Another Handlebar Thread....how high?

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Dec 16, 2012 | 06:40 PM

Kevin714

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From: Florida

Another Handlebar Thread....how high?

I'm going to order a ape kit from Hill Country Customs in the next few weeks. I was set on 12" bars on 2" risers, but a few months down the road I don't want to kick myself for not getting 14's.

I'll be putting these on a 2002 WG. I had a 2000 Sportster that I put a wide glide tree kit on and the mini apes that came factory on the 2000 WG.

I'm thinking the factory 2K WG bars were 10"?

I really don't want my hands to be much above shoulder level. Would the 12" bars with 2" risers get me where I want?

Dec 16, 2012 | 06:54 PM

SLV

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From: Outside the Lines

How tall are you?
How tall / thick is your seat?

These things make a big difference.

If I were you, I'd make a mock-up and test the arm position.

Dec 16, 2012 | 07:19 PM

Kevin714

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From: Florida

Quote:

Originally Posted by SLV

How tall are you?
How tall / thick is your seat?

These things make a big difference.

If I were you, I'd make a mock-up and test the arm position.

I'm 5'11" between 165 and 170 LLBS. My seat is the stock one for now. I've tried the mock up thing, and it seems like 14" would put my hand just a bit above my shoulder, but not much.

My bike at one time had taller bars on it because I have a **** ton of extra wire. Right now it has pretty much drag style bars on 4.5" risers with around an inch pull back.

Were the 2000 WG bars 10"?

Last edited by Kevin714; Dec 16, 2012 at 07:24 PM.

Dec 16, 2012 | 07:34 PM

SLV

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From: Outside the Lines

Man, I don't know what the stock bars were. No bigger than 10" for sure.

The practical thing to do is the 12" with the 2" risers. The 14" bars will be a pretty good reach, but they look cooler.

Dec 16, 2012 | 07:43 PM

Kevin714

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From: Florida

Quote:

Originally Posted by SLV

Man, I don't know what the stock bars were. No bigger than 10" for sure.

The practical thing to do is the 12" with the 2" risers. The 14" bars will be a pretty good reach, but they look cooler.

Thnaks.

I like cool as much as the next person, but cool out in the garage or bar parking lot is a lot different than cool riding down the road. Besides I don't think you reach the really cool factor until your at 16" or above.

I'm going with your opinion, and my gut and getting 12".

Thanks again.

Dec 16, 2012 | 07:55 PM

Machine249

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From: Myersville MD

I've heard it said to add 2" to what you think you want. That's the rule my brother used on his road king and he is happy with his choice. I wish I had followed the rule when I put the 12's on my super glide, but it's done now and I'm still pretty happy with it.