Finished the mini-apes today

[jestephens]

It feels good to have it all back together!

New brake/turn lights (with run/brake/turn module)
Lots of powder coated pieces
13" mini-apes by Don Meyers. (had to extend hoses and electrical)
:D :D :D

These brake/turn lights are much more visible than the LED strips I had installed on the outside edge of the rear fender. That solution wasn't visible from much of an angle besides straight behind me. These are a Kuryakyn part for a Goldwing. I sawed some of it off to change the shape, and painted the chrome black. Love it!
-The "run" setting of the module didn't give enough contrast to turn and brake in my opinion, so I disconnected that wire. I may experiment with added resistors at some point.
http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w117/jestephens/Vaquero%201700/P3090516.jpg

http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w117/jestephens/Vaquero%201700/P3090509.jpg

Mini-apes and powder coated crash bars and floor boards. Highway pegs are black now too, but not installed yet.
http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w117/jestephens/Vaquero%201700/P3090501.jpg

http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w117/jestephens/Vaquero%201700/P3090502.jpg

[Jared]

Fantastic job! Looking very very good!

[Duff]

Looks awesome! Did you have the bars made custom, or did you find some narrow enough to fit?

[Loafer]

Don Meyers made the handle bars.

[Bud2rat]

That's one SWEEEEEEEEEET looking ride. I like it. Good job.

[glwilson]

Looks like the bars that should have been on the bike as stock... Looks great!

Good job Don!:tup: :cheers:

[drof]

Looks good. You'll love those bars! The ones I put on are very comfortable. I like the looks of your rear turns signals as well. I have something similar. Nice to see others making big changes. I really like the looks of your front turn signals. Looks to have really cleaned up the front end removing the stock bar.

[Pitchinguy]

Doggone fine look'n scoot!

[dmyers]

I have another set of bars just like these if anyone is interested.

[jestephens]

Of course the wish list continues, but this has been a productive winter project. I can't wait for bike-nights to start and the National Rally in June!

[Duff]

I have another set of bars just like these if anyone is interested.

I'm interested

[ringadingh]

Thats a sharp looking bike Jay!

[Rotoman40]

I have another set of bars just like these if anyone is interested.

I'm interested. But looking for 10inch bars.

[racinfan101]

Very Nice Looks Sharp!!

[ray2]

Jay. Like to see and hear your bike as well as some others on the forum sometime.

[jestephens]

Deal! I've got a baby due in August and hope to ride hard this summer in preparation :)

[Jared]

Did you have your extended hoses made locally or buy them online somewhere?

[Monkeyman]

Don makes some nice bars. I had a 12" set on my Nomad. They felt good.

[jestephens]

Did you have your extended hoses made locally or buy them online somewhere?

I had some made at Axelboy in St Peters, MO. They were able to recreate the "Y" that was there originally. I never asked RoaringToyz if they would sell the hose kit separately, but they were my Plan B.

[Jared]

I had some made at Axelboy in St Peters, MO. They were able to recreate the "Y" that was there originally. I never asked RoaringToyz if they would sell the hose kit separately, but they were my Plan B.

I'm assuming you're referring to the Y under the lower tree clamp? If they were custom making the hoses, couldn't they just reuse that one?

[chucks1911]

Lookin good Jay. HD headlight?

[jestephens]

I'm assuming you're referring to the Y under the lower tree clamp? If they were custom making the hoses, couldn't they just reuse that one?

We used some low profile hoses. So I'm not sure if it was an option or not. I considered doing what RoaringToyz did for simplicity but Axelboy seemed confidant.

--yes, HD black LED headlight :)

[Rsweat49]

Looking good!

I put round 2 1/2 inch LEDs in my bags. and the blinkers went in the vent along with running lights.
Question: How much was the Handle Bars and how did you paint the plastic on the engine heads?

Thanks

Roger
______________________
2011 Black Vulcan Vaquero.

[Kevinhyland]

Beautiful scoot!

[Tony Smith]

Where did you get the LED strips?

[jestephens]

Looking good!

I put round 2 1/2 inch LEDs in my bags. and the blinkers went in the vent along with running lights.
Question: How much was the Handle Bars and how did you paint the plastic on the engine heads?

Thanks

Roger
______________________
2011 Black Vulcan Vaquero.

Dmeyers can help out with the handlebars.
The engine covers have 2 bolts each to loosen and the part "slides" off. I had them painted with a hydro graphics system. I'm typing on my phone now or I'd put in a link to the shop that did my "carbon fiber" effect.
www.midwesthydrodesigns.com

[Jared]

We used some low profile hoses. So I'm not sure if it was an option or not. I considered doing what RoaringToyz did for simplicity but Axelboy seemed confidant.

--yes, HD black LED headlight :)

What did RT do? Didn't they just extend with green braided?

Approximately how much did it cost for the extended hoses? What makes them low profile?

[Stitch]

Please tell us about your exhuast. the bike looks reat.

[jestephens]

RoaringToyz ran a line straight from the lever to the left caliper, then used a long banjo bolt to stack banjos and run a jumper from left caliper to the right caliper.

I call them low-profile, but they are a smaller hose (<8mm diameter) versus the stock, which I haven't measured but seems about 20mm or so overerall. - I paid about $170 for a new clutch line, and the brake hose/manifold assembly. Stainless steel braided hose with clear dark-smoke color. The combo of dark smoke over SS braid has a "carbon" look I'm using on other parts of the bike.

[Jared]

RoaringToyz ran a line straight from the lever to the left caliper, then used a long banjo bolt to stack banjos and run a jumper from left caliper to the right caliper.

I call them low-profile, but they are a smaller hose (<8mm diameter) versus the stock, which I haven't measured but seems about 20mm or so overerall. - I paid about $170 for a new clutch line, and the brake hose/manifold assembly. Stainless steel braided hose with clear dark-smoke color. The combo of dark smoke over SS braid has a "carbon" look I'm using on other parts of the bike.

Ha ha... I've looked at their pictures several times and never noticed that. I definitely like the splitter better!

[dmyers]

The way roaring toys did it would cause the first caliper to engage first and more that the other.
With the splitter and equal length hoses the brakes will hit at the same time and force.
Much better way to go

[Jared]

The way roaring toys did it would cause the first caliper to engage first and more that the other.
With the splitter and equal length hoses the brakes will hit at the same time and force.
Much better way to go

And these guys are the pros....:ohno::ohno::lmao:

[TwoThumbs]

Great looking bike man! Love that rear brake light set up

[dmyers]

Considering how much they charge for there stuff
That is pretty shoddy >:(

[Jared]

Considering how much they charge for there stuff
That is pretty shoddy >:(

Agreed! It's a beautiful bike, but when I look at it I see flashy paint, apes and a big front wheel. Again it's a beautiful bike, but there's not $13K worth of upgrades.

[jestephens]

The big front wheel is a nice upgrade though! If I ever run across a deal, it's a move I'd sure like to make :yep:

[dmyers]

Same here I'm hopping to get one for my bike next winter
I'm thinking 23 and rake the neck :tup:

[Rsweat49]

I will probably get the 21 inch Tire and Wheel next year.

[Jared]

Same here I'm hopping to get one for my bike next winter
I'm thinking 23 and rake the neck :tup:

21" is all I'd like, but it's hard to spend that type of coin on a wheel. From what I can tell you're looking at around $1300-1600.:ohno:

[BC RED VAQ]

Jay,
What can I say one over if not best lookin vaquero out there looks wicked good. Keep up the great work and ride safe see you thursday at louies. Thanks.

[drof]

I'm working on the big wheel kit now. If you plan on getting one, order it WELL ahead of time. You can also work better pricing by not buying from Roaring Toyz. I am having my dealership order the wheel directly from Performance Machine. They will include new bearings and can include new rotors if you want, which is the way I'm going. Should be an interesting install. The nice part about the wheel I'm going with is that is not too much narrower than stock. Stock my bike has a 130 and with the new wheel only backing down to a 120. There are several different options with the wheel. In the long run you can save money if you plan on changing the rotors for sure you're better off to go that route up front. Otherwise you will be tossing some $200 spacers in the extra parts bin. I'm hoping to have my setup all done within 3-4 weeks.

[jestephens]

I'm working on the big wheel kit now. If you plan on getting one, order it WELL ahead of time. You can also work better pricing by not buying from Roaring Toyz. I am having my dealership order the wheel directly from Performance Machine. They will include new bearings and can include new rotors if you want, which is the way I'm going. Should be an interesting install. The nice part about the wheel I'm going with is that is not too much narrower than stock. Stock my bike has a 130 and with the new wheel only backing down to a 120. There are several different options with the wheel. In the long run you can save money if you plan on changing the rotors for sure you're better off to go that route up front. Otherwise you will be tossing some $200 spacers in the extra parts bin. I'm hoping to have my setup all done within 3-4 weeks.

Sounds cool. Maybe I just read through it too fast, but could you clarify the Rotor/spacer comment and advice..... Thanks!

[drof]

Here's the deal on the rotor issue pertaining to the Performance Machine (same as roaring toyz bike) wheel. You can buy a couple different configurations. One will except either the stock rotors or PM rotors. If you go this route you can use your stock rotors only if you purchase a $200 set of spacers. Or you may purchase PM rotors and not need the spacers. They also make a wheel that will only accept PM aftermarket rotors. That wheel an average costs $200 less than the wheel that will accept either stock or aftermarket rotors. Gets a little confusing. PM gets a premium for their matching cut rotors. I could not get them to budge on the rotor pricing. I did get a better deal on the wheel itself though. Comes with new bearings installed. If you buy rotors they say those are already installed. Time will tell when my wheel shows up. You can save some decent money putting this "kit" together yourself instead of just ordering it all from roaring toyz. Doing it this way you have to select and mount your own tires. I went with a set of new Dunlopes. I like the fact the wheel is only a little narrower than stock. The only thing you'd need to buy from roaring toyz...if you don't make them yourself....is the fender relocation bracket. PM's timeframe to cut my wheel was quoted at 4-6 weeks. I'm at three weeks now. Getting pretty excited to start tearing into this one!

[jestephens]

Take pics as you work! Thanks

[kwhyte01]

It feels good to have it all back together!

New brake/turn lights (with run/brake/turn module)
Lots of powder coated pieces
13" mini-apes by Don Meyers. (had to extend hoses and electrical)
:D :D :D

These brake/turn lights are much more visible than the LED strips I had installed on the outside edge of the rear fender. That solution wasn't visible from much of an angle besides straight behind me. These are a Kuryakyn part for a Goldwing. I sawed some of it off to change the shape, and painted the chrome black. Love it!
-The "run" setting of the module didn't give enough contrast to turn and brake in my opinion, so I disconnected that wire. I may experiment with added resistors at some point.
http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w117/jestephens/Vaquero%201700/P3090516.jpg

http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w117/jestephens/Vaquero%201700/P3090509.jpg

Mini-apes and powder coated crash bars and floor boards. Highway pegs are black now too, but not installed yet.
http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w117/jestephens/Vaquero%201700/P3090501.jpg

http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w117/jestephens/Vaquero%201700/P3090502.jpg

Nice looking back end. Found the LED's on Kuryakyn sight. Were diod you get the tag holder and does it have lighting?
Thanks, Keith

[jestephens]

The plate holder is just a simple piece of steel. You can make it yourself over the weekend :)

Here's my post with a picture of it
http://www.vulcanbagger.com/forums/showthread.php?t=30419

[davidhollinger]

I like the Megatron/Transformers brake light!!

[BC RED VAQ]

Jay,
Thanks again for the part and just another kudos on the bike is looks the greatest and congrads to the wife and you on the new baby. They change you whole life in many ways, Finely got mine grown their never raised, Good Luck to you and the wife.

[jestephens]

Jay,
Thanks again for the part and just another kudos on the bike is looks the greatest and congrads to the wife and you on the new baby. They change you whole life in many ways, Finely got mine grown their never raised, Good Luck to you and the wife.

Thanks Brian, sorry again for the rushed meeting. I hope to meet you again

[Rsweat49]

Jay,

Nice looking bike. Trying to get mine all modded out.

Just had Don build me a set of bars and did you say where you got the Electrical, Brake and Clutch wire extensions?

Thanks

Roger

[jestephens]

I worked with Axelboy in St Peters, MO for the new hydraulic lines. I took them my originals and had them extend each 6" to reach the bars. The electric I did myself. That's a whole lot of soldering!

[Rsweat49]

Thanks

Roger

[Rsweat49]

Jay,

I have the bars from Don. My question is:

How did you run your throttle cables and did you cut the ends of the bars to match the stock Bars?

Thanks

Roger:

[jestephens]

I did cut both sides to match OE length in the 1" area.

The throttle cables are rerouted to the right side of the steering head. Those were a concern of mine initially, but after inspecting Roaring Toyz's pictures and descriptions, I figured it out.

If I need to send a pic let me know. I just don't have any of that detail now.
Later!

[Rsweat49]

Thanks

Roger

[drof]

I did cut both sides to match OE length in the 1" area.

The throttle cables are rerouted to the right side of the steering head. Those were a concern of mine initially, but after inspecting Roaring Toyz's pictures and descriptions, I figured it out.

If I need to send a pic let me know. I just don't have any of that detail now.
Later!

If you don't mind I'd like to see a pic of your front brake hose routing and splitter. The toyz mod leave a little to be desired in that area. I'm planning on something different and would like to see your ideas.

[jestephens]

This was plan B, but worked perfectly. Axelboy used a standard 3-way flare fitting "T" block and welded a tab on it for my mounting bolt. Using this type of manifold block seemed like the only way to get the variety of bends needed. I was very happy with their willingness to go the extra step and weld up something to make it all work perfectly!

http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w117/jestephens/Vaquero%201700/P3300522.jpg

[Rsweat49]

jay,

Wire queation? Do you happen to have the wiring diagram for the Vaquero? I put the wire through the bars but It has two blue wires and two black wire alike?????

[jestephens]

If the wires are 100% identical (no stripes or differentiating markings) then they can be swapped with no trouble since it's just breaking a circuit. I was thinking one of the pairs was different in that way, and one was completely identical. Look close and double check

[Rsweat49]

Jay,

Boy what a pain it was to pull those wires through.

Took a lot of elbow grease.

I have fully completed one side and am stated on the other.

Thanks for all your help!

One more question how do you post your pictures directly to the form?

Roger

[jestephens]

Jay,

Boy what a pain it was to pull those wires through.

Took a lot of elbow grease.

I have fully completed one side and am stated on the other.

Thanks for all your help!

One more question how do you post your pictures directly to the form?

Roger

Don't use elbow grease, use REAL grease. I put a 12mm heat shrink tubing around the entire bundle and lubed it with mineral oil to pull it through.

[tazfl]

I have another set of bars just like these if anyone is interested.

Don, what are you asking for that other set of bars?

[dmyers]

I get 250 powder coated or 275 painted, painted looks better
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-pgOlha8VWXs/UM5ns5FzvTI/AAAAAAAALdw/D5Y6_jj61jY/w741-h493-no/DSC01913.JPG

I get 300 powder coated or 350 painted for these
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-PzePBtkDqs8/UWXsZ9P0zyI/AAAAAAAAOOY/d4_FWDXpu4U/w657-h493-no/FB_IMG_13652926075060370.jpg

[tazfl]

thanks for the response Don, that sounds like a fair price but I guess I'll have to wait a bit. Couple of questions for you. Once that set of bars is gone is that it or would you be willing to make another set for someone ready to buy and secondly, what would the price be for a "bare" set of bars not painted or powder coated?

[dmyers]

I dont have any bars made at the moment so I will have to build whatever someone wants.
I would do a set of the strait top bars for 200 or a set of the curved bars ( the green ones in the photo) for 250 bare metal

[reaper]

All I can say is:tup: good work

[tazfl]

I dont have any bars made at the moment so I will have to build whatever someone wants.
I would do a set of the strait top bars for 200 or a set of the curved bars ( the green ones in the photo) for 250 bare metal

Don, again thanks for responding back. The price looks good, the bars look great, I wish I could order a set right now but I'm going to have to wait a bit. I will definitely be getting in touch with you when I'm ready to purchase :yep:

[BrentsVaquero2011]

Don....I am interested in buying the Vaquero Black Mini ape if you have some? I sent you an email today. Thanks for any information you can give me.

[tazfl]

It feels good to have it all back together!

New brake/turn lights (with run/brake/turn module)
Lots of powder coated pieces
13" mini-apes by Don Meyers. (had to extend hoses and electrical)
:D :D :D

These brake/turn lights are much more visible than the LED strips I had installed on the outside edge of the rear fender. That solution wasn't visible from much of an angle besides straight behind me. These are a Kuryakyn part for a Goldwing. I sawed some of it off to change the shape, and painted the chrome black. Love it!
-The "run" setting of the module didn't give enough contrast to turn and brake in my opinion, so I disconnected that wire. I may experiment with added resistors at some point.
http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w117/jestephens/Vaquero%201700/P3090516.jpg

http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w117/jestephens/Vaquero%201700/P3090509.jpg

Mini-apes and powder coated crash bars and floor boards. Highway pegs are black now too, but not installed yet.
http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w117/jestephens/Vaquero%201700/P3090501.jpg

http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w117/jestephens/Vaquero%201700/P3090502.jpg

Do you have a picture from the drivers seat, just curious how they look as far as width.

[jestephens]

They are the same width as stock

[OutlawImmortal]

Those look great, i would love to have a set but I am afraid it would hurt the "relax" factor I enjoy with the vaquero. Is that the case on long trips?

[jestephens]

I needed it to relax. There's not much room for adjustment with the stock bars, and long rides were hurting my wrists and shoulders. Now it looks good, and most importantly FEELS good:)

That's also how I justified it to the misses. :D

[Pitchinguy]

Those look great, i would love to have a set but I am afraid it would hurt the "relax" factor I enjoy with the vaquero. Is that the case on long trips?


Hurt the "relax factor"?? Actually, apes will improve comfort considerably, particularly if you are prone to back or shoulder issues. The apes allow you to sit more upright with your shoulders back which relieves stress on the back & shoulders & takes weight off the wrists. With OEM bars, my back was done & I was miserable after 4-5 hrs. Added 14" apes & driver backrest, no problem with 10-12 hr days with no soreness. All the difference in the world! I put apes on my 1600 classic & when I traded I ordered apes for my Nomad the 1st week. My back won't have another cruiser without them! :tup:

[Bud2rat]

I agree, Ape's are the way to go. I installed a set of 13" with a fairing and I love the look as well as the ergonomics.

[dmyers]

I also prefer the apes over stock bars with risers. When you raise the stock bars it turns your wrists in as the get higher. I tried a set of risers first and the height was a big relief but the angle of my wrists made my forearms get pumped up and it got painful on a long hall

[tazfl]

Those look great, i would love to have a set but I am afraid it would hurt the "relax" factor I enjoy with the vaquero. Is that the case on long trips?

I had a set of 16" apes on my 2008 nomad that I had before the vaquero. In 2011 I rode the nomad with apes on a 5000 mile round trip to Sturgis and back and LOVED it. I really miss the apes and want to get some on the vaquero as soon as I can.

[drof]

Those look great, i would love to have a set but I am afraid it would hurt the "relax" factor I enjoy with the vaquero. Is that the case on long trips?

I agree with the others. I put 13" apes on my Vaquero and won't go back. I absolutely love the ride I get now. They have help IMPROVE the relaxation when I ride.

[hayes]

I will continue to sound off with how much 'apes' help. I only have a 900 right now. When I first started messing around with bars, I went with some drag bars and they were awful. Traded them for the 10" apes I have now, and my only regret is not going with 14" tall bars. My apes helped a ton, but higher would be better.

To the OP, do you have a picture of the bars from the driver's seat?

[raymond]

It feels good to have it all back together!

New brake/turn lights (with run/brake/turn module)
Lots of powder coated pieces
13" mini-apes by Don Meyers. (had to extend hoses and electrical)
:D :D :D

These brake/turn lights are much more visible than the LED strips I had installed on the outside edge of the rear fender. That solution wasn't visible from much of an angle besides straight behind me. These are a Kuryakyn part for a Goldwing. I sawed some of it off to change the shape, and painted the chrome black. Love it!
-The "run" setting of the module didn't give enough contrast to turn and brake in my opinion, so I disconnected that wire. I may experiment with added resistors at some point.
http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w117/jestephens/Vaquero%201700/P3090516.jpg

http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w117/jestephens/Vaquero%201700/P3090509.jpg

Mini-apes and powder coated crash bars and floor boards. Highway pegs are black now too, but not installed yet.
http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w117/jestephens/Vaquero%201700/P3090501.jpg

http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w117/jestephens/Vaquero%201700/P3090502.jpg

Bike looks damn good! :tup: I have a ton of parts on the way for my vaquero. The mini apes are my next mod. Are those the heated grips?

[jestephens]

No heat

[OutlawImmortal]

I had a set of 16" apes on my 2008 nomad that I had before the vaquero. In 2011 I rode the nomad with apes on a 5000 mile round trip to Sturgis and back and LOVED it. I really miss the apes and want to get some on the vaquero as soon as I can.


Awesome, I was afraid you couldnt lay back and stretch out with them but I guess if your already comfy you dont have to switch back and forth into other riding positions.

Looks like im saving for apes now heh, maybe it was already talked about in this thread and I missed it, but do the stock cables work for yours or no?

[dmyers]

anything over 12" or 13" you will have to stretch the controls

[OutlawImmortal]

I wouldnt want anything over 12-13. I will get in touch with you for sure when I get the money, I really like the look of the curved ones.

[rekogniz1]

Don -

I will take a set of the curved bars raw for 250.00 if you have them? Let me know or PM me.

[dmyers]

Don -

I will take a set of the curved bars raw for 250.00 if you have them? Let me know or PM me.

sent you a PM

[bobbya]

I've been looking for those type of Bars for quite some time now for my 2013 Vaquero. Have there been any more made or is there anyplace else to get a pair other that Roaring Toyz that wants 600 for them?

[carlos vaquero]

I have another set of bars just like these if anyone is interested.
Hi I like you handle bar where i can get one like this ones i am interested in the extra ones if you still have it

[JD Hog]

Carlos, welcome to the forum from Northern California.

Don is no longer with us, he passed away 02/13/16.

http://www.vulcanbagger.com/forums/showthread.php?t=43285