Curious for your guys' take on handlebars for Harleys. This is my first Harley after upgrading from a Vulcan, I'm interested in finding out what handlebars work well for a taller rider. I'm 6'2", 235lbs, and have been looking at 14" apes but have also been liking the looks of beach bars. Suggestions?

Thanks!

 

You won't go wrong with either. I'd go 16" with the apes, though. That's what I have on my Fatboy S and they're very comfortable.

 

The more I'm reading the more it seems people are saying at about my height, are suggesting 16s...thanks for the input

 

I'm the same height and have the same bike.... sit on your bike and let me know where it's most comfortable to have your hands..... shoulder height, just above your shoulders or just below your shoulders?

I bought Carlini 14's that sit more like 16's and my hands are slightly above my shoulders when I ride. Carlini's are also wider than the stock bars which means turning at slow speeds is quite a bit different. I find that a 12" Carlini or 14" in other manufacturers bars would have been perfect for me as I find the comfort better with my hands at or just below shoulder height.

 

On the other hand, beach bars look really sweet on a Fatboy. Google some images of guys in here with beach bars and you'll find some really cool stuff.

 

I went with 14" Hill Country Ape kit. Love it!
If I got a do over I would consider the 16" chisel type bars.
Regardless, I'm comfy and happy with higher bars

 

i'm 6'1 and had 14 inch Carlini apes on for a year. just took them off cause they were hurting my elbows. I wanted something low but a little more like a drag bar but with my hands closer in that the stock set. i put bars from a wide glide on. never been so happy with a set of bars in a long time!!

 

Thanks guys, and some good looking bikes in here. I'm definitely looking into these types of bars, for me it seems the stock bars pullback are shorter (if I'm not mistaking the understanding of measuring) causing my wrist to bend in and make it feel awkward, so I'd like to straighten them out a little. I also have a longer wing span, so I think a wider feel would be nice.

 

I'm a huge fan of beach bars.... I'm a little shorter than you and also have problems with my hands going numb on apes, or if I have to reach too far.

I had an Evo FXR that had buckhorn handlebars when I bought it, it put my wrists in a weird angle. I through on some bars with more natural hand position and was super happy.

My next bike was a shovel FLT that I converted to a Roadking looking thing. I put beach bars on that and really, really loved it!

Currently I have a Slim and love everything about it, but the handlebar position... It has me reaching just a hair. So, after sitting on a similar bike, with a better bar position, I ordered 4 1/2" pullback risers.

All that to say... It might take a little fiddling, no matter what you choose.

 

I'm 6 foot and I have Carlini 14 inch bars on my '13 Fat Boy and they're at my shoulders. Maybe a hair below.