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I've never changed bars before so forgive me if I'm not using the right terminology. The stock bars fit me fine, I only have one problem - the barends angle inward too much. Can anyone recommend a bar with similar reach and height but simply straighter?
Bar Diameter - 1" for Harleys, but various models have "fat" bars that have skinny sections on the ends and center
Center Section Width - the length of the flat section that bolts in your risers - 6" is pretty standard
Rise - viewed from the side - how far up are the bar ends from the center bottom where it bolts to the riser
Pullback - viewed from the top - how far back do the bar ends come from the center
What is often left unspec'd is the End Angle of the handgrip area - OP's original concern. I think Emgo bars do spec this, but most don't, and Emgo bars don't come with some of the features below...
Other things to look for on modern Harleys:
Throttle by Wire - the ends of the bars have deep notches cut in them. You could probably cut your own, but could be more work than it's worth
Control Wire Holes - let you run the wires inside the bars and out near the center for that clean look
Dimples - clearance for the wires to get out from the throttle and switches, but the wires run outside the bars
Bend Radius - some bars are welded up construction and have very sharp bends - looks cool, but makes running wires inside the bars much more difficult to do
Knurled Center - these are the hashmarks in the center of the bar that keep it from slipping in the riser clamps - you want knurling!
With that writeup, does anybody have a list of the above parameters for stock HD bars on different models? You can usually measure the stock bar to get an idea of the rise and pullback, but it sure would be nice to have an official list.
Given how many times HD owners customize their bikes, there are usually lots of choices as used takeoff bars, so maybe just sit on the bikes in the showroom and start looking for used bars on ebay.
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