Ive recently purchased a 2011 Harley 48 which had baby apes with longer braided cables. I have changed the bars over to genuine HD drag bars and obviously there is too much cable and from reading the forums this could be dangerous. I dont have the original cables and I have been quoted approx $240 for standard OEM Harley ones (non fitted).

Looking for some advice on what cables I should be getting eg size etc and where from? I want to stay with braided lines.

I was given some lengths which included Throttle & Idel 38 Branke 54. What do the numbers represent?

keep an eye on ebay etc. most people are going longer than shorter, you'll pick up a cast off set soon enough. Also scope out your local harley shop, they've probably got a shit ton of them from putting look at me bars on peoples bikes. Braided brake lines can be custom made for you by Hydraulink for around 100 bucks. But you may get away with just creative routing of the thottle cables - like from the grip, behind the headlight, around the left side of the neck / frame ( looking from on the bike ) under the tank, and to the carby / efi. I've used my stock ones on 10" frisco bars, 4 inch zeds, and now clubmans with only changes to the brake line. good luck mate.

 

how exactly are they dangerous?? so long as they don't bind, or catch on passing cars, you're all good.

where are you located spencer?

T1

 im in perth wa. Thanks for suggestion on cable route. Might come back to u with some more questions

 

Further to my last, went to the bike shop and will probably go the custom length. Now I just need to measure out the distance and the route I want to take. As Im going to do a speedo relocation and just go with a plain handlebar clamp, I want to keep the front end (beyond handlebars) nice and clean. Any advice on how much slack and route I should take?

use some string and run it where you want the cable to go, making sure the bends are long and not tight. Measure the string and thats the length you will need. Check the HD book on page 841 of the 2013 motor parts book and page 822 in the 2012 book for details on the cables. i have stock ones here if you need me to measure for you.

T1

Thanks Terroistone. I will get back to you on the stock measurements if required. Obviously I was streamlined but how much bend should I give to ensure it is not too tight.

with a drag bar the stock throttle cables are ok, but the brake and clutch are a tad too long. (from memory) Check the HD book for listings

T1

I run a broomstick bar on my Iron, the throttle cables are fine. My clutch cable goes over the top of the headlight and is ok. The stock brake line is ok but the rubber bit at the master cylinder ends up in a fairly tight S shape. You're better off going for a correct length braided line anyway.

Cheers guys, Im going to see a brake specialist who does vintage cars to see if they can cut my current braided lines to a specific length. Anyone done this before??? Can it be done???

At around 80 bucks, just buy one!