Guide to Harley Davidson Cable Extension Kits

The stock handlebars are one of the first parts on any Harley to see a complete makeover. Regardless if you’ve bought the bike new, changing from the factory cruiser bars or mini-apes with pull-back and sweep designed to accommodate most riders solves the all too common issues of rider fatigue and strain. 

The aim is to have handlebars that sit at shoulder height and width while retaining the overall look. Going taller or wider, or adding risers, however, results in considerations most riders overlook – that of the stock cabling being too short to work the throttle, clutch and brake with the new bars. 

Since Harleys are the most modified bikes out there, a simple solution is Harley Davidson cable extension kits. These are offered as both OEM options straight from authorised dealerships, or more often, as third-party offerings from the dozens of aftermarket manufacturers making all things Harley. 

The Basics of Cable Extension Kits

Cable extension kits adjust the throttle and clutch cabling, the brake lines, and switch wiring to the height and width of your new bars. Whether this is taller and wider apehangers, shorter and more compact T-bars or extra-wide beach bars, there’s an extension kit to suit dozens of handlebar styles and still provide safe handling, consistent performance and the durability you’d expect from stock Harley gear. Kits are also tailored to match your exact Harley model and manufacturing year, taking into account specifics like throttle and brake types, while optioned in materials and finishes that pair seamlessly with the overall bike aesthetic. 

Why They’re Necessary 

If you’ve ever swapped the factory bars and attempted workarounds such as splicing cables or rerouting brake lines (then bleeding them from trapped air), you’ll know why cable extension kits make perfect sense. It’s not just to save time and hassle. Stock cabling that is too short can result in a few problems: 

• Steering issues: Cabling that is too short can become rigid and stressed, causing handling and steering difficulties and preventing the bars from fully turning side to side. Not something you’ll enjoy in low-speed maneuvering in tight spots. 
• Uncontrolled throttle, clutch or brake activation: Stock cabling on longer and wider bars can pull on the controls, unintentionally activating the throttle, clutch and brakes, either cutting power, causing unwanted stops or thrusting the throttle for an unexpected speed increase. 
• Difficulty engaging levers: Binding clutch wiring can mean more effort is needed in something as simple as changing gears or slipping clutches. Similarly, stretched brake lines with increased line tension can compromise braking performance when you least expect it. And throttle cabling, particularly in dual-cable setups, can mean stuck push (return) cables, leading to possible engine and electrics issues. 
• Increased wear: Routing stock wires and harnesses through bends and crevices results in thinned insulation, exposed and frayed wires and taut connections. Eventually, something will give. Binding and pinching are too common and will lead to blown fuses, electrical shorts, or the bike stalling mid-ride. Cut out the guesswork and purchase ba espoke Harley cable extension to ensure safety and peace-of-mind. 
• Sloppy aesthetics: Fitting shorter and narrower bars (drag, Z-, tracker bars) and pairing these with the stock cabling and brake lines produces dangling, slapping cables, rubbing against other bike parts. The looks won’t be to everyone’s taste.

To rule out possible accidents, unwanted damage and handling issues, Harley Davidson cable extension kits provide improved safety with cable and brake lines designed to fit seamlessly with your new handlebars. They prevent wire binding and pinching. unexpected engine antics, or the throttle and brakes playing up. Packaged kits include everything you need for a quick refit, and get controls working perfectly with the bars, levers and grips. 

Moreover, aftermarket kits boost finishes with a variety of protective materials (from vinyl to steel braiding) and ensure prolonged durability, often exceeding Harley Davidson’s own high standards with cabling and lines resistant to corrosion, abrasion, friction and everyday wear. 

What’s Included

Packaged kits from reputed aftermarket brands (Burly Brand, LA Choppers, Magnum Shielding, Fat Baggers, among others) include lengthened clutch cables, single or dual throttle cabling (depending on your bike) and extended brake lines, often in protective steel braiding for consistent fluid pressure and brake actuation. These are in lengths to suit all major aftermarket handlebar styles. 

For simple wiring and dealing with the switchgear, all-in-one kits also include colour-coded wiring harnesses for the bar electrics, including the indicators and ignition.  

Key Buying Considerations 

Consider compatibility with the handlebar style, compatibility with the bike, cable and brake line materials and quality, and meeting regulatory requirements to pass MOT inspections. 

Handlebar heights (and to a lesser extent, widths) are the main determining factor when it comes to cable and brake line lengths. Kits are available as universal types fitting bars in stated heights, usually between 12″ and 18″, or are marketed to work with specific bar types, for instance, with 14″ Apehangers. The latter also takes into account handlebar design specifics (such as pullback and sweep angles) for a cleaner fit. 

Next, consider the bike. Kits differ with cabling for single throttle lines for bikes up to the early 1980s, or dual throttle cables – most Harleys between the 1980s and the mid-2000s, when the company fully transitioned to fly-by-wire electronic throttle. The same reasoning goes for non-ABS and ABS-bikes, ensuring the brakes work as they should, or you’re not giving up integral safety features. In the same context, kits are sold for specific bikes. This is not just the difference between Softails, Dynas, or Glides, but also when the bike was produced, as slight differences between model years can mean the kits work and fit, or that you need to look elsewhere. 

Lastly, consider cables and brake lines made from quality materials and those that pass strict requirements concerning corrosion resistance, kinking and twisting. These can lead to the issues listed above. Consider tough vinyl insulation for clutch and throttle cables, and reinforced and braided steel brake lines for consistent safety and durability. The only thing remaining is to get kits that suit the bike and your personal taste, with black or chrome stainless steel finishes being the most common. 

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Becky

Meet the award-nominated UK lifestyle blogger behind Spirited Puddle Jumper – a mum of three living in South East London! Becky shares the real ups and downs of family life, parenting tips, and lifestyle inspiration, proving that being a mum doesn’t mean you stop being fun or having other interests! Follow along for honest insights into UK family life and opinions on a whole range of topics, from travel and food, to beauty reviews, home and DIY, business and health and wellness.