Replaced your handlebars?
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Cruiser
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 142
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Replaced your handlebars?
I have decided I am going to need to replace my handlebars, on my 09 streetglide due to neck/upper back pain when i ride. But how do you decide whether they should be higher, lower, wider, narrower, etc... I went through this similar situation when pa was still a helmet state and i had to find a helmet but noone will let you try it and bring it back? So what happens if you put on new bars and don't like them or the pain is worse, not to mention the time that it takes to put them on and off. So ultimately the question is if you replaced your bars from stock how did you decide what bars to get. thanks
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 8,852
Likes: 2,494
From: Decatur, Alabama
You could do lots of research on the forum and find out what guys with your bike changed their handlebars to and how much better they were.
You could jump on bikes like yours when you find them and see how much more comfortable they are if they have bars other than stock. Then when the owner shows up you could discuss the bars with him, provided of course if he's in the mood for a chat.
The smart money isn't riding on option two as being viable for a long healthy life.
You could jump on bikes like yours when you find them and see how much more comfortable they are if they have bars other than stock. Then when the owner shows up you could discuss the bars with him, provided of course if he's in the mood for a chat.
The smart money isn't riding on option two as being viable for a long healthy life.
Thread Starter
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Cruiser
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 142
Likes: 0
You could jump on bikes like yours when you find them and see how much more comfortable they are if they have bars other than stock. Then when the owner shows up you could discuss the bars with him, provided of course if he's in the mood for a chat
I might try this when my dad is with me but certainly not by myself haha.
I might try this when my dad is with me but certainly not by myself haha.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 3,832
Likes: 127
From: Coastal Carolina
My dealership has a bike with no bars on the floor. They have a variety of different bars they will put on the bike to let you see how they feel. Not the same as riding, but at least you can get an idea about the geometry.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 6,508
Likes: 169
From: WPB, FL
Do What Everyone Else Does!
Make sure you LOVE your seat and sitting (leg) position and then close your eyes and put your hands out in front of you where they seem to be most comfortable. When you open your eyes, your hands will be in the spots where you want the bars to end up. IMO - even if you get bars to EXACTLY match what you find, you will probably end up wishing they were in a different spot eventually. Depending on whether you have to replace cables or lines that game could get really expensive, really fast. I changed out (09 Road King) from stock to the Heritage style, a fairly quick, inexpensive change. The next change won't be.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 44,909
Likes: 29,892
From: PNW
Right now my bars are perfect - for my current seat. But, I'm getting a seat that will put me back almost two inches and lower by an inch or so. I need the leg room. But, I know once I do that, I'll need different bars. I'll probably end up with some bar that has more reach which is typically for shorter riders. But, I'm tall with really long arms, so what I'm doing definitely doesn't fit any normal fitting advice. It's a preference.
I know if I'm reaching to far forward, or down too low, I get the symptoms you describe. If you do as Mr Silver suggests, my bet is your hands will be higher and back from where your stock bars are. Just a hunch.
One tip - force yourself to keep your chin down (within reason) when riding. Most riders (including me) tend to tilt our heads back which causes neck strain.
Road Master
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 830
Likes: 15
From: Lewes De
I sometimes asked people if they minded me sitting on their bike to feel out the bars. Never had anyone tell me no. I went with the 14 inch Wild 1s on my SG, and I love'em compared to the stock bars , always got that pain down between my shoulder blades. I think most folks you strike up a cvonversation with, about their bars, will tell ya "go ahead and try 'em out".
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Elite HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 4,933
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From: Kentucky
I take a guess. If I don't like them, I sell them on Ebay for a little more than I bought them on Ebay for, to begin with. I replaced my Sportster bars with Night Train bars I bought on Ebay for $40, with risers and HD grips, and replaced my Softail Standard bars with Softail Custom bars I bought on Ebay for $100 with risers and Kuryakyn grips.
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Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 5,190
Likes: 5
From: Eastern Washington
Honestly I like the looks of my bars before I bought them. Little did I know how much they would eliminate the back problem. I get questions all the time about them and I usually let people sit on it and see. Most people dont ask, but I will offer if they are cool about it. They also want to sit and see if the heavy breather is in the way while on the bike.
Advanced
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 89
Likes: 0
From: Wisconsin
handlebars
I went through the same thing and went with helibars. Expensive but you can adjust them in three ways up-back-out to fit you. My husband put them on. Two sons and husband sat on bike and really liked them. Check out their site.