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Handlebars... Need some advice 09 FXDF

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Old Aug 17, 2015 | 11:36 AM
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Default Handlebars... Need some advice 09 FXDF

Ok,

So I've been going in circles researching handlebars and trying to figure out something to alleviate some back pain from reaching over for my 2009 FXDF bars on longer rides.

I recently got a Sundowner seat so my girlfriend can last longer than a half hour. As we know these seats prop you up about an inch higher, which makes it more uncomfortable for me.

I like the stock drag bars on the bike but want them up a few inches and back a bit. I was thinking about apes for a bit, then T bars, then was starting to like the idea of added riser height.

I sat on the bike to see what would be comfortable and came to the conclusion that I need something with at least 10" of rise. I started looking for risers and nobody makes a 10" riser to accommodate a 1-1/4 bar.

I have been going in circles just trying to find something more comfortable. I don't mind sacrificing looks to help out my lower back at this point.

Oh I'm about 6'2" if that makes any difference.

Any guys with generic advice or better yet Fat Bob specific would be MUCH appreciated. Just looking for increased comfort. I prefer to sit straight up, not slouched over at all.

Cheers

Kyle
 
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Old Aug 17, 2015 | 11:47 AM
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Have you checked out riser extensions? DK makes some that I put on my wife's WG which helped her out. Don't know enough about the specifics but they might work.
 
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Old Aug 17, 2015 | 12:38 PM
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Originally Posted by BigDogIdaho
Have you checked out riser extensions? DK makes some that I put on my wife's WG which helped her out. Don't know enough about the specifics but they might work.
I did check those out as it would be nice to not have to change cables, but I just don't think it would get me high enough. 12" end rise would bring it to shoulder height for me.

Maybe it would be worth trying the spacers then add 8" risers later if they weren't high enough...
 
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Old Aug 17, 2015 | 05:02 PM
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Smilebox 7547546




Rocket Bobs 4" rise w/Joker 1.5 risers. Push em as far forward as you like.
No need for new cables. And look into a new seat. (Yea,she's hot)
 
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Old Aug 17, 2015 | 05:03 PM
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Default Handlebars... Need some advice 09 FXDF

When I did the tank lift on my 14' fxdf I raised the bars up 1" with spacers and longer bolts. I bought plain aluminum precut round stock from mcmaster, drilled a hole in the middle and finished up the rough edges to clean them up. I bet I had around $15 including the longer bolts.
Id think you could do this with taller spacers to get the height your looking for??
 
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Old Aug 17, 2015 | 05:24 PM
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I went with the HD curved 6" pull-back risers on my FXDF. Just enough to make it comfortable. I'm 5'10"

http://www.harley-davidson.com/store...ack-riser#tabs

 
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Old Aug 17, 2015 | 06:47 PM
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I'm 6'1 and put todds cycle fat bob bars on mine. put my hands a bit below my shoulders. very comfortable for me
 
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Old Aug 17, 2015 | 11:18 PM
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I've got a total of 12" of rise between my bars and risers. I'm 5'10"ish and find this a very comfortable height. Here's a pic of me riding and you can get an idea of how it fits. In the picture I'm riding on a Lepera Silhouette solo seat. The other pics are of a Saddleman seat and I find the ride just as comfortable.

PS: my bars and risers are from BR's Custom bars.




 
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Old Aug 18, 2015 | 09:01 AM
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Originally Posted by DrewNJ
When I did the tank lift on my 14' fxdf I raised the bars up 1" with spacers and longer bolts. I bought plain aluminum precut round stock from mcmaster, drilled a hole in the middle and finished up the rough edges to clean them up. I bet I had around $15 including the longer bolts.
Id think you could do this with taller spacers to get the height your looking for??
I'm considering getting the 2" spacers for the remainder of the season, then changing bars this winter when I have more time, and more disposable income.

Originally Posted by fattybob
I went with the HD curved 6" pull-back risers on my FXDF. Just enough to make it comfortable. I'm 5'10"

http://www.harley-davidson.com/store...ack-riser#tabs

That's a great looking setup, those bars really suit your bike, wicked paint also. Being 6'2" I'm looking for a bit more rise out of my set up if I buy bars, I'd like my arms at shoulder height or slightly below. Sharp looking bike mister.



Originally Posted by EricInNCa
I've got a total of 12" of rise between my bars and risers. I'm 5'10"ish and find this a very comfortable height. Here's a pic of me riding and you can get an idea of how it fits. In the picture I'm riding on a Lepera Silhouette solo seat. The other pics are of a Saddleman seat and I find the ride just as comfortable.

PS: my bars and risers are from BR's Custom bars.




I think anyone with a Fatbob and a pulse loves your Fatbob build. IMO the nicest looking Bob I've seen. That looks like a very comfy riding position.

Eric, there is a picture of your bike next to your buddies bike, did he also put BR Custom bars on? Looks very similar without the webbing on the inside bar angle.

The more I think about it. I'll be ordering some spacers today, and when the bike gets tucked away for the winter I will start ordering cables and get in touch with BR for some custom bars.

Thank you all for the input, it has been enlightening.

Cheers

Kyle
 
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Old Aug 18, 2015 | 09:36 AM
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Kyle,

Thanks for the compliment. Yeah, my buddies bike also has BR's bars. His are the Sweeping Beaters and he went a little higher than me. Good luck on your ride and let me know if I can be of any more help.

Eric
 
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