 5 - 6” risers and 8 - 10” apes... but he’s at a loss about how to remount the speedo..
His idea was to put the speedo outside the risers closer to the headlight... but isn’t sure how I would mount it
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mleach72
Well-Known Member
I would think someone makes a speedometer mount for the risers. Something like sportsters have. Big dog uses standard riser spacing, so just figure out what size your speedo is. Get on ebay. I would be shocked if you couldn't find a mount that bolts to the risers.