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Looking for wisdom from those in the know. I have a 2020 softail standard and would like to change the handlebars this winter. The mini apes dont feel good on the shoulders so I am looking at either T or Z bars. Other than looks, any difference in the ride. My shoulders start to ache after a while on the highway with the stock bars.
I have Helibars on my FLHC. Infinitely adjustable. I like the bars down with a level forearm. I can't ride with my arms extended straight out like a lot of riders I see.
I always say the same thing and I think this is what the OP is going after....Remember it is not just about the height, just as important are the spread and pullback. Related are the seat and the foot controls. Even the style of grips. The entire setup comes into play. Obviously your bike is what you like, so no need to "throw the baby out..."
When I purchased mine, it had T-bars. While the height was good, the angle of my wrists was not comfortable. I hated the look too. Luckily the dealership had a bunch of bikes in the showroom - all the same late-model Heritage (same as mine) so I could jump from one to the other and discuss details with the parts guy. I felt like Goldilocks LOL
My point is, I would keep an eye on local dealerships (as well as research here on HDforums) and hit them up when they have a few bikes with various bars in stock. Having an idea of what you want with approximate measurements is a great start. But the actual feel is the true test. When you get very close and think you have almost nailed it, a test ride is probably in order. Even if it is January. You'll know.
Beyond style there is Height, Pullback, and Sweep. I found "Sweep" made the biggest difference for me. Sweep is different then pullback. To much sweep and your wrists are angled wrong causing pain in wrists and shoulders for me.
I have a 2021 fxst as well and didnt like the 10 inch H bars either. I swapped mine out with 12 inch Carlini gangster apes so that I could get my grips up to shoulder height, those couple of inches makes a big difference. The throttle by wire and speedo wires were fine, but I ended up needing can bus extensions from Guerrilla Cables for each side.
I recommend getting the ones you need to solder on to the factory cables, if you get plug and play extensions the plugs will be visible halfway to the wiring harness in your frame and open to the elements. I was able to get away with using the factory clutch and brake line with 12s, if you go with anything taller youll have to buy longer cables for those as well.
The stock bars on the Standard and Street Bob are awful. They have a very strange angle at the grips. I changed to Biltwell 10" murdoc pullback risers with Biltwell low flat tracker bar. I love the set-up. No cable or wiring extensions needed was a bonus. I also have a Saddlemen Step-Up seat, so not sure how that moves me from stock, if any. Something to consider though. The set-up is all day comfortable for me, but that may not be the case for everyone.
Zach
Originally Posted by 2020 Standard
Looking for wisdom from those in the know. I have a 2020 softail standard and would like to change the handlebars this winter. The mini apes dont feel good on the shoulders so I am looking at either T or Z bars. Other than looks, any difference in the ride. My shoulders start to ache after a while on the highway with the stock bars.
I have Helibars on my FLHC. Infinitely adjustable. I like the bars down with a level forearm. I can't ride with my arms extended straight out like a lot of riders I see.
I'm likely going to do the same with my 23 Heritage. Already wasted money on a set of Harley Reach bars that don't do what I want.
Did you have to install any extenders to mount up the Helibars? Be that wiring, cable or brake line? I'm hoping I don't, but I can't quite tell if the stock wiring and such will reach, or not.
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Handlebar Wisdom
