How to an Install Ape Hanger Cable Kit on a Harley-Davidson

How to Install an Ape Hanger Cable Kit on a Harley-Davidson is an important step when upgrading to taller aftermarket handlebars. Ape hangers can transform the appearance and riding position of a Harley, but taller bars also move the controls farther away from their original locations.

That additional height can make the factory clutch cable, brake line, throttle cables, and handlebar wiring too short for the new setup.

Installing the correct Harley ape hanger cable kit provides the additional length needed for proper routing and control movement. How to Install an Ape Hanger Cable Kit 21 Front single disc Spoke Wheel and Tire

In this guide, we’ll explain how to install an ape hanger cable kit, how to choose the correct cable length, what components you may need, common installation mistakes, and the checks you should perform before riding. How to Install an Ape Hanger Cable Kit Chrome spokes wheels and white walls tires

What Is an Ape Hanger Cable Kit?

An ape hanger cable kit is a collection of extended components designed to accommodate taller handlebars.

Depending on your Harley model and the specific kit, it may include:

Extended clutch cable
Extended throttle cables
Extended brake line
Throttle-by-wire extension
Handlebar wiring extensions
Brake fittings
Cable guides
Installation hardware

Not every kit contains every component. How to Install an Ape Hanger Cable Kit

Before starting the installation, verify exactly what is included and confirm that the kit is compatible with your Harley-Davidson model and year. How to Install an Ape Hanger Cable Kit Legend air ride suspension for harley Davidson

Why Do You Need an Ape Hanger Cable Kit?

Factory cables and wiring are designed around the original handlebar position.

When you install taller ape hangers, the controls move upward and potentially farther away from the steering head. How to Install an Ape Hanger Cable Kit

This can cause the original components to become:

Too short
Stretched
Tightly bent
Difficult to route
Restricted during steering

An appropriately sized extended cable kit provides additional length while allowing the controls to operate normally. How to Install an Ape Hanger Cable Kit

What You Need Before Installing Ape Hanger Cables

Before beginning the installation, gather the appropriate tools and replacement components.

Depending on your motorcycle and kit, you may need:

Correct ape hanger cable kit
Motorcycle service information
Metric or SAE hand tools
Wrenches
Socket set
Screwdrivers
Torque wrench
Cable ties or approved cable retainers
Brake-system supplies where applicable
Appropriate brake fluid where required
Electrical tools for wiring extensions
Protective material for the fuel tank

The exact tools depend on the Harley model and the components being replaced. How to Install an Ape Hanger Cable Kit Black Bassani 2-1 exhaust

Step 1: On How to Install an Ape Hanger Cable Kit Confirm Your Harley Model and Cable Kit

Before removing anything, verify that the cable kit matches your motorcycle.

Check:

Harley model
Model year
Handlebar diameter
Handlebar height
Riser height
Handlebar pullback
Clutch type
Throttle type
Brake configuration
Wiring configuration

This is especially important because Harley cable and control configurations can vary between models and years. How to Install an Ape Hanger Cable Kit

A cable kit designed for one Harley should not automatically be assumed to fit another.

Step 2: Measure Your Ape Hanger Setup

Cable length should not be selected based only on handlebar height.

Consider the entire setup:

Handlebar height + riser height + pullback + width + routing

For example, two motorcycles using 16-inch ape hangers may require different cable lengths if they have different risers or handlebar bends.

Before installation, verify the recommended cable length for your exact configuration.

Step 3: Protect the Fuel Tank

Before working around the handlebars, protect the fuel tank and surrounding painted surfaces.

A handlebar or tool can accidentally contact the tank during installation.

Use an appropriate protective cover designed for motorcycle work.

This is especially important when removing and repositioning the controls. How to Install an Ape Hanger Cable Kit Saddlemen Step-Up TTR Tuck and Roll Seat For Harley

Step 4: Photograph the Original Cable Routing

Before removing the original cables and wiring, take several photographs of the existing routing.

Photograph:

Clutch cable path
Brake line path
Throttle cables
Wiring harnesses
Control connections
Cable guides
Steering-head routing

These pictures can be extremely useful when installing the new components.

The original routing may not be appropriate for the taller handlebars, but it provides a useful reference for understanding where the components connect.

Step 5: Remove the Original Handlebars and Controls

Follow the service procedure appropriate for your Harley.

Carefully remove the existing:

Grips
Switch housings
Brake controls
Clutch controls
Throttle components
Handlebar-mounted accessories

Keep track of fasteners and components.

Do not force components that appear stuck. How to Install an Ape Hanger Cable Kit LA Choppers 1-1/2 Grande Twin Peaks Touring Handlebar Ape 18″ Black Baggers FLHX

Step 6: Remove the Original Clutch Cable

If your Harley uses a cable-operated clutch, remove the original clutch cable according to the motorcycle manufacturer’s procedure.

Pay attention to:

Adjustment points
Cable brackets
Connection points
Routing
Lever connection

Before installing the extended cable, compare its length with the original component.

The new cable should provide sufficient length for the new handlebar position without creating excessive slack.

Step 7: Install the Extended Clutch Cable

Route the new extended Harley clutch cable from the clutch control toward its connection point.

Avoid sharp bends.

The cable should have smooth curves and should not be:

Pinched
Stretched
Trapped
Rubbing against sharp edges
Routed against hot components

Do not permanently secure the cable yet.

Leave enough flexibility to adjust the routing after the handlebars and controls are installed.

Step 8: Install the Extended Brake Line

The front brake line requires particular attention because it is part of the motorcycle’s hydraulic braking system.

Remove and install the brake line according to the applicable service procedure.

Verify:

Correct fittings
Correct banjo orientation
Proper routing
Adequate length
No sharp bends
No contact with moving components

After brake-line work, the brake system must be properly serviced and checked according to the motorcycle manufacturer’s requirements.

Do not ride if the brake lever feels abnormal or the braking system has not been properly inspected. How to Install an Ape Hanger Cable Kit FAT BAGGERS INC 1-1/4 EZ Install Meathook Handlebars 14″ Black Ape Hangers Cables

Step 9: Install Extended Throttle Cables

If your Harley uses traditional throttle cables, install the appropriate extended throttle components.

Depending on the motorcycle, there may be separate throttle and idle cables.

Route both cables smoothly.

Avoid:

Sharp bends
Excessive loops
Tight steering-head areas
Tank contact
Hot engine or exhaust components

The throttle should operate smoothly throughout the entire steering range.

Step 10: Check Whether Your Harley Uses Throttle-by-Wire

Some Harley-Davidson motorcycles use electronic throttle-by-wire rather than traditional throttle cables.

If your motorcycle uses throttle-by-wire, the installation may require a compatible wiring extension rather than conventional throttle cables. How to Install an Ape Hanger Cable Kit

Before purchasing your kit, determine which throttle system your motorcycle uses.

Never assume that a traditional throttle cable kit is compatible with a throttle-by-wire motorcycle.

Step 11: Install Handlebar Wiring Extensions

Taller handlebars can require additional length for the electrical wiring connected to the handlebar controls.

Depending on the motorcycle, this may include:

Turn signals
Horn
Lighting controls
Switches
Heated grips
Throttle-by-wire wiring
Other electronic controls

If the factory wiring becomes stretched, an appropriate Harley handlebar wiring extension may be required.

Route the wiring carefully and protect it from:

Pinching
Sharp edges
Excessive heat
Moving components
Excessive tension

Step 12: Install the New Ape Hanger Handlebars

Position the new handlebars in the risers.

Before completely tightening the controls, establish the desired handlebar position.

Check:

Handlebar angle
Pullback
Rider reach
Tank clearance
Fairing clearance
Cable routing
Wiring routing

Do not finalize the routing until you have tested the complete steering range. How to Install an Ape Hanger Cable Kit Custom Billet Mag Wheels Ironhorse Chopper 10.5 X18 3.50 X 21 Big Dog Wide Tire!

Step 13: Route the Cables and Wiring

This is one of the most important steps in the entire installation.

A correctly sized cable can still bind if routed incorrectly.

Create smooth cable paths from the controls toward the motorcycle’s connection points.

Avoid sharp bends and unnecessary loops.

Keep the cables away from:

Exhaust components
Moving suspension components
Tire
Steering stops
Sharp frame edges
Fuel tank contact points

Step 14: Check Full Steering Movement

With the handlebars installed but before finalizing cable routing, slowly turn the bars:

Full Left → Center → Full Right

Observe every cable and wire.

Look for:

Tight cables
Stretched wires
Sharp bends
Pinching
Tank contact
Fairing contact
Fork contact
Excessive slack

Repeat the test several times.

This is one of the most important checks for preventing ape hanger cable binding. How to Install an Ape Hanger Cable Kit 100″ Sidewinder Big Bore Kit For Harley Twin Cam 1999-2006

Step 15: Test the Throttle

The throttle should operate smoothly and return properly.

Test it with the handlebars:

Centered
Fully left
Fully right

The throttle should not become heavier or stick when the handlebars are moved. How to Install an Ape Hanger Cable Kit

If throttle behavior changes with steering position, stop and correct the routing before riding. How to Install an Ape Hanger Cable Kit

Step 16: Check the Clutch

Operate the clutch lever with the handlebars centered.

Then turn the handlebars left and operate the clutch again.

Repeat with the handlebars fully right.

The clutch should have consistent operation throughout the steering range.

If the lever becomes significantly harder to operate or the cable becomes tight, inspect the cable routing and length. How to Install an Ape Hanger Cable Kit Mustang Extended Arm Wrap-Around Backrest For Harley Touring

Step 17: Check the Brake System

Inspect the front brake system carefully.

Verify that the brake line:

Has adequate length
Is correctly routed
Does not become tight
Does not contact the tire
Does not contact moving components
Does not have sharp bends

After any hydraulic brake-system work, follow the manufacturer’s bleeding, fluid, and inspection procedures.

The brake lever should have the appropriate feel before the motorcycle is ridden.

Step 18: Check Fuel Tank and Fairing Clearance

Turn the handlebars from full left to full right.

Check the clearance between the controls and:

Fuel tank
Fairing
Gauges
Fork
Frame
Other components

A brake master cylinder or switch housing that contacts the fuel tank can cause damage and may limit steering. How to Install an Ape Hanger Cable Kit

Correct the handlebar position or component selection if necessary. Saddlemen Roadsofa LS Lattice Stitch 2-Up Seat For Harley

Step 19: Secure the Cables and Wiring

Once you’ve confirmed that everything moves correctly, secure the cables and wiring using appropriate retainers.

Avoid creating tight cable ties that compress or restrict the cables.

The components should remain properly routed while retaining enough freedom of movement for steering. How to Install an Ape Hanger Cable Kit

Step 20: on How to Install an Ape Hanger Cable Kit Tighten the Handlebar and Controls

Once the final position has been established, tighten the handlebar and controls according to the motorcycle and component manufacturer’s specifications.

Use a torque wrench where specified.

Don’t guess torque values.

Incorrectly tightened controls can move during riding, while excessive tightening can damage components. How to Install an Ape Hanger Cable Kit Black Prodigy rims

Step 21: Perform a Complete Pre-Ride Inspection

Before riding, inspect the entire installation.

Handlebar

Secure
Correctly positioned
Properly torqued

Throttle

Smooth
Returns correctly
No binding

Clutch

Smooth operation
Correct adjustment

Brake

Proper lever feel
No leaks
Correct line routing

Cables

No tension
No sharp bends
No excessive slack

Wiring

No pinching
No stretching
Properly secured

Steering

Full left and right movement

Clearance

No contact with tank
No contact with fairing
No tire interference
No interference with moving components

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How to Install an Ape Hanger Cable Kit (Step-by-Step Guide)