Thought I would close this out by letting yall know the replacement went just fine and the bike runs so much smoother and quieter now.

I think I'll tackle checking and adjusting the valves and replacing plugs next.

you may have to pull them through a few at a time, depends on what type of bars you have and how severe the angles. after i soldered on some longer wires as extensions, i lubed mine up with dish soap and it helped. make sure you off set the solder joints or it will get real crowded in the bars when the wires are pulled through.