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Handlebars for Low Rider FXLR

  • arsalanrox
    arsalanrox
    4 years ago
    My newly bought 2018 Low Rider's buck horn handle bars are too wide and far away. I need to change them with Ape bars probably. Depends!
    Any mechanic that anyone can recommend other than Big Harley dealers charging atleast $2.5k for this job(with Ape bars).
    I live in Western Sydney.
  • beaglebasher
    beaglebasher
    4 years ago
    If the bars are too wide and far away why dont you get a couple of mates to come around and put a long pipe on each end and bend them closer?
    I have done something similar before.  A couple of inches can make a big difference to the way the bike feels.
    Might save yourself a few dollars.
  • tussuck
    tussuck
    4 years ago
    Quoting beaglebasher on 20 Aug 2020 10:08 AMedited: 20 Aug 2020 10:13 AM

    If the bars are too wide and far away why dont you get a couple of mates to come around and put a long pipe on each end and bend them closer?

    I have done something similar before.  A couple of inches can make a big difference to the way the bike feels.
    Might save yourself a few dollars.

    Yep me too...  Friggin easy as.  Actually its a little too easy so be careful about going too far.  If they are chromed its a 50/50 chance the chrome will crack
  • arsalanrox
    arsalanrox
    4 years ago
    Quoting beaglebasher on 20 Aug 2020 10:08 AMedited: 20 Aug 2020 10:13 AM

    If the bars are too wide and far away why dont you get a couple of mates to come around and put a long pipe on each end and bend them closer?

    I have done something similar before.  A couple of inches can make a big difference to the way the bike feels.
    Might save yourself a few dollars.

    Quoting tussuck on 21 Aug 2020 12:26 AM

    Yep me too...  Friggin easy as.  Actually its a little too easy so be careful about going too far.  If they are chromed its a 50/50 chance the chrome will crack

    Very interesting! Should I do it as is without off handlebar controls?
    Do you recommend using a pipe as @beaglebasher said?
    Thanks!
  • Ratbob
    Ratbob
    4 years ago
    I’m missing something here are you saying $2,500 to change bars of does that include the bars, cables and fitting, if so how much was the fitting, why not do it yourself?
  • arsalanrox
    arsalanrox
    4 years ago
    Quoting Ratbob on 21 Aug 2020 03:20 AMedited: 21 Aug 2020 03:22 AM

    I’m missing something here are you saying $2,500 to change bars of does that include the bars, cables and fitting, if so how much was the fitting, why not do it yourself?

    $2.5k inclusive of handle bars, cables, labor. everything
  • Ratbob
    Ratbob
    4 years ago
    Quoting Ratbob on 21 Aug 2020 03:20 AMedited: 21 Aug 2020 03:22 AM

    I’m missing something here are you saying $2,500 to change bars of does that include the bars, cables and fitting, if so how much was the fitting, why not do it yourself?

    Quoting arsalanrox on 21 Aug 2020 03:51 AM

    $2.5k inclusive of handle bars, cables, labor. everything

    Did they itemise the quote so you can see the charge for the fitting ?
  • arsalanrox
    arsalanrox
    4 years ago
    Quoting Ratbob on 21 Aug 2020 03:20 AMedited: 21 Aug 2020 03:22 AM

    I’m missing something here are you saying $2,500 to change bars of does that include the bars, cables and fitting, if so how much was the fitting, why not do it yourself?

    Quoting arsalanrox on 21 Aug 2020 03:51 AM

    $2.5k inclusive of handle bars, cables, labor. everything

    Quoting Ratbob on 21 Aug 2020 04:03 AM

    Did they itemise the quote so you can see the charge for the fitting ?

    Offcourse.. Total labour is $700
  • Birtyyy
    Birtyyy
    4 years ago
    Quoting arsalanrox on 21 Aug 2020 03:51 AM

    $2.5k inclusive of handle bars, cables, labor. everything

    Quoting Ratbob on 21 Aug 2020 04:03 AM

    Did they itemise the quote so you can see the charge for the fitting ?

    Quoting arsalanrox on 21 Aug 2020 04:10 AM

    Offcourse.. Total labour is $700

    I did a bar change myself recently for about $800. Bars were $500, brake hose $115, clutch cable $170 + brake fluid. Wiring extensions weren't required so saved a little there and also only the clutch cable was genuine Harley.
  • beaglebasher
    beaglebasher
    4 years ago
    Remove both grips and find a pipe that fits snugly over the bars. Get a couple of mates to start pulling at the same time. 
    You can sit on the bike and keep a careful watch on how much they're moving.
    As tussuck said go real steady..
  • Ratbob
    Ratbob
    4 years ago
    Quoting arsalanrox on 21 Aug 2020 03:51 AM

    $2.5k inclusive of handle bars, cables, labor. everything

    Quoting Ratbob on 21 Aug 2020 04:03 AM

    Did they itemise the quote so you can see the charge for the fitting ?

    Quoting arsalanrox on 21 Aug 2020 04:10 AM

    Offcourse.. Total labour is $700

    Sheesh mate, can’t believe it. 
    Do it yourself, even if you have to buy a bleeder kit for $50 you’ll be saving $650 for a couple of hours work, even if it took you 3 hours it’s kinda like paying yourself $216 per hour and (if you’ve not done it before) you’ll be learning new skills.
    I reckon the worst part is taking off the tank. Of course, a bike lift or at least an upright floor clamp helps so there’s extra cost but then you have em for future jobs, especially when you find you don’t like your new bars :)
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