I know there's a lot of handlebar threads already on here, but I couldn't find the answer I am looking for. I have an 03 Heritage but it doesn't have the factory Heritage bars on it. I am 5'7", 170 lbs and the bars I have on now are more like beach style bars with too much wrist angle and have a little too much reach for me. If I drive more than an hour, I start getting shoulder and neck pains as well as hands going to sleep. From what I have read, I have narrowed it down to 2 bars. The factory Heritage bars and the factory Harley mini apes. Does anyone have any input on which of these two bars would be better for me. I'm going to try and stop by our local HD shop this week and sit on the Street Bob and a new Heritage to see which ones feel the best but I figured the input from here would give me an overall better choice. Thanks in advance for any input

 

I'm 5'6" and weigh 179 lbs and owned a 2010 Heritage. I changed out the oem bars for the "Extreme Reduced Reach Handlebar" and it made the bike a perfect fit for me. I know this is not what you asked about but I thought I would give you another option.
http://www.harley-davidson.com/store...each-handlebar

 

Your best bet would be to sit on the bikes at the dealer as you plan to and see for yourself what feels best for you.

 

Thanks for the responses. I will try to go by tomorrow and see what each feels like. I've never tried what a set of the reduced reach felt like but this is a good reason to post on here. I may would like them. Thanks again.

 

My wife has a 2009 Heritage and had a similar problem, but with her Heritage bars. We installed the Deluxe risers and handlebars and she is more comfortable. Sit on a Deluxe and compare the handlebars with the Heritage for fit.

 

Handle bars are hard to choose....some look so cool while others feel real good
I am in the process of putting 12" on my ride... even tho i sat on a few @ dealer its not same as riding down the road for hours ... Good luck ta ya

 

Whatever bars you choose, you might also consider pull back risers. I had 4" pullpacks on a previous bike - this rose the bars 2" and pulled them closer by 1 1/2". Usually 4" riser pullbacks do not require longer cables.

 

Badbagger09 - Thanks for this info. I'll sit on a deluxe as well and see how it feels and Funbikerchick, I will look into this as well. Thanks for the help. I'll post back and let everyone know what I find out as soon as I can stop by the dealership.

 

I like what you have done to your bike - nice! What did you do to re shape the seat? It looks 'plusher' and thicker than the standard one.

 

i'm putting black powder coated street bob bars on my deluxe. yes, i'm 6ft but i have a long torso and i'll be able to push them way forward. plus i like the fact that the bars don't go beyond the fork width before curving vertical. a mini ape should fit you great and relieve any back issues – apes are the only way to go.