Softail Master Cylinder Retrofit? Road King Handlebar Woes.
I have a 2002 Road King that I am doing a handlebar replacement on. I settled on LA Choppers 1.25” risers, Alloy Art riser bushings, and Khrome Werks 1.25” Diameter 10” Bobber Apes.
I got these bars open box, so I was ok with taking a gamble on fitment. Khrome Werks says they fit the following models:
2007-2017 Fat Boy
2008-2017 Fat Bob
2010-2017 Wide Glide
2013-2017 Breakout.
I figured the reason these wouldn’t fit any other bikes was because of 1.25” risers. Anyway, I took the gamble, mocked everything up, and realized that the brake master cylinder doesn't fit.
Because these are 1.25” bars, there is a “flat” in the tubing that allows the brake master cylinder reservoir to clear the handlebars. What I didn't realize is that the location of these is different. When I tried to mock up the master cylinder, it will not sit flush on the handlebars. Upon closer inspection, it looks like the flats on the handlebars are in different locations.
Here are the new handlebars. Notice the location of the flat is pretty much facing forward.
And here are the old bars. The flat is much longer and facing up more.
So now I kinda backed myself into a corner. The bars were open box-no returns. The risers are already opened, I’m sure I can still return them, but I’ll take a hit on a brand new part.
I know what you’re thinking. “Don’t be cheap! Just sell the handlebars and other parts and find something different!” Well that’s just the problem, I chose these bars specifically for these measurements, and after mocking everything up and giving it a test sit, I actually like the way they feel.
I’m thinking of trying to find a used 2008 Fat Bob master cylinder. I can’t see why this wouldn’t interchange. Dual disk front brakes, 11/16” bore, and should work with my new handlebars.
Can anyone offer me any insight or knowledge on this master cylinder interchange?
Last edited by BAGGAH2; 01-21-2019 at 02:18 PM.
Reason: Adding photos
01-21-2019 | 02:15 PM
Softail Master Cylinder Retrofit? Road King Handlebar Woes.
