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To change or not to change, this is the question?

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1.6K views 5 replies 3 participants last post by  LuckyDawg41  
L
#1 ·
Greetings,
I recently purchased this kit off eBay
( http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=10064&item=2491140418&rd=1 )

"Description

This is a NO RESERVE auction for a NEW Harley Davidson Chrome Pullback Riser and Handlebar Kit. This kit is designed to give the "Beefy" look of the Softail duece front end on your softail. This kit includes handlebars, risers, clutch cable, brake line, and all the necessary hardware for installation. Measurements: Tip to Tip = 31 1/2", Base Width = 8 1/2", Rise = 5", Pullback = 6"

Fits 1996 and later Softail models. WILL NOT fit Softails equipped with Springer front end.

The part # is 56034-00. Retails for $249.95."

This is going on my FXSTI in place of the stock buckhorns and risers. The replacement clutch cable the kit came with is only 2" shorter than stock. My question is it worth the trouble putting the 2" shorter cable on or will the stock cable (and installed) be fine? Thanks.
 
L
#2 ·
To answer my own question; YES it was necessary to replace the stock cable with the 2" shorter one supplied in the kit. 2" doesn't seem like much (am I setting myself up here?) but it would have been real loopy and ummm... too long. I guess that's why the shorter cable was included.

By the way, this turned out to be a really nice kit. It came with everything needed to change out except a transmission side cover gasket, a new o-ring for the transmission drain plug, and of course brake fluid and transmission oil*. Since I had to pull the slip-ons off to get to the side cover for the clutch cable swap I also bought new muffler torca bolts and clamps. As a bonus for following the service manual and not trying to re-use the muffler clamps (which I did not do originally when the stock slip-ons were replaced) I get rid of a pop at higher rpm when shifting from 1st to 2nd gear. Apparently there had been an exhaust leak.

Anyway, I like the new feel way better than the stock buckhorns. Now the riding position allows for a little straighter arm and without the annoying bend in the wrist the buckhorns cause. The deuce bars are also a little narrower. The new risers are beautiful chrome and look 100% better than the stock polished aluminum. I think the bike also looks soooo much better. While I was at it I sprang for some Kuryakyn grips with a throttle boss. The extra bucks for the throttle boss was money well spent. Really comfortable.

I did the work myself after buying a service manual and a torque wrench. I don't know how much the dealer would of charged but I bet it's way more than the manual and the wrench cost. I'd also bet it probably took me twice as long as it would the dealer. To be honest I enjoyed doing it myself and am really pleased with the results. Perfect.

Sorry for for the long read. I'll post pics when I get a chance. One more thing, In the tranny I changed from dino 75w90 to mobil1 syn 75w90 and have to say my immediate impression was the bike shifted smoother & quieter.
 
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