My girlfriend and I are trying to figure out what kind of handlebars we need on our bikes. She has a 2005 Softail Deluxe and I have a 1997 Softail Fatboy. It seems like we both are leaning forward too much. They both have very wide, stock handlebars. I have been looking at the handlebars off of a newer (2007) Heritage Softail Classic, but I'm not sure if I'll need all new cables. Any suggestions?

 

Are you short? I am at a loss as to why you're both leaning forward so much. Is it that you don't like the look of the bars?

Perhaps just tilting the bars back slightly, and a different seat, could help, and if you're short you could consider lowering kits as well.

 

I think your best bet would be to find either taller pull back risers,look into one of Harley's reach seats, or find a place that can modify your seats to push you more forward.
If you get risers that are less than 4" different than what you have. You'll probably be able to get away with the stock cables, but the odds are that you'll have to replace the brake line. Most of them are a combination of hard and flex lines that do not allow for much in the way of changes.

 

I used 4" slotted pull back risers on my 02 FatBoy and it was one of the best things I ever did. Made a 4k trip last year and was very confortable. I too felt like I was reaching just a bit more than I wanted to. Try it and you will agree.

 

I changed to a set of Road King bars... P/N 55954-00

about 1 1/2 narrower
same rise
and they come back a couple more inches...

 

apes!

I would go to a dealer and sit on a couplenewer FL bikes to get a better idea...

 

No Einstein, I'm not short.I am at a loss as to why you think lowering a bike would helpwith leaning forward too much.

Never said anything about not liking the looks of the bars, either.

I have tilted the bars back slightly, thanks for the technical expertise.
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Your right about one thing, everyone is entitled to their own opinion. I had a question, not an opinion and was asking for suggestions/help.

I do, however have an opinion about your help.......STUPID!

 

UM...The opinion comment is not ment for you it is called a signiture {a little place to add some kind of general comment or remark}
it is not a personal attack. Look for other posts of his and you will see it on everyone. By the way WELCOME to the forum.

 

Not sure whether you can get Burleigh bars where you are - www.burleighbars.com.au (australian).

I am 6' and even I was a liitle round shouldered riding my 08 fatboy. I installed the burleigh westerns 1 3/4" bars, 6" integrated risers, the really thick bars suit the fatboy and I sit straight. see sig pic

 

Get some apes!With a simple adjustment they can be in your lap or in front of your tire.lol