I am looking at installing either Licks Z bars or HD mini apes on my iron, however my worry is the wiring. Does anybody know if the wiring for these bars must be done internally, and if not needed will it look bad no done internally. My issue is that I don't have time with my jobs to do it myself, nor do I have the mechanical know how, and i fear the number of hours and cost that it will take the dealership will make doing this work seem outrageous. Anyone have any advice on what they think this would cost me at a dealership, or any suggestions? Getting to the point where I may just live with the stock bars.

 

You never HAVE to internally wire any bars, just make sure they're dimpled if you don't. As far as anything else, it depends on the height of the bars.

 

Going rate at dealers and independent shops seems to be around $600-$1000 all said and done. If you buy all the parts first you could probably save some money, but it will be labor intensive, which is where the cost is at mostly, no matter what.

 

I wired my Z-bars internally and I'm gonna tell ya it sux bad! But way worth it! So ya if ur wanting easy buy dimpled handlebars.

 

Easy trick for this involves some clear 7/16 or 1/2" tubing from home depot, some grease, and a little patience. If you go this route they will be rock solid and you'll never, ever have problems.

First, remove the wire pins from the deutsch connector (MAKE A MAP OF WHERE THEY WENT - by color/number) and strip the entire factory sheath...heat shrink everything from the bar housing down leaving about 4" exposed a the end where the pins connect to the deutsch connector. Grease and fish the tube through the bars first, leaving about 3" coming out of either hole for the wires, then run the wires (which should ALWAYS BE ENTIRELY HEAT SHRUNK) then just carefully slip the tubing out when you get them through. Twist the tubing while you first push it through and it shouldn't give you any problems. Follow your map to reseat the pins, reconnect your connectors, and voila, you got internally wired bars quick, fast, and in a hurry. Clean up the outside only...leaving the grease down in there allows for a little play should you have to work on them in the future...Z's will chew up wires quickly if there's nothing in place to prevent them from hanging on internal edges.

It's really not that involved if you prepare and are patient with it. I'd say do it yourself if you want it done right and for little $$$. Paying a dealership to do anything is a waste of money in almost every case. If you absolutely have to have someone else do it, find a tech/mechanic on Craigslist or a smaller indy shop that will do it for cheaper.