5 Tips for an EASY Handlebar Install

5 tips for an easy handlebar install is not just for Harley Davidson motorcycles. These tips, plus the bonus tip, is relevant for every motorcycle manufacture out there! Make sure to check it out to find out how I learned to do it, after years of doing handlebar installs!
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[@skirwan78]

John, I've watched dozens of your videos, but this is one of my favorites. Riding a bike, talking about useful info, short and to the point, great advice, time and money saving and mistake saving tips. Just saying this is an example of a great video! Thanks for making this.

[@scotthelms8745]

Thanks for the bonus video this week. Always look forward to your videos, and bonus videos make the week even better.

[@scotthelms8745]

And I didn't even mention Antonio in the bonus video comments. Wait..... I just did, didn't I?

[@luckymanindeed]

John, you rock man! I really enjoy and look forward to ever installment. You’re obviously a good mechanic but you’ve definitely got the creative chops to be in production or other aspect of the entertainment field. It’s a great mix. Thanks for the effort that goes into keeping us smiling out here in KZbin land!

[@DaddyoftheMack]

Great tip on checking to see if stuff works BEFORE you start the job.

[@oregonoutback7779]

chris .... I agree. That tip leaped right out of the video and slapped me in the face, big time !! Doh

[@albertcrowe8960]

Great informative video! This answered several questions I had especially about measuring the cables, Thanks!

[@heathersvanity8648]

Man, your vids are invaluable. Thanks for posting and taking us to work with you

[@andrewteal3016]

Whenever I do work on something - I take a ton of pics on my phone. Helps with re-assembly to see how things actually went together, rather than how I "remember" it going together. Especially if there's some time between taking apart and putting back together "what do you mean parts aren't here?" The pictures are basically free and easy to delete after but serve a short term purpose.

[@TheHarleyTech]

Great tip!

[@johnathonmontie2234]

When I took my motorcycle tech course my instructed told us that you should always take pictures. For yourself and to show the manager/customer at the specific work that was done!

[@crewchief2842]

Great bonus video!! Planning to do a handlebar change soon so thanks for the video!

[@hsmith3844]

Nice vid, great Kit, thanks again. Bars are great looking.

[@exile730]

you are a busy man, John Maxwell! Great video and enjoy your weekend, mate.

[@HaXaW5150]

Its a beautiful day in the neighborhood. I'm getting ready to roll out myself. Cool video Thanks John.

[@scottwilloughby3840]

What a way to start the day with a BONUS VIDEO!!!!! thanks man great video great tips!!!

[@PhatboyHD88]

“LOVED” that Dyna Rip montage !!! No truer words were ever spoken !! Lol.. and yea lol i screwed up once, was putting a paint set and chrome switch housings on a streetglide and pinched a wire on the throttle side switch housing and shit didnt work lol i was damit !! Never made that mistake again,, great video buddy as always thanks..

[@robh3563]

Finally pulled the trigger. Had 10in Paul yaffe bars installed on my 2016 Road Glide. Wish I'd of done it months ago, such a improvement in handling, and no more lower back and shoulder pain. Had local HD do the installation

[@frdmstnggt99]

I’ve done a few handlebar changes myself. Here’s my tip: get someone else to do it.

[@chabib23]

It took me 3 hours to replace and internally wire my FXDB. The dealership wanted $952 do that job. I didn't need to cut/solder extensions. Just can't fathom why it would take me, a home mechanic, 3 hours do and an HD service tech 8 hours. Maybe the local dealship here needs more UNprofessionals.

[@joetroutt7425]

I just did mine. Iwo of the hardest parts of it were running the wires internally and hooking the wires up.

[@toolbrothers1477]

@@chabib23 took me my dad 2.5 hours on my RoadKing with no bike jack (we have one) and basic harbor freight tools. And yes my local Harley dealer wanted 900$ for labor alone minimum

[@gunzstuff3526]

Yes!

[@mikeessary7691]

Well done John !! It's also a great time to install braided cables and what the hell thrown on some upgraded brake pads.

[@prairiefarmer5994]

My first ever real project on a motorcycle was putting 14" apes on my sportster. It was... interesting. Took so much longer than I expected. The best advice I could give anyone is have patience, and be prepared to take more of the bike apart than you expected to.

[@ridk19saxon85]

Awesome tips.... definitely going to put T Bars on my 2015 Fat Bob. Wasn’t going to get Harley to do it, but after watching your vids, iv changed my mind. To many pit falls.

[@jlc904ubc]

Thanks, awesome video and great info! Looking forward to your next one!

[@TheHarleyTech]

Thanks man!

[@mikelikesknives428]

Thanks for the tips. Great video!

[@josephzieroff2631]

Whenever I work on my bike, I watch one of your videos. About 10 times if needed..

[@jrozay3788]

Gonna be 60 in Minnesota today! Damn heat wave here. Time to finally get the bikes out!

[@brandonahkee6295]

60 is a heat wave? Hell 117 is a heat wave in el paso

[@daves4yah]

Some great tips off the top of your head winging it style! Cheers hairy dude!

[@anthonygm85]

Been looking for t bars for my 18 fxlr for while and looking at how the new bikes are set up. I think that it is a job I'll be able to do for shure. I'm getting short 8 in bars hopefully I'll be able to not need longer cables

[@johnobrien6315]

Great tips! Thanks, man.

[@joetroutt7425]

Just installed some Z bars on my 03 sporty and you're right about the premeasured cables. My clutch cable is long by about 2" and my throttle cables are on the short side, plus the wire inside the​ cable is so short the adjustment screws on both cables are all the way collapsed. (Drag product) and still had trouble connecting them to my throttle grip.

[@c-m3-n213]

Dude I freaking love these vids!

[@terrellhicks6633]

Also where can I get one of those cable measurement tool kits? You got a part number or anything?

[@tjbummer200]

Great video, the RIP Dyna pause was great. Lol!

[@neek__7898]

A Bonus video with... a Bonus tip definitely deserves a dirty thumbs up! Thx man! 👍🏼

[@Kash6161]

Poly bushes are the go for sure. Dig the vid. Cheers 🎩👍🏼

[@RjsEpicAdventures]

nice bars in my opinion and great video as always

[@jsrrrmg]

I've got a 2017 Dyna Low. I'm looking to upgrade from my factory exhaust. The volume is pretty good but I would like for it to have a bit more of rumble sound to it. Any suggestions?

[@johnycannuk]

Agree on the bushings. I had the stock 10 inch bars on my 2014 Swtchback switched out for 14 inch bars (I'm 6'2"). And they left the stock rubber bushings in. Wiggly as hell. Had to wait to get the poly bushings and missed a few weeks of riding.

[@Fergusonturd]

Great video John. Would you do a video on tires for HD touring? Which in your opinion is the best performing? What brands last longer than others? What brands to avoid? Thanks John. Rubber Side down.

[@maximilianrockefeller8854]

When I swapped the stock mini apes to to 16" apes on my 90 FLSTC I had to re-pin the handlebar wiring harness because there weren't any good plug-n-play options available. Prepare for the unexpected and plan on taking 2x as much time. ^_^

[@Jnu925]

Good stuff John..

[@johnburney4942]

Question John, I’m planning on doing my own 12” Paul Yaffe bars very soon. I have a 17 Ultra with heated grips and I cannot find any information on the heated grip wires when changing out from stock bars to 12” can you help me out by telling me if the wire is long enough to run back with new bars? Thanks and I appreciate your channel.

[@CarlRecktenwaldJr]

Digging the bonus videos.

[@grantbrendon]

Good tips! And definitely enjoy your videos! I’m curious who makes that cable measuring kit? Tried doing a search and nothing comes up. Keep up the cool videos!

[@craigneal3979]

Question, I have a 19 Sport Glide, I was wanting to install the 6inch curved pullback risers. Will I have to change out the stock brake cables or really any cables? If you happen to know. Thanks for your videos, good stuff and informative.

[@shafiqackbar3428]

Hi John. I have forty eight 2012. I want to change the stock handle bar from stock to either RSD 8" or the Chizeled 8" from Harley. I am 5"8'. I just want to have your opinion on the 2 above mentioned.

[@stevemeiners2226]

2014 UL, I have OEM heated grips and am changing bars, can I reuse the left side with the heat control? I've had some on past bikes glued so tight I had to cut them off.

[@mattmurdock80]

I just ordered a set of 12" apes for my 2015 fxdb. Do you think I'll need extended cables to install them?

[@BlockheadMoto]

I just washed my hands, so my thumbs are clean at the moment. Can I still hit the like button?

[@TheHarleyTech]

I’m equal opportunity, and accept all thumbs.

[@SkidPig]

insert dirty minded joke here ( )

[@Kelinesh]

Have you ever done a gauge relocation from the tank mounted type to a bar mount? How is the gap covered in the tank area?

[@christrumbly]

Hey John, what are the best sounding/performing pipes (in you opinion) for a 2000 XL883?

[@indianagaiser2980]

Hey bubb what’s the best way to measure for new bars? I want apes on my road king but don’t want above shoulder but not Minnie’s. Would it be best to measure from riser to where I would like my hands positioned. Any advise would help don’t wanna spend the money and not be happy with it.

[@jesseteran7328]

Question!!!! Will rear lowering shock brackets that fit a 1995 Dyna wide glide work on a 1994 Dyna wide glide? Safely?

[@ronhamilton515]

Got “Get a Grip” on my SGS and agree there good grips at a reasonable price

[@Granpapag]

John: I have a 05 FLSTSCI and am looking for some neopreme bushings for said bike with apes, but local HD shop can't seem to get the right ones. Can you help me with a part number please? Love your channel!!

[@fabiors10]

I love doing things by myself on my bike. I put some 14" on my Blackline and the worst was changing the clutch cable.

[@dltalex207]

Did it yesterday. Fxdl 14 switched to Biltwell Tyson xl 10“ thought I’m gonna need help but in the end it was easier than I actually thought.

[@IsaakTolekidis]

I have a 2012 1200 Sportster Custom thinking of z-bars like bitwell keystone, what's your opinion?

[@723apache]

Great video brother, any videos with a heavy breather installation on a 2014 street Glide special. Have a great weekend brother.

[@TheDioginese]

Hey John I have been enjoying your channel, and motivated me to buy the new 18 Street Bob which I did last month. Was hoping you could help me out or at least point me in the right direction with my bike. Decided to check all of my fluids this morning before going on a decent ride, and noticed that my Transmission fluid was just under the add mark of the hour glass. I now have 2k miles on the bike, and last time I had checked it was right after the 1k service where the level was fine. Is that in any way normal? Also should the fluid be water clear? Thanks You

[@zachowens1412]

Love the videos

[@paulsullivan931]

Hey John,cool vlog 👍😃

[@parkersgarage4216]

Where do you order specific length cables from? I'm new to this whole thing so I don't know much.

[@paulsmale5436]

I liked the compressed air from the last video to get the strings thru the bars to pull the cables thru. Am looking at using small lead weights attached to the strings and shaking them thru... hopefully.

[@vitoraimondi2626]

Thx John!

[@craigking6663]

Gday Mate were will I get one of the measuring kits from. Cheers KINGY

[@HenkeNYZF]

Gonna swap handlebars on my Wide glide tomorrow. Is it difficult to get those hard grips off? Rubber seems easier.

[@cjsmith]

Nice bars! Hate doing these installs. Never goes smoothly.

[@blangille6407]

I'm looking into doing a handlebar install and wanted to use the steel braided cables because they look badass. I was advised not to use them because they rub against the frame and cause damage. Noticed you use them on your sportster. Do you have that problem?

[@connormarks5989]

I just put 12" T-Bars on my '17 Low Rider S and I have to agree with every little thing you said! Except instead of 3 days for you..... it was more like 3 weeks for me haha

[@dkerby0]

Did you have to de-pin your connectors to get the wires through on the throttle side? I got the clutch-side wires through ok but I'm having a ton of trouble with the throttle-by-wire cables

[@connormarks5989]

Drew Kerby I De-pinned every wire and I had to cut off the sheathing on the TBW and electrical taped it tight that helped a lot!

[@dkerby0]

I appreciate the tips! Cutting the TBW sheathing off made things go a lot more smoothly

[@WillFurner]

What's your thoughts on those MX style t bars on a 2018 fatbob?

[@toodls]

Cables, What cables do you recommend ? why are they soo expensive ... for FLHTK stock to 14"

[@punkinsgarageandpaint8299]

I have a 2008 Road King, is there a way to make the throttle easier to turn? I have carpel tunnel starting in my hand doc says don't grip so hard. Well easier said than done.

[@Pensivelyexpensive]

"Highly trained unprofessional" I love it.

[@kirkleaman6863]

Who makes the cable measuring kit you have do you have the name and part # please thanks 🏁

[@AlfredBray33]

Maybe a stupid question, but are the 2018 softails able to utilize previous model forward control kits? I've looked around and haven't found a definite answer yet. I'd appreciate it man!

[@joshsutton7115]

Great content man! And yes rip dyna.

[@brucesyvertsen2147]

New subscriber here.... great videos. Can you post the brand of your cable measuring kit? be a great addition to my shop!

[@pyromedichd1]

The best platform from HD was the FXR. I'm still riding my '93 FXLR.

[@chrisdawson8252]

New softail low rider is also called fxlr. I know they're mot the same but it feels the same in terms of seating position.

[@Brian-zg9ff]

Ok boomer

[@pyromedichd1]

@@Brian-zg9ff And your point is?

[@LeCrazyFrenchman]

What is your opinion on Riser's and is it worth the cost savings compared to T-bars?

[@flyonawall6521]

Bonus video!!! Thanks what I'm talking about! I think everyone has had this moment while riding...still funny as hell to hear. 0:41

[@fixitsgarage7903]

I have a 2001 dyna super glide sport, I want to put 14in Tbars on it. Can I use my stock clutch and break cables?

[@skullfan33]

What is the part# of that cable measuring kit?!?

[@KyleSchwanz]

What sizes bars are those? Looks sick!! Guessing 12-14” lucky Dave’s

[@caputo116]

John, I swapped my bars on my 2019 Road Glide now I have a check engine light. Everything is back together properly and the green plug is plugged in all the way. Any ideas what might be wrong?

[@Dan-rc4cx]

So John, now you know why guys ride with T bars. Imagine how nice they are while splitting lanes on the freeway. They are solid and are great on the curvy roads too.

[@jzarate24]

Any tips on Headlight removal? For 18 Heritage, RRI Blazemaker...

[@cwagner1380]

I have 16” apes i want to put on my 2005 softail deluxe how much do u think is fair for install

[@wilburbinkley594]

What measuring kit do you have for the cables?

[@chevyon37s]

For a '16 that dudes paint is already in poor shape. But I found my 12in west coast MX T bars worked perfect with my stock street bob wires, cables, and brake lines. Also I'd recommend getting better ployeuratane riser bushings for sure!

[@mcmc8496]

Enquiring minds want to know if he has sold his old bars yet... Big dirty thumbs up, keep em coming!

[@robschilling837]

hey i have a 2015 dyna low rider ... i love it ..

[@turtlekiller3]

Can you do a video on the dyna wobble?

[@remotexpolde]

Heya! Happy New Dyna owner ( 95 FXDL Low Rider ..been 19 years, finally have it.) *Thanks for this channel BTW,.. This is great. SO, this wee beastie came with 'beach bars'(?) ..Not too bad, but a surgery has my throttle arm gimping out after an hour. (Tore bicep clean off of forearm saving bike from going over.. it's a bit temperamental now..) I have a set of DmnCycle drag bars, 6" rise, about 3" sweep and near identical positioning ( Mstr Cylnder/cables/brake line length, etc..) only instead of the wrist position being mid-buckhorn-style, they will be straight ahead-ish...which is what I need. MY QUESTION: I have a bar end plug to convert this TBW bar to standard and, given this bar has hidey holes for the cables to run through the bars, my caveman brain is trying to decide if I need to plug the hole Before or After I run the wires through. SILLY: Yes, I know. However, As I need to soft-mallet the thing in there, I would rather ask the silly question first. :) Long Live the Dyna! ((Thank You again... with beer.)) Stay well man!

[@Dadmoves49]

Good one Johnny max

[@BaggerBro]

Them Lucky Daves San Diego bars!!!! sexy !!!! Great video bud, dirty thumbs up!!!!

[@jerry-riverbluffbaggers3910]

Does anyone sell chrome switch housing cover for 09 road glide? The area by cruise control switch.

[@edgarburnett2115]

Love my Dyna.

[@chrisphilhower6029]

You should post one on the Turn Signal Relocation kits.

[@Latimotei]

I just bought my first Harley Davidson. It's a fatboy 2010. It currently has pretty high Ape Hangers on it. Im not sure i like that, and would personally rather have a 6-8" t bar, fat dragbar or something like that. Im not 100 sure yet. But my question is, when it is currenty fitted with apes (im not sure about the rising, since i havent picked up the bike yet. But im guessing maybe 17" rise) What about the wiring then? Im guessing the wiring will be far too long when i lower it to, lets say 8" dragbars? Or will it be fine with nice cable management? Hope someone can help me! :D

[@BKKgrind]

Whao...... I somehow took your last tip before I ever heard it - got myself Polyurethane bushings cuz the old ones were worn out. Why did I choose polyurethane bushings? Probably because skateboard trucks use it as an industry standard.

[@micha6887]

Thanks, personally, not so grand on the West coast handlebars, Texas

[@Vcoldduck]

How do you keep all the wind noise off your camera?

[@tk7863]

Quick question about the 89 sporster how far do i fill the oil to on the dip stick there are two marks which one is the correct one

[@TheHarleyTech]

The bottom one should be add, and the top one should be full. At least, that’s how most of the models are.