Handlebar???

[sandrooney]

I was told I could replace the stock bars on my 95 Road King with touring bars like on the later model Electra Glides (55924-97) without changing the cables.
Anybody ever do this ?
Thanks for your help,
SR

[96roadking]

Personally I think those bars don't look as good on a Road King. On Electra Glides their hidden behind the fairing, on the RK the bends are exposed more and just don't flow nice. Ever think about the Road King High Bars that Harley sells. The have more pull back and more height then the stock bars and the stock cable and lines fit. They almost look like small ape hangers only the grips are more turned in so they are closer. Just a thought. I know this isn't answering your question, but I gave a lot of thought to the handle bars when I did mine. I tried several in the clamps without the controls hooked up to test for feel and looks. I won't use something if it takes away from the looks. It has to work and look good and there are lots of choices out there.

[sandrooney]

Thanks I didn't know they made those. I will check them out. Do you have a part number?
Thanks again,
SR

[JBarrettB]

The Heritage h-bar is a good choice too. No cable, line, or wiring modifications needed. I have done this swap many times over the years.

JB

[sandrooney]

JBarrettB, Is it called the h-bar? I was told I could do the same with Dyna bars.
Thanks,
SR

[JBarrettB]

H-bar...short for handle bar. The Heritage bars are 56623-99 chrome, 56569-86 polished. 

JB

[96roadking]

Thanks I didn't know they made those. I will check them out. Do you have a part number?
Thanks again,
SR

Here's a link to the Harley RK High bars,
http://www.harley-davidson.com/gma/gma_product.jsp?PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=845524441958213&FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=2534374302287417&ASSORTMENT%3C%3East_id=2534374302287417&bmUID=1254791461646&bmLocale=en_US

and a link to all their bars for the Touring models,
http://www.harley-davidson.com/browse/browse_products.jsp?FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=2534374302287417&bmUID=1254791453677&bmLocale=en_US

[sandrooney]

96 thanks a lot, great info.
SR

[ClassicRider2002]

So....while I am not exactly sure what you are trying to accomplish with new handlebars.....or for that matter your height and your ultimate goal......buttttttt this can be a very expensive and frustrating process......but if you are looking for more pull back, and somewhat higher bars.....I will throw into the hat the 10" mini apes from Wild One:

CHUBBY® 10" MINI APES  PART # WO515    Retail Price $219.95  Paid: $174.36
     TOTAL PAID FOR INSTALLATION:  $340.00
Drag Specialties Part#:   DS-0601-0506    CHUBBY® 10” Mini Apes  1 ¼” Thick  END RISE: 10”, WIDTH:    36”,  CENTER WIDTH: 10”, PULLBACK: 11.5”

http://www.wild1inc.com

For Those who want apes but don't want them too tall, here's your custom solution. Like all Chubbys®, at a full 1 1/4" thick they maintain the line from your fork tubes right up through the grips. Pre drilled for internal wires, knurled and show chrome plated for a sensational look. Fluid bends put your hands and wrist in the ultimate position for comfort and control.   

Regards,

"Classic"

[96roadking]

So....while I am not exactly sure what you are trying to accomplish with new handlebars.....or for that matter your height and your ultimate goal......buttttttt this can be a very expensive and frustrating process......but if you are looking for more pull back, and somewhat higher bars.....I will throw into the hat the 10" mini apes from Wild One:

CHUBBY® 10" MINI APES  PART # WO515    Retail Price $219.95  Paid: $174.36
     TOTAL PAID FOR INSTALLATION:  $340.00
Drag Specialties Part#:   DS-0601-0506    CHUBBY® 10” Mini Apes  1 ¼” Thick  END RISE: 10”, WIDTH:    36”,  CENTER WIDTH: 10”, PULLBACK: 11.5”

http://www.wild1inc.com

For Those who want apes but don't want them too tall, here's your custom solution. Like all Chubbys®, at a full 1 1/4" thick they maintain the line from your fork tubes right up through the grips. Pre drilled for internal wires, knurled and show chrome plated for a sensational look. Fluid bends put your hands and wrist in the ultimate position for comfort and control.   

Regards,

"Classic"

Can these ape hanger bars be used with stock controll wires and lines. They are nice looking bars. I think the Harley High Bars are similar to this size ape bar only the grips are pulled back more than the apes. The problem with RK's is the seat to handle bar ratio is higher than most other models. This has been a issue with a lot of riders since the RK was introduced. Harley has come out with many bars over the years for the RK to help off set this. The High Bar would probably work for most people because of the shorter reach. I wear a 33-34 shirt sleeve and have a Corbin Touring Solo seat. The reach for me is just about right.

[ClassicRider2002]

Can these ape hanger bars be used with stock controll wires and lines. They are nice looking bars. I think the Harley High Bars are similar to this size ape bar only the grips are pulled back more than the apes. The problem with RK's is the seat to handle bar ratio is higher than most other models. This has been a issue with a lot of riders since the RK was introduced. Harley has come out with many bars over the years for the RK to help off set this. The High Bar would probably work for most people because of the shorter reach. I wear a 33-34 shirt sleeve and have a Corbin Touring Solo seat. The reach for me is just about right.

Actually.....no you need longer throttle, idle, and clutch cables.  You will also need some wire extensions for your instruments such as turn signals, lights...etc.

The best length for a clutch cable is getting a clutch cable that works with a road king side car which is like three inches longer, I can provide you with the part numbers that I used for my 2002 RKC but I am not sure if these would work since you are running an evo but here they are:  (and of course I wanted to go with black vinyl coated instead of say a
braided steel of some sorts)  when you see "DS" that refers to Drag Specialties also:

DS-0650-0340  Black Vinyl Throttle Cable   LENGTH: 43 1/2”, ELBOW: 90°, TRAVEL: 5”  $21.95

Now I have "cruise control" if you don't then this cable isn't needed:
DS-0651-0183   02-07 FLHRI, FLHRCI, FLHRSI  Black Vinyl Cruise Cable         $23.96
TOTAL HOUSING LENGTH: 44”, ELBOW: 90°, TAIL PIECE LENGTH: 13 13/16”, TRAVEL: 4 7/8” 

                                                 |--------- -------------|   A   <~~from the lever down to the adjuster
                     |-------------------|                                    B   <~~from the adjuster to the clutch release cvr.
                     |-------------------------------------------|   C   <~~Over All Length
                                                                                                                  A        B          C                           
HD-38667-00      Black Vinyl Clutch Cable stock                                 37.28     25.41   62.69”  or 62 11/16” long             
DS-0652-0298    Drag Specialties Black Vinyl Clutch Cable Stock           37.28    25.41   62.69”  or 62 11/16” long
DS-0652-0299    Drag Specialties Black Vinyl Clutch Cable +2” Over      39.28    25.41   64.69”  or 64 11/16” long

It seems as of March of 2011 that the DS-0652-0299 part number is now "obsolete", Drag Specialties has apparently gone to a part number of DS-0652-1408 as a replacement part number for Drag Specialties DS-0652-0299.  DS-0652-1408 39.28" + 25.41" = 64.69" long or 64 11/16" long or +2" over OEM Stock Length.  Apparently Drag Specialties is showing on their website that the DS-0652-1408 references back to HD# 38601-89 +2" black vinyl.

ANOTHER OPTION FOR A CLUTCH CABLE IS THE CLUTCH CABLE THAT IS USED IN CONNECTION WITH A SIDE CAR THAT PARTICULAR CLUTCH CABLE IS ALSO BLACK VINYL AND IS 3” + OVER STOCK AND WOULD BE IDEAL FOR THE 10” MINI APES.  IF ONE WANTED TO GO TO A 12.5" APE HANDLE BAR I WOULD THINK ONE WOULD BE BETTER SERVED CHOOSING BETWEEN A +4" OR +6" OVER OEM STOCK CABLE.

THE HD PART# IS HD# 38649-98 FOR A 2002 TOURING BIKE SIDE CAR AND IS A BLACK VINYL CABLE PRICED AT $66.95. HD# 38649-98 IS A +3" OVER IN LENGTH FROM THE OEM STOCK LENGTH.

HANDLEBAR WIRE HARNESS EXTENSION KITS
                                               
•   No cutting, soldering or hassle
•   Available in 4”, 8”, 12” and 15” lengths for bikes with or without cruise control
•   Kits include color-coded wire, OEM pin connectors, 1/8” and 3/8” shrink tubing, complete instructions, illustration and wire block diagram
•   Can be internally wired through handlebars
http://designsbynovello.net/novello.cfm
Designs by Novello
505 North Main St.
Port Chester, NY 10573
FAX: 914.934.7827
novello@designsbynovello.net


HD# 56115-95     Handle Bar Clamp which needs to replace the normal clamps for strength
History Of Bars I Have Had For 2002 RKC:
Purchased 2002 RKC 05-16-2004 

HD# 55947-00 Stock Road King Handle bar                     05-16-2004   Stock
HD# 56557-95  Chrome Road King Touring Handle bar       06-15-2004   $49.95
HD# 56152-04  Reduced Reach Road King Handle bar       11-19-2004   $49.95
CHUBBY® 10" MINI APES  PART # WO515 Handle bar       07-27-2007  $340.00**

** this was the cost associated for all of the parts I did my own labor to have this done at either a Indy or a HD dealer one would most likely pay around $1,100.00.

Before deciding upon which handle bars you wish the first thing to do is make a "firm" decision on your "saddle/seat".  I know, I know it's which one comes first the "chicken or the egg" type of thing...but really I believe it is the seat....but both work together in union. 
My height is 5' 10 with boots on and I own a 2002 RKC.  I have been using the Corbin Smooth Classic Solo seat for over 14,000 miles now and I like it.  (It's not the "close" Corbin Classic Solo seat.)  I have had the following handle bars on my RKC:
The bike came with the stock bars of course then I changed to the:
HD#56557-95 Chrome Road King Touring Handle bar $49.95 for 6,000 miles.  Not enough pull back. 
Then to the:
HD# 56152.04 Reduced Reach Road King Handle Bars for another 7,000 miles and I thought this would be the one, but I just never felt good with these bars...still not enough pull back.  However part of the issue of course was the Corbin seat I was using for my size the Classic Solo sits one back approx 1 1/2" further than the Corbin "Close" Classic Solo seat.....so last summer I decided upon one more change.....a buddy installed the Wild One 8.5" baby Ape handles bars and I liked them after riding his bike...but after much consideration I settled on the Wild One Chubby 10" Mini Apes Part # WO515 retail price of $219.95 and purchased from Jenni for $174.36 plus shipping August of 2007. Which for me has been an EXCELLENT choice.  At a full 1 1/4" thick they maintain the “visual” line from your fork tubes right up through the grips which is very appealing to me.  Much less fatigue on longer rides because of the pull back design as well as the height of the end rise (10”).  The only thing I noticed initially is that in "parking" lot maneuvering situations or parking I had to get use to the width of the bars.....but once I did, no big deal at all......but practice some “slow speed” riding after getting them...just so you are familiar.
A couple of years ago I had already changed out the "stock" HD brake lines for stainless steel vinyl covered goodridge dual brake lines and the installer at the time included enough length that when I made this change no further alterations needed to be made.  So I am not any help on what length brake lines one would need to do with part numbers but with everything else I do have part numbers, however realize that I decided on "BLACK" vinyl as my choice and if you prefer "stainless steel" then my part numbers here will only suffice for you in terms of length:   (DS stands for Drag Specialties)
Wild One #WO515 10" Mini Apes Part $174.36     http://www.wild1inc.com
DS-0650-0340 Black Vinyl Throttle Cable Length 43 1/2" elbow 90 degrees   $21.95
DS-0651-1083 Black Vinyl Cruise Cable (remember mine is a "classic" I do have cruise control) and thus no “Idle Cable”   $23.95
HD-38667-00 Stock Black Vinyl Clutch Cable 62 11/16" long the DS part number is DS-0652-0298 Black Vinyl Clutch Cable.  (Thus the stock length is 62 11/16" long.)
It should be noted that for nearly 6 months I successfully operated with my "stock" clutch cable with full range of motion either to left or to the right by not using the provided clip located on the left fork  and found where one would normally attach the quick release bolts for a detachable windshield.  It was my opinion that this clip had to be removed to allow for the right hand full turn of the fork.  The stated clip is responsible for normally keeping the clutch cable in place without allowing random movement….. When sitting on the “stationary” bike and making a full right hand cranked turn the cable is very taut when the clip is attached and the cable runs through it although permissible.  I DO feel at some point (perhaps at a time when changing the transmission fluid is required) I will change my clutch cable to the following and would recommend this length:
DS-0652-0299 Black Vinyl Clutch Cable + 2” Over Stock  $37.95, TOTAL LENGTH: 64 11/16”, FROM EYELET / CLUTCH LEVER TO ADJUSTER LOCATION THE LENGTH IS 39.28” OR 39 4/16”***, FROM THE ADJUSTER LOCATION TO CLUTCH RELEASE COVER  THE LENGTH IS 25.41” OR 25 7/16”” FOR A TOTAL LENGTH OF 64.69” OR 64 11/16” INNER CABLE TRAVEL: 2 3/4”, ***It should be noted that For Touring Bikes That The “Stock Length For The Clutch Cable From The Adjuster Location To The Clutch Release Cover Is 25 7/16” In Length, Increasing This Length Will Or Would Put The Adjuster In a Different Location, IF One Were To Choose Say An FXDL Cable This Length Would Be Moved Roughly 6” From It’s Stock Location, To Some It Might Be A Big Deal “Visually” To Others It May Not, One Has To Decide For Themselves.  HD offers nothing in Black Vinyl except for the stock length cable, they do offer a +3” over stock and a +6” over stock in a stainless steel option.   Drag Specialties offers a stock length replacement cable as well as +2” over stock (as mentioned above) +6” over stock and a +8” over stock length in Black Vinyl.  While there is a debate in my mind whether a +4” over stock clutch cable would provide a overall better fit, there is nothing offered for such an application if one desires to use  “Black Vinyl” as well as keeping the length from the clutch release cover to the adjuster location the same (25 7/16”).
By using the Drag Specialties DS-0652-0299 Black Vinyl +2” Over Stock (Total Length 64.69”) Clutch Cable One Is Able to Secure The Clutch Cable Through The HD# 9990W Clamp By Rotating The Clamp So The Loop Portion Of The Clamp Is Towards The Rear Allowing The Clutch Cable To Run Through It While Also Being Able To Successfully Turn/Crank The Handle Bars Completely To The Right Without Issue. Thus For The CHUBBY® 10" MINI APES  PART # WO515 Handle Bars The Clutch Cable Length Of 64.69” or 64 11/16” or +2” Over Stock Will Successfully Work.  A +4” over Stock Clutch Cable would allow one to roate the HD# 9990W clamp towards the front which is how the bike is offered “stock”… which would put the cable “back” to functioning just as HD shipped from the factory….
If One were to choose the 12” Wild One Ape Handle Bars the same discussion for length of clutch cable would be moved to a minimum length of +4” over stock while perhaps settling on a +6” over stock cable being more appropriate.
Wiring:  (since you are adding “rise” to your handle bars you will need to extend your wiring to your switches in your handle bars)
The next decision is wiring, and I chose to go with the NOVELLO Innovations by Road Warrior Wiring Harness Extension Kits.  JPC cycles sells this for Novello as does Drag Specialties, Novello’s website is a bit basic but if one wishes to talk with anyone they could go to their website at http://designsbynovello.net/novello.cfm and choose to click on contact and you might be able to reach them by sending an e~mail to novello@designsbynovello.com they have a fax number of 914-934-7827 but no actual phone number and are out of Port Chester NY.  After viewing their website you perhaps will gather what I did as well, and that is, that it seems to be a very small company.  They have several kit lengths and different part numbers of wiring extension kits.  Since I have a “classic” which has "cruise control" I chose DS-2120-0032 which is an 8" extension kit priced @ $56.95, however I wouldn't hesitate in choosing the DS-2120-0033 which is the 12" extension kit either priced at $58.95.  While the 8” was successful for length you might find 12” to be a bit more user friendly but once again the 8” did work for me. Now these two kit numbers are for 15 wires and are to be inclusive of wiring extensions that are needed if you have cruise control.  What I found in the particular package I received was that I was 2 wires short of having what I needed, obviously a packaging miscue.  So I wouldn't hesitate choosing part numbers DS-2120-0138 which is a wiring kit for an 07'-08' HD with cruise control priced at $64.95 and it comes with 17 wires this is their 8" extension kit, the same kit but for 12" of extension is the DS-2120-0139 and is priced at $69.95 through Drag Specialties.   The only thing one might verify for sure is whether the "deutch" connectors are the same for 2007-2008 as they are for previous years....(this I am not sure about) but with some research one could confirm if your bike is a prior year before 07' - 08'. 
If one chooses to use such a wiring extension kit, you will find that you need to actually remove your individual wires from their deutch connectors...and if you do this application I would suggest doing only one side of the handle bar at a time and making some sort of diagram detailing which color wire is removed from which deutch connector pin location number (as the “orange” duetch connectors have very very small numbers next to the locations where they are plugged in) It can become fairly confusing fairly quickly....Also if you have the wiring diagram (electronic) Service manual for your bike and can verify which color wire goes into which deutch connector you may find such helpful in a worst case scenario if you ever become confused or lost.  It should also be noted that while NOVELLO attempts to provide their extension wires in the same color patterns as your stock wiring you will find some differences which only can lead to further confusion unless you carefully diagram which wire came out of which numbered connector location.   
As you can see the wiring kits can be a bit confusing....it all comes down to whether you wish to "splice and solder" or whether you wish to use heat shrink tubing and putting the connectors together by using the extension wire pins which require no splicing or soldering....your choice.  I very much like the quality of the kits but was a bit disappointed by being shorted two wires (one for left side and one for right side) so I simply soldered those and went on.
And finally you will need a different way of "clamping" the new bars to your bike....the stock clamps provided are not recommended for this application so acquiring HD# 56115-95 or something similar will work satisfactorily.
So if someone wanted to know the price of this install....for parts only (remember if you choose to do a "new" clutch cable you have to remove your exhaust and you will perhaps be draining your fluid.....this price does not include brake lines....approximate cost is $340.00.  If you choose not to do the install yourself....I have seen prices all over the board for labor....ranging for an additional $400-$600 dollars. Time to do this work approximately 3 hours tearing apart and putting back together with about another 1-2 hours of doing the installation work.  Total labor time approximately 5 hours, perhaps less depending upon your wrenching ability and wiring ability and perhaps more....

Regards,

"Classic"

[bobs82fxr]

Put the Harley touring bars on my '95 RK. Everything fits. Raised bars almost 2 inches and makes a great difference if you are 6 foot or over. They are perfect for about $50.

[sandrooney]

Thanks for all the reply's.
SR