I am going from my 12" apes to 16" apes(should have done it the first time) and I will need to lengthen the wiring. When I do it will putting connectors for joints, crimping them and shrink-tubing work fine or should I solder them? Im not running them through the bars so Im not worried about pulling on them.

Definitely solder them... don't crimp on any of those bulky splicers. Soldering the wires ensures a strong electrical connection. Upon soldering them, use shrink-tubing to cover up the soldering - it makes for a real neatly done job, and looks a lot better than the splicer. And remember to slip the shrink tubing onto the wires BEFORE soldering them together!

Can I ask why you're not gonna run the wiring through the bars?

Oh and here's a link to a site that helped me do the wiring:
click here

:-DD.

I agree with DrumDon .. solder and shrink tubing.

Make sure the solder connections are solid before wrapping them.

Doc

Ok, will do. and does anyone know what gauge the wires are?

Raider wrote:
Ok, will do. and does anyone know what gauge the wires are?

just got done doing mine. both 16 and 18 gauge stranded. Only about 3 or 4 are 16 gauge if memory serves me right. Use your strippers to identify.

Yeah I used 18-gauge stranded. About 30 ft. of it was sufficient enough for extending all the wires from stock length to +10" over (for 16" apes).

:-DD.

I concur with all that has been suggested. Even though it is a chore, I'd still go with internal wiring. It really cleans the look up and I suspect it is more weather wise in the long run, in as much as the wires are inside and out of the weather. I can certainly agree with your choice to up grade your apes. I had originally thought to go shorter however, by good fortune one of our fellow RSC members had a set of full sized apes for sale and I have my Kong Bars on 4" risers and I must tell you, taller bars ride sweet. I used the same directions that DrumDon suggested (and I had to undo one splice because I forgot to put the shrink wrap on first.) I used all 18 gage for the extension as well.

Enjoy your new apes
JMayton

JMayton wrote:
..... (and I had to undo one splice because I forgot to put the shrink wrap on first.)



Had more than one of those moments myself.

Then you look at it wondering if you can get the tube on without unsoldering the wire.

Doc

i don't really understand using all 18 gauge. Use whatever gauge the parent wire is (some are 16). If you can't tell use your wire strippers to tell you.

when lengthening a wire it is allways wiser to go upsize with the wire gauge.
every time you splice a wire you increase the total resistance.

when soldering and you want to shrink wrap it, you only need a half inch, and wrap them like folding your arms, do not pre tinn the wires but if you o you can just lay them across each other and solder. a good solder joint looks shiny not rough and make sure it is finger smooth.
use the blue part of a lighter flame, it is the coldest part of the flame and wont burn the shrink tubing.

plan ahead, offset the splices so you dont get a big not in one place, cluster a bunch together with a large shrink and then do 5-6 individuals and sleeve the whole thing with a second piece...

gees maybe i should have taken pictures... oh wait i did
give me a few to find them, weather is nice an im goin fer a ride!