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14" or 16"...that is the question

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Old Dec 11, 2011 | 03:51 PM
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Default 14" or 16"...that is the question
'09 Heritage, I'm looking to throw on a set of apes. But like the title says, I am torn between 14's or 16's. I'm 5'10" and have ridden a few different buddies bikes ranging from 14" to 18", but none of them were a Heritage. I'm looking at Hill Country Customs for the setup, they have a package with internally wired bars w/chrome levers, stainless braided cables and chrome brake master cylinder and switch housings. Any advice to help me make up my mind would be awesome.
 
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Old Dec 11, 2011 | 04:03 PM
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I run Carlini Flying apes 16" 1 1/2" diameter bars. I am 6'1" and love them. If I was you I would go 16" but make sure they are 1 1/2" diameter bars. They look so much better on the FL front ends.
 
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Old Dec 11, 2011 | 04:12 PM
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I was in the same boat and am the same height and decided on 14's that will measure out to almost 16's. I think 16's are just right for me at 5'10!
 
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Old Dec 11, 2011 | 04:18 PM
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I have 16" chubbys on my fatboy on a 2 inch riser, I'm 5'9".

I want to go to 18's but have other plans that will come first.

X2 on going with thicker bars, skinny bars don't look right on FL frontends.

Here's 16's on my fatboy.



I'm gonna go with 18" carlini's eventually.
 
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Old Dec 11, 2011 | 05:33 PM
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Thanks fellas, I agree on the thicker bars...I'll have to look what diameter they are, I think the one's I'm looking at is 1 1/4. Hmmm.....
 
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Old Dec 11, 2011 | 11:11 PM
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I only went with 14 because the outlawz don't come in 16. I would shop around a bit before going right to HCC. There are a lot of mixed reviews on them here.
 
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Old Dec 12, 2011 | 02:30 AM
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I am in the same boat. I want to roll mine out in the spring with a new set of apes. I am also 5'10" with a 2006 Deluxe but my main issue is past shoulder surgeries. I don't know anyone that rides with apes for me to be able to "test drive" any so I am going to be making a shot in the dark. I hate buying something when I don't know if it's going to work or not but it is what it is!!
 
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Old Dec 12, 2011 | 06:23 PM
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Originally Posted by Herksuper
'09 Heritage, I'm looking to throw on a set of apes. But like the title says, I am torn between 14's or 16's. I'm 5'10" and have ridden a few different buddies bikes ranging from 14" to 18", but none of them were a Heritage. I'm looking at Hill Country Customs for the setup, they have a package with internally wired bars w/chrome levers, stainless braided cables and chrome brake master cylinder and switch housings. Any advice to help me make up my mind would be awesome.
I have been tackling this same issue for a while. So the other day i got a buddy to give me an extra set of hands to measure up where i wanted to be. I had been leaning heavily towards 14"s. But when i measured up where i wanted to be while riding i was almost at 17", so from that i am going with 16"s. So my advice for you is to measure where you would feel comfortable height and pull back wise. Also if you go with HCC spend the extra to get wild1 bars or la choppers bars. it will be worth it in the long run.
 
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Old Dec 12, 2011 | 06:30 PM
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Try BR custom bars..... the dude (Bill) is great, he`ll make you whatever you like... apes ,drag,1 inch,1.5......CUSTOM!!
 
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Old Dec 12, 2011 | 06:46 PM
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Default Apes
Originally Posted by Herksuper
'09 Heritage, I'm looking to throw on a set of apes. But like the title says, I am torn between 14's or 16's. I'm 5'10" and have ridden a few different buddies bikes ranging from 14" to 18", but none of them were a Heritage. I'm looking at Hill Country Customs for the setup, they have a package with internally wired bars w/chrome levers, stainless braided cables and chrome brake master cylinder and switch housings. Any advice to help me make up my mind would be awesome.
I purchased the 16inch HCC kit last winter and installed. The kit made install very manageable. Was my first bar install. They will even install factory plug if you request it. I chose the kit because of quality and price (especially price). I like the way they look and have had no issues this year with them. We are the same height and I would highly suggest you get 16in. Here are a couple pics.


 
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