Getting the right handlebars
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Road Master
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 934
Likes: 10
From: Alberta
Getting the right handlebars
I have searched and read pretty well all threads on handlebars and how they are the most common change and that the right handlebars will solve lots of riding / discomfort problems.
What I would like to understand is how do you know which handlebar is the right one to go after? I have tried different combinations with the HD Fit Shop, but still don't know which handlebar would be right for me.
Is there a way to measure you sitting position and then do a search by measurement? Is there a standard guide to follow based on my size, bike, arm length, etc?
Really appreciate any guidance you can give.
What I would like to understand is how do you know which handlebar is the right one to go after? I have tried different combinations with the HD Fit Shop, but still don't know which handlebar would be right for me.
Is there a way to measure you sitting position and then do a search by measurement? Is there a standard guide to follow based on my size, bike, arm length, etc?
Really appreciate any guidance you can give.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 7,882
Likes: 5
From: So California
Road Warrior
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 1,443
Likes: 9
From: North Carolina
I just wathced your avatar for 20 min. What do you need help with again? oh handle bars
You need to be in a vertical riding position with good straight back posture and your arms slightly bent, wrists in a natural position to the arm bend, height is up to you I like mid to high bars 14-16'' high for neck pain and it alsoallows me to keep from sloutching
You need to be in a vertical riding position with good straight back posture and your arms slightly bent, wrists in a natural position to the arm bend, height is up to you I like mid to high bars 14-16'' high for neck pain and it alsoallows me to keep from sloutching
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 11,166
Likes: 1,801
From: Puget Sound, WA.
I just wathced your avatar for 20 min. What do you need help with again? oh handle bars
You need to be in a vertical riding position with good straight back posture and your arms slightly bent, wrists in a natural position to the arm bend, height is up to you I like mid to high bars 14-16'' high for neck pain and it alsoallows me to keep from sloutching
You need to be in a vertical riding position with good straight back posture and your arms slightly bent, wrists in a natural position to the arm bend, height is up to you I like mid to high bars 14-16'' high for neck pain and it alsoallows me to keep from sloutching
No tired arms, back, neck, wrists, associated use muscles, or fatigue.
I am extremely happy with my choice.
I initially sat on the bike measuring my best feeling position and built the bar-seat combo to suit.
I got a C&C SportTour seat.
http://www.ccseats.com/Harley.htm
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 3,164
Likes: 6
From: Greenfield, Massachusetts
I just got back from a 1800 mile ride with my 14" WC T-bars.
No tired arms, back, neck, wrists, associated use muscles, or fatigue.
I am extremely happy with my choice.
I initially sat on the bike measuring my best feeling position and built the bar-seat combo to suit.
No tired arms, back, neck, wrists, associated use muscles, or fatigue.
I am extremely happy with my choice.
I initially sat on the bike measuring my best feeling position and built the bar-seat combo to suit.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 3,447
Likes: 163
From: Northern VA
It's trial and error. I'm changing bars on my RK for the third time. Wild One 16" apes. Hopefully third time is the charm...
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A lot of people like apes. I had 8 inch mini apes on my bike stock. I hated them. I put the Narrow Beach bars on and I can ride forever now! Most people seem to like them high, or low. I like them low. Sitting on the bike I'm in a neutral seated position without slouching, but the ever so slight forward reach takes the fight out of the wind. That being said, for long trips I run my Kuryakin Tombstone bag and have a back rest. Apes might have been better had I ran a windshield, but exposed, the wind was murder on my back.
It's a good thing bars are cheap. It's trial and error, and no one can give you the "best for you" answer.
It's a good thing bars are cheap. It's trial and error, and no one can give you the "best for you" answer.
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Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 3,447
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From: Northern VA
Road Warrior
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 1,426
Likes: 90
From: People's Republik of Kalifornia
A couple of the things you need to also take into account is whether or not you use a windscreen, and do a lot of freeway riding. You don't want to be too upright without a windscreen on the freeway or other high speed environment because then you turn into a sail. A little lean forward is good in that environment.