Hey guys,

Just picked up my first ever HD. It's a 2011 sportster 48, has 3000km on the odo and is immaculate! Mandatory pic below

I've ordered a stack of parts for it; one of those being 8" Z Bars. I've been looking at the cables to ensure I've got everything on hand before I pull the factory bars off. From what it looks like, the wiring and throttle/clutch cables look like they might make the extra distance, especially if the bars are tilted forwards a little. The brake cable on the other hand looks like it might be a tight fit. I've read some threads on various forums about extending the brake cable, but just so that I'm clear can you guys point out whether the cable I've highlighted in the pic below is the only part that needs to be changed?

If it is, I'm guessing I could just roll in to most brake shops and pick me up a cable about 4-5" longer than that along with new connectors.. and after a quick brake bleed, I should be good to go with the new bars... is this right? Will I need to extend the wiring also?

Also, in relation to the grips, do I need to destroy them to get them off the factory bars? or do they come off with the switches (wondering if there's a sleeve or similar in the grips)...

Thanks in advance!

 

 

 

Just an opinion, but I'd replace the whole line with a braided unit. When I did mine my many years ago, I reckon it made the lever feel less spongy when pulled. Mind you, that was on bikes of the 92 and 94 era, so if you have ABS or whatever, maybe it's not the same.

I'll also be interested to know if you even can, in fact, just replace the short rubber section you point out.

Good luck, nice ride.

thanks fellas.

Will definitely do the whole cable as a one piece braided unit instead of trying to mess with just the top section, etc...

I'm still awaiting the arrival of the bars from the US, but was hoping to go and get the cable made up in the meantime, that way I can fit them up the day they get here. I'll order some new grips as well so that I can just slice the stockers off, it will save the messing around. Thanks for the heads-up on the brass ferules as well... reminds me of the expanding bolts on the bar ends of my dirt bike, two of which are now inside the handlebars

the guys at hydraulink will make you one on the spot, for about 100 bucks.