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View Full Version : 12" Apes on the Nightster

Gas Man
09-18-2010, 11:55 AM
Here's the thing about the nightster stock bars. They were mid bars. It couldn't figure out if it wanted to be drag bars or little apes.

http://i99.photobucket.com/albums/l311/cjclark69/Nightster/apes001.jpg

http://i99.photobucket.com/albums/l311/cjclark69/Nightster/apes002.jpg



It always put you in a slight lean forward position as seen here.

http://i99.photobucket.com/albums/l311/cjclark69/Riding/Churchrun007.jpg



So let's get it going

http://i99.photobucket.com/albums/l311/cjclark69/Nightster/apes003.jpg

http://i99.photobucket.com/albums/l311/cjclark69/Nightster/apes004.jpg



Directo comparo

http://i99.photobucket.com/albums/l311/cjclark69/Nightster/apes005.jpg



Can you really "ride with no handlebars"?

http://i99.photobucket.com/albums/l311/cjclark69/Nightster/apes006.jpg

http://i99.photobucket.com/albums/l311/cjclark69/Nightster/apes007.jpg



Mocked up and half together

http://i99.photobucket.com/albums/l311/cjclark69/Nightster/apes008.jpg

http://i99.photobucket.com/albums/l311/cjclark69/Nightster/apes018.jpg



Now I got all of this second hand. The bars. The stock wires were no problem after a slight re route. The clutch cable and throttle cables were tight and I already knew I would have to replace the stupid half hose/half metal tube brake line. So the stuff I got from my buddy are the nice black breaded lines & cables. I decide even though the stock black vynal stuff may work, let's make it match...



Throttle cables require to rise the tank again... easy to do.

http://i99.photobucket.com/albums/l311/cjclark69/Nightster/apes010.jpg



Pull the air cleaner to get better access

http://i99.photobucket.com/albums/l311/cjclark69/Nightster/apes011.jpg



Install the new t-cables

http://i99.photobucket.com/albums/l311/cjclark69/Nightster/apes013.jpg

http://i99.photobucket.com/albums/l311/cjclark69/Nightster/apes015.jpg



Put in the new clutch cable, which is always a bit irritating. But easily do-able. Tighten up the t-cables

http://i99.photobucket.com/albums/l311/cjclark69/Nightster/apes012.jpg



Re-install and adjust her windshield (which I dont use)

http://i99.photobucket.com/albums/l311/cjclark69/Nightster/apes016.jpg

http://i99.photobucket.com/albums/l311/cjclark69/Nightster/apes017.jpg



I rode it for a few days last week and while my brother in law is right. As I said earlier, it was before "in between". Now I took it more cruiser. BIL would have preferred drag bars and believes this took the sporty out of the sportster. Who knows... it's still fast!



What do you think?



Soon to come...

Tank rise kit

lots of powder and ceramic

springer seat
tommymac
09-18-2010, 12:03 PM
Your helper needs to be wearing a skimpier outfit while wrenching :lol:

So do the higher bars also come backwards some to eliminate the forward lean?
Gas Man
09-18-2010, 12:11 PM
Oh yeah for sure. I'll see if I can get a pic with rider on. And with the further rise you can also adjust them forward and backward to get the perfect distance.
Mr Lefty
09-18-2010, 12:14 PM
ehh I liked the lower bars personally... but it's not my bike... and it's all about comfort anyhow.

but tommy's right... Uma needs to get more "comfortable" while wrenching LOL
Particle Man
09-18-2010, 04:49 PM
An "after" picture would definitely help with the comparison
Gas Man
09-18-2010, 05:37 PM
An "after" picture would definitely help with the comparison
You mean an "after RIDING" picture?
Captain Morgan
09-18-2010, 06:01 PM
You mean an "after RIDING" picture?

Definitely needed
Gas Man
09-18-2010, 08:48 PM
Yeah yeah yeah... she hasn't rode since then due to having her wisdom teeth pulled. too bruised and sore under the jaw to put a helmet on...
Particle Man
09-18-2010, 08:51 PM
Yeah, that'll do it
Captain Morgan
09-18-2010, 10:10 PM
Yeah yeah yeah... she hasn't rode since then due to having her wisdom teeth pulled. too bruised and sore under the jaw to put a helmet on...

Can understand that.
jalaan1
09-18-2010, 10:17 PM
imo, liked the way you had it before.

but if the new bars are more comfy for her, that's all that matters.
Gas Man
09-19-2010, 02:48 AM
Not everybody likes apes. It's a style and feel that isn't for everybody.
KSGregman
09-19-2010, 10:41 AM
Not everybody likes apes. It's a style and feel that isn't for everybody.

True enough....that bike begs for a drag bar, IMO...but....if she is happy and comfortable with the apes and is RIDING...then good on her. Roll on!
jalaan1
09-19-2010, 02:24 PM
True enough....that bike begs for a drag bar, IMO...but....if she is happy and comfortable with the apes and is RIDING...then good on her. Roll on!


yup!!!!
ontwo
09-20-2010, 10:20 AM
I like it. Not a fan of the massive apes that some guys have, but those are ok.
njchopper87
09-20-2010, 12:28 PM
I don't really care for the look, but I do understand how uncomfortable that slight lean can feel after a while.. on the longer rides my back is screaming at me.
marko138
09-20-2010, 02:01 PM
I agree with the sentiments echoed here. I'm more of a drag bar kind of guy. But I can admire the work.
tommymac
09-20-2010, 05:21 PM
I agree with the sentiments echoed here. I'm more of a drag bar kind of guy. But I can admire the work.

Stop kissing his ass :lol:
marko138
09-21-2010, 07:55 AM
Stop kissing his ass :lol:
Don't you have a wound to bandage or something?
wildchild
09-21-2010, 08:48 AM
finally their bikes will start to look a little different. LOL have to check them out at home. I do like apes on some bikes and if it makes it more comfortable for her that's the most important thing.
I did have to mention the springer seat. (your future mods) i take it you mean the brown leather one from HD? I tried to get her to go for that but she didn't like it. I love the look of that seat.
what is the tank rise kit? does it lift the tank some?

I have a feeling I'm going to be busy this winter once she gets started with the "I want this on my bike" thing. LOL
z06boy
09-21-2010, 09:52 AM
I agree with the sentiments echoed here. I'm more of a drag bar kind of guy. But I can admire the work.

Yep...same here

Stop kissing his ass :lol:

Oops...what I actually meant to say is... :rofl:


Don't you have a wound to bandage or something?

:lol: :lol:
Rider
09-21-2010, 09:55 AM
So... going for the full bobber?
Dave
09-21-2010, 11:13 AM
Id rather drags or cafes myself lol
Gas Man
09-23-2010, 09:07 AM
finally their bikes will start to look a little different. LOL have to check them out at home. I do like apes on some bikes and if it makes it more comfortable for her that's the most important thing.
I did have to mention the springer seat. (your future mods) i take it you mean the brown leather one from HD? I tried to get her to go for that but she didn't like it. I love the look of that seat.
what is the tank rise kit? does it lift the tank some?

I have a feeling I'm going to be busy this winter once she gets started with the "I want this on my bike" thing. LOL

HD doesn't make a springer seat for her 2009, due to the ecm location. I found a company that makes one and relocated the ecm slightly. Just more pricey. And I'm not sure what we'll do for the seat.

Tank rise... it raises the front of the gas tank (~2") to expose the top of the motor and the backbone slightly.

You can buy brackets for about $50
https://www.chopperstyle.net/shopping/images/2SPRT.jpeg

Or you can do somin cooler
http://nsa03.casimages.com/img/2009/01/07/090107095354212103.jpg


Pretty simplistic either way...

So... going for the full bobber?

Not exactly.. impossible with all the EFI wires and such. Plus I want to keep it realiable and rideable.
CasterTroy
09-23-2010, 09:23 AM
If t were mine? Drag bars...but I actually kinda like what SHE did....and I'm just overly impressed with HER work!! :rockwoot:

Plus, doesn't look like MOST ape hanger applications

http://media3.guzer.com/pictures/monkey_motorcycle.jpg