When it came time for handlebars and hand controls on our project '89 FLHS, we wanted something fat, sky-high, and dripping with chrome. After searching for the right size and bend of bars, we chose a set of LA Choppers Hefty 16-inch apehangers. The reason these bars have the hefty moniker is that they are 1 1/2 inches in diameter including the center section. We didn't want the big bars to move around, so we went with a Carlini Design Road King Riser. This substantial unit has eight clamp bolts and two set screws, making sure even the tallest apes will not move when clamped.
Once the bars and riser were chosen, we ordered a Harley-Davidson Chrome Hand Control kit. This kit will upgrade the bike from the pre-1995 switches and levers to the '96-06 controls. We also ordered a chrome pre-wired switch kit from Biker's Choice. These shiny switches made the upgrade a rather easy install due to the wires being the correct OEM colors.
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(1.)A stout set of 16-inch LA Choppers Hefty bars was chosen for their looks and neutral b
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(2.)To add to the bling theme, an H-D chrome hand control kit was selected.
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(3.)The chrome switch kit from Biker's Choice was installed into the H-D hand controls.
To top off the control setup we went with a set of chrome plated 50's Boy Throttler grips. The reason we chose these grips was the fact that they are designed with a ratcheting cruise control system built into the grip. To operate the cruise control, once the desired speed is attained, one flip of the activation lever is all it takes to sustain it. If more or less speed is desired, the grip indexes like a ratchet wrench. Every click is good for plus or minus 3mph.
(4.)An 8-inch wire extension kit from NAMZ was used to increase the Biker's Choice switch
While measuring the switch wires for the bars, we noticed that we needed to extend the control wires, so a Handlebar Extension wire kit from NAMZ was ordered. These OEM color-coded extensions just slide onto the existing wires with pre-installed pins. To secure the extension to the switch wires, heat shrink tubing is slid over and heated up.
With the large diameter of the bars, the internal wiring was just about as simple as could be and the hand controls bolted up like they were the original parts.
With this part of the job done, both the foot and hand controls have been completed. Stay tuned for the next chapter of Back From the Dead when we will be rewiring the rest of the bike. B