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Hi Everyone! Just looking for some feedback. I own a Softail Deluxe (blue bike); purchased with the straight bars, but I am wanting apes. Im only 5'3, so Im thinking 10 inches for my height and to prevent arm fatigue. I have had my Harley 3 years now, but havent had much seat time on my harley; purchsed a street bike in 07, sold it 7 months after I got the harley. Im told that I shouldnt change the bars out right now, I should get used to the bike with the handle bars I have, but I'm now wondering if different handle bars would simply handle better. Im entertaining the Carlini Flying apes, gangster or the menace (if I swtich out my highway bars)..I even like the bars on the white softail. I know the look is one thing but I also have to consider how any bars will allow me to handle the bike, right? Will apes allow me to handle the bike better or make it more difficult or easier? Im at a loss here..I really want to change my bars, but I dont want to if its going to make it harder. I would rather wait until I have more seat time, if that makes a difference. Any feedback is welcome! Thank you
IMHO handlebars on a bike are always specific to a rider, if I was you I would go to a few dealers and sit on bikes with apes to get a feel for how it fits you, and even then you wont know for sure until you ride for a while...
I like the way my heritage bars handle. I would call them mini apes. 12" or so high and I know quite a few people in your height range that really like the heritage bars. They are not as cool as the aftermarket brands but they would be a cheaper swap over for you to try to see if you like the way it feels. Might need to lengthen wires and replace cables, but you would have to do that if you went with Carlini Flying apes, gangster or the menace. Here is a pic of mine these are the stock heritage bars.
Last edited by Savage3006; Mar 4, 2016 at 02:30 PM.
I have short people problems as well. There are a few things to consider before guessing what bars you want. If you really like the seat on your bike and it is the one you want to stick with than I would say you are ready to buy bars. You really should measure the right height bars for you before buying any. Being short I would go with narrow bars so when you turn the bars it does not put one side out of reach. Also hold a broom stick up and measure where you feel most comfortable. This will help give you a good guess for height and pull back. Being I am about the same height as you I have had 14's with a brawler seat and they were fine. On a low cut seat I would say 12's
One plus with using Heritage bars on your Deluxe would be you wouldn't have to switch out the cables. The best way to figure out the best bar height for you is to enlist the help of somebody. Sit on your bike with your eyes closed while your friend holds the bike upright (straddle the front wheel while holding onto the bars). Reach out with your hands to where it is the most comfortable & natural for you. Your friend then can help measure that point. Do not settle for the stock bars or "learn to live with them" first. Also, don't buy bars based on looks alone. Comfort is the number one key to really enjoying your ride. HTH!
Kiss21, I'm not much taller than you. I downsized from an Ultra to a Heritage witch worked out fine except making u-turns. The higher bars are a reach in a sharp turn even though I laid them back several inches by just loosening the triple clamps. Just make sure it's not too much of a stretch in a sharp turn.
This is ALL great advice. Thank you soooo much for the feedback/advice. Im going to consider all of it! Stal94, I like the seat on my bike. I swtiched out the stock for a corbin; to get me lower to the ground (short people problems). I love how its not as wide and the look was another reason I went with it. I kept my stock, juuuust in case my bottom cant handle long rides on the corbin; haven't tried it out yet on a long ride, but just in case, I'm, holding on to the original. Not sure when I'll make the switch...but Im definitely going to pay more attention to the things I struggle to do with the bars on there now...I made a U turn in a culdasac, but that's not the ur turn I need to be worried about I know LOL..its the u turns in the middle of the street. Again, all of this is great advice and I appreciate each one of you for taking the time to post!
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Handle Bars Softail Deluxe
