How tall can risers be on a Harley before needing extended cables?

On most modern Harley-Davidson Softail (Street Bob, Low Rider S/ST) and Touring models, you can typically install up to an 8-inch total rise (e.g., 6-inch risers with a flat or low-bend bar) by rerouting the stock clutch cable behind the upper triple tree and pulling factory wiring slack out from inside the frame neck cavity. Any total rise of 10 inches or more strictly requires extended clutch cables and extended upper front brake lines.

Do I have to extend the whole brake line on an ABS Harley?

No. On 2014+ ABS Harley-Davidson motorcycles, the front brake line uses a two-piece system. You only need to replace the Upper Front Brake Line, which runs from the handlebar master cylinder down to the hard-line junction manifold beneath the lower triple tree clamp. The lower lines leading from the ABS modulator to the calipers remain stock.

Can I cut and solder Harley CAN-Bus handlebar wires?

Cutting and soldering CAN-Bus multiplexed wiring (HD-LAN) is strongly discouraged. Solder joints alter circuit electrical resistance and create signal reflection that corrupts high-speed digital communications between the hand controls and the Body Control Module (BCM), triggering intermittent switch failure and DTC diagnostic trouble codes. Always use color-coded, plug-and-play wiring extension harnesses with authentic OEM micro-pins.

Cockpit Ergonomics & Controls Tool

Motorcycle Handlebar Riser & Cable Extension Calculator

Compare your stock cockpit setup against proposed aftermarket risers, T-Bars, moto bars, or ape hangers. Instantly calculate required clutch cable extensions (+2", +4", +6", +8"), upper front brake line lengths, and CAN-Bus / Throttle-By-Wire harness extensions.

1. Select Stock Motorcycle Model

Loads factory stock riser height, handlebar bend, and cable routing baselines.

Baseline

Stock Handlebar Setup

Stock Riser Height4"

Stock Bar Rise2.5"

Stock Pullback3.5"

Total Stock Rise: 6.5"

Proposed Upgrade

New Riser & Bar Setup

New Riser Height9.5"

New Bar Rise (Bend)2.5"

RISER PROFILE

BAR PULLBACK

Total New Rise: 12.0"Net Rise Delta: +5.5"

Hardware Blueprint

Required Cable & Wiring Modifications

CLUTCH CABLE DELTA+4" / +6" Extended

+4" to +6" Extended Clutch Cable

UPPER BRAKE LINE (ABS)+4" / +6" Extended

+4" to +6" Upper Braided Brake Line

CAN-BUS SWITCH HARNESS+4" Extension

+4" Plug-and-Play CAN-Bus Extension Harness

Safety Mandate: Total riser/bar height exceeds 8 inches. The immense leverage will cause OEM soft rubber triple tree bushings to flex, creating sloppy steering feedback and handlebar twist. Install heavy-duty polyurethane riser bushings (e.g. Arlen Ness or Goodson) to maintain rigid steering precision.

Controls & Ergonomics Department

Shop Handlebars, Risers, Cables & Extension Kits

Browse Thrashin Supply, HardDrive, Pro Taper, and Magnum Shielding stainless braided lines.

Shop Controls & Risers →

Handlebar Ergonomics & Cable Extension Engineering

1. Riser Height vs. Wrist Neutrality

Straight risers elevate the bar along the fork rake angle (typically 28° to 30° on Harley cruisers). Pull-back risers add an additional 1.5" to 2.5" of rearward offset, allowing the rider to maintain an upright, neutral spine against the seat lumbar support without reaching forward and compressing the ulnar nerve.

2. Full-Lock Steering Clearance Test

Never judge cable slack with the front wheel pointed straight ahead. Always rotate the handlebars from steering lock-to-lock with the front wheel off the ground. Cables must never stretch taut or bind against the fuel tank, fairing inner, or fork stops at full left or right lock.

3. Electronic Throttle-By-Wire (TBW)

All 2008+ Harley Touring and 2016+ Softails feature an electronic twist grip sensor (TGS) inside the right handlebar end. When pulling wires through internal bar holes, remove the green factory Molex connector and install a one-piece pre-wired TBW extension to prevent internal pin chafing and limp-mode throttle faults.

Read the Full In-Depth Cockpit Guide

Internal wiring pull tricks, polyurethane riser bushing damping, and master cylinder bleeds.

Read Riser & Cable Guide →