"High" handlebars in MI
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Novice
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 24
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From: Michigan
"High" handlebars in MI
I'm aware of the handlebar height law in MI (15 in above seat) but in looking at bars for my RK, almost any rise will be illegal. My question is to those in MI or those who have ridden in MI with "high" handlebars. What has been your experience been with the police? Pulled over often? Ticketed or warned?
I'm 6'4 and just trying to do what I can to get more comfortable, not trying to make a statement. If I have to pay a ticket to be comfortable then so be it, but I don't want to be getting pulled over every time I pass a LEO. Thanks for the input, bars are not a cheap investment and I want to make sure I get it right.
I'm 6'4 and just trying to do what I can to get more comfortable, not trying to make a statement. If I have to pay a ticket to be comfortable then so be it, but I don't want to be getting pulled over every time I pass a LEO. Thanks for the input, bars are not a cheap investment and I want to make sure I get it right.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 9,984
Likes: 5,220
From: Michigan
I've never had handlebars that high but I can't say that I've heard of anyone being hassled about them.
I doubt you would/will have an issue provided that your grips/hands are not above your shoulders when you are sitting on your bike.
I doubt you would/will have an issue provided that your grips/hands are not above your shoulders when you are sitting on your bike.
3rd Gear
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
From: Oklahoma
Another tall Michigander checking in. I am 6'-6" and have 12" Harley Mini Apes on my Street Glide and they are pushed all the forward against the batwing. They are around 18" above the lowest part of the seat when I have my Brawler solo on. My bars are pretty mild compared to some of the guys I have seen riding around, but I am still not legal. Keep in mind the law is 15" from the lowest part of the seat. That makes a big difference and is a stupid law. My buddy rides a Road King and runs factory bars. They are close, if not over some.
Taken straight from the SOS website:
Handlebar Height
Your motorcycle handlebars must be positioned so that there are no more than 15 inches between the lowest point of the (unoccupied) seat to the highest point of the handle grips.
I haven't had one issue and we ride all over southeastern Michigan and up into the thumb. I have crossed paths with a few state troopers and those guys do not mess around. Our local village police are ticket writing machines and I have not been messed with one time. I would say if your bars aren't shoulder height, you aren't riding like an idiot, or pulling out of a bar after last call, you probably won't be messed with.
Taken straight from the SOS website:
Handlebar Height
Your motorcycle handlebars must be positioned so that there are no more than 15 inches between the lowest point of the (unoccupied) seat to the highest point of the handle grips.
I haven't had one issue and we ride all over southeastern Michigan and up into the thumb. I have crossed paths with a few state troopers and those guys do not mess around. Our local village police are ticket writing machines and I have not been messed with one time. I would say if your bars aren't shoulder height, you aren't riding like an idiot, or pulling out of a bar after last call, you probably won't be messed with.
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Novice
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 24
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From: Michigan
Thanks guys, that was the kind of input I was looking for. Saw a couple of guys post on other handlebar threads say they were hassled in MI but didn't explain. Think I'll get what I want and worry about it later (it's not like any exhaust I put on won't be technically illegal too). I can probably go up to at least 16 with them staying slightly below my shoulders. I recently moved up from Ohio where they had the common sense to change to below the shoulders from the 15 in rule, hopefully MI follows suit.
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