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I recently purchased a 2018 road king special I love the bike but the bars are uncomfortable Im getting mixed information on how high of bars you can put on with stock cables
my height is 59 or 510 I would like to go with some type of apes I think but I really just want something comfortable on my hands and back so Im not so hunched over grabbing the handlebars anyone has recommendations on what bars I should be looking into please let me know thank you in advance
I installed Wild 1 502 Chubbies 12.5" fit me perfect. I used wire kit #69200034 as wires were a little tight. The kit was plug and play, no splicing and all wires were same color code. The cables fit fine just move the front brake cable out of the block.
Last edited by SomeOld Biker; Jul 11, 2018 at 12:41 PM.
I'm 5'9" and put 12" bars on mine. No issues with cables for my bike. Maybe cable length is different for road kings? I think there was enough cable to even go 14".
But my bars are SO much better than stock. I do think now I could and should have gone with 14's though/ My hands are just below my shoulders now, so 2 more inches would have been fine.
Some guys dont care how the lines are run and folks have different opinions on whats proper and whats not,Thats where mixed information comes from. I would not let using stock lines influence your choice of bars, instead I would do the opposite and get the bars I like and fit new lines as needed. There are plenty of online videos that show how to pick the best fitting bars, check them out. Have you tried to adjust your current bars? could be thats all you need too.
Some guys dont care how the lines are run and folks have different opinions on whats proper and whats not,Thats where mixed information comes from. I would not let using stock lines influence your choice of bars, instead I would do the opposite and get the bars I like and fit new lines as needed. There are plenty of online videos that show how to pick the best fitting bars, check them out. Have you tried to adjust your current bars? could be thats all you need too.
Buying proper and most comfortable bars first is a mistake I think many people make. I have been down this road a few times now and have myself made the mistake once and fortunately I learned. Do a lot of thinking and first imagine the bars you want. What I have been telling many people for quite some time is sit on your bike, close your eyes and put your hands out to what would be a comfortable riding position. Either have someone watch you or perhaps take a video if nobody can be there. Then take that information with you when you are shopping for bars. You may not even need apes but this method will get you going in the right direction. Best of luck and don't let cable length keep you from enjoying the ride.
Im 5 10 and im running 12 kst apes on my street glide. They are about perfect for me. An i didnt have to replace or extend anything but the wiring. Didnt have to replace clutch and break lines. Anything over 12 inches and you would have to. If i were you i would go with a 10 or 12inch Kst ape. There cheap compared to yaffee but quility is second to none. Might as well get you some new grips too because its almost impossible to not damage the left grip when taking them off stock bars.
Dealership wanted a grand just for labor to change them out for me. I did it myself. Wasnt bad. Hard part was running the wires through the new handle bars. But it cleans the look up really well. Most places will do it for you for 100 or 150 then all you gotta do is bolt the new bars up and mount your controls and stuff. Lots of vids on youtube too to help coach you through it if you wanna diy. Good luck
Last edited by hollandhunter; Jul 11, 2018 at 05:45 PM.
Bars, along with seats, are probably the most personal bit on a bike, everyone is different and lots of factors affect it. I did put 12.5" mini apes on my RK after reading lots of recommendations and they look beautiful but I have constant pain between my shoulder blades. I am now switching to lower bars (chubby 508) to see if the pain situation improves.
As apes go, I'm 5.7" with 29 inseam (so I'm all torso) and with the 12.5" mini apes I have lots of control on the bike and they are an ok height, probably a touch too low still considering what the physio told me should be the correct posture.
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New handlebars need some help
