Hi guys,

I probably missed a bunch of threads on this topic, but I think I'd like new bars for my softail custom. It currently has drag bars and I'd like something a bit higher and further back so I have a more comfortable posture. I have about an hour commute to and from work the back-roads way and at either end my back and wrists/hands hurt from leaning forward and pulling on the bars. Is there a good way to measure what bars would be best? The current risers are also canted back slightly.

Ergonomics is more important than looks to me, though if there is something cool looking that fits the bill I'd certainly be all ears. The control cables on the bike are a bit long for the current setup as well (not stock), so I am hoping I won't need to run new cables.

I have long gorilla arms so I don't think it will be too drastic a change.

This is the current setup (see the loop in the clutch cable)





Mike

 

I have always been told the best position is to have your hands level with your shoulders.

 

Mike,

Since you have Gorilla arms you are probably looking as some sort of apes. You want your hands a tad lower than your shoulders, any higher and you run the risk of circulation issues. I'm 6'3" and 10" apes with low risers are just right, I can go gas tank to gas tank. As far as the cables go, hard to say but they do look long.

Ds

 

I'm 5'11" but my reach arm to arm is over 6 feet. Tomorrow I'll pull the bike out and make my fiance measure.

I'm assuming I'd have to get different risers?

Mike

 

Mike,

Mine came with the bars I have and risers about like yours. I wanted to lower them a couple inches so I got a set of 1.5" risers from ebay, really reasonable-see the pic.

While your cables might be OK, the wiring likely won't, consider internal wiring if you go with taller bars.

Ds

 

Looks like we have about the same current set up. I am thinking about bad boy style bars on mine. Just a little more lift and pullback.

 

What about something like softail heritage handlebars?

Mike

 

I don't know if that will work for you.

I am 5'5" and I put 4" (2" up and 2"back) risers on my heritage which works good for me.

With you being taller I would expect you need something taller.

 

Maybe I could keep the risers I have on there, they seem to be about that... I am thinking something along the lines of mini-apes. Cosmetics is of no concern, I need it to be comfortable, the bike will look good regardless.

Mike

 

My suggestion is sit on the bike and hold your hands where you want them then have a friend measure the distance from your hands to the triple tree.

That should give you a good starting point.