Hey, this is my first post, been lurking for 3 months and just got a 05 Sportster 883, I got the bike with drag bars no risers, it seems to handle pretty nicely, but im wondering what are considered the best handling bars out there?

Apes
Tbars
Drag bars
Z bars
Meat Hooks

any input is welcome, im considering going with some T bars soon, Apes are the last thing im looking for, as i dont care for there handling or looks.

btw i did a search and couldnt find a good thread for this question

 

I personally don't think that bars effect the handling at all. It's all about looks and comfort. I prefer apes for both of those reasons, but I can handle my bike the same no matter what bars are on it.

 

I agree & am most comfortable using buck horns.

 

I find I can handle the topless bars the best!

 

In 46 yrs of riding and 13 different bike, I love and like the mini apes that the stock Heritage comes with...

Period...


...

 

It's not necessarily the style of bar but, more about how comfortable you are.

 

I rode for years with buckhorns and found them to be comfortable, but in terms of handling I found the flat track style bar (Flanders G5 specifically) provides much better handling.

This style bar compared to the buckhorn, just puts your hands in a much more natural position and permits you to better push the bars through turns.

 

As noted above... handlebars add nothing (nor subtract) from your bike's handling.
They are for comfort.... and in many cases, looks.

A good place to start..... sit on the bike, get it off the kickstand, and close your eyes..... lift your arms to what seems a comfortable position... open your eyes, and have a friend ready to measure... lift and pull back... Then you have an idea.

Depending on where/how you ride..... check out how large the motion range is. Yeah.... you don't need a lot of motion while riding... but getting in and out of the garage/parking space....you might

 

On my nightster, having stock bars then Roland Sands Design shortstack bars then to mini apes. I have to say I liked the mini apes the best. This is coming from someone who is fairly aggressive when it comes to corners. The leverage seems to make the bikes flickability just right in my opinion and they arent tall to the point where they are holding you back from getting into good body positioning on the bike.

 

How you can "handle" the bike as opposed to the way the bike "handles"

Anyone who thinks they can wrangle (taller) apes like drag bars never had to. Your physical reach is limited when your already reaching.

Yes. I've had 18" apes. Way back in 88. I've had all sizes and shapes. The bars that allow you to hit the fork stops with out moving forward are the ones I'd call safer to handle.

And guys with apes, don't get defensive. I have a few years racing experience too. (hare scrambles) its an educated opinion.