Handlebars... which ones?
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 7,437
Likes: 3
From: TEXAS!!!!
RE: Handlebars... which ones?
I'd go with the apes personally. Actually, I will be when the money permits. I am 5'9" and have the same lower back problems with a ride that's about 30 minutes. The position also puts a lot of strain on my tailbone. I'm getting a Sundowner seat that eliminates that problem thanks to my brother so when I'm able to get the apes then it'll be perfectly comfortable since I'll be able to sit straight.
Advanced
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 81
Likes: 3
From:
RE: Handlebars... which ones?
Wonder if anyone from the MoCo ever reads boards like this and sees how many people are uncomfortable with the stock bars currently on Sportys. Buckhorns are out of fashion now but I'd sure be glad to see 'em reintroduced....
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 7,437
Likes: 3
From: TEXAS!!!!
RE: Handlebars... which ones?
Well, scratch, I'm not sure if anyone from the MoCo reads these boards but the product goes through many design and testing phases that one would figure would flush this out. I'd like to know who went on a 100 mile trip on this before it was mass produced and said "Yep, that's comfy!" Must be someone with some crazy long arms, I'm thinkin'.
Of course, then you might look at the fact that maybe, just maybe, they do it on purpose so you have to buy new bars, risers, speedo case, cables, grips just so you can get comfortable...hmmm.
Of course, then you might look at the fact that maybe, just maybe, they do it on purpose so you have to buy new bars, risers, speedo case, cables, grips just so you can get comfortable...hmmm.
Banned
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 2,909
Likes: 0
From:
RE: Handlebars... which ones?
ORIGINAL: 12Stones
Of course, then you might look at the fact that maybe, just maybe, they do it on purpose so you have to buy new bars, risers, speedo case, cables, grips just so you can get comfortable...hmmm.
Of course, then you might look at the fact that maybe, just maybe, they do it on purpose so you have to buy new bars, risers, speedo case, cables, grips just so you can get comfortable...hmmm.
Road Warrior
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 1,351
Likes: 4
From:
RE: Handlebars... which ones?
I believe it's called the Harley Tax!! 
ORIGINAL: 12Stones
Of course, then you might look at the fact that maybe, just maybe, they do it on purpose so you have to buy new bars, risers, speedo case, cables, grips just so you can get comfortable...hmmm.
Of course, then you might look at the fact that maybe, just maybe, they do it on purpose so you have to buy new bars, risers, speedo case, cables, grips just so you can get comfortable...hmmm.
Road Warrior
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 1,388
Likes: 2
RE: Handlebars... which ones?
ORIGINAL: 12Stones
Well, scratch, I'm not sure if anyone from the MoCo reads these boards but the product goes through many design and testing phases that one would figure would flush this out. I'd like to know who went on a 100 mile trip on this before it was mass produced and said "Yep, that's comfy!" Must be someone with some crazy long arms, I'm thinkin'.
Of course, then you might look at the fact that maybe, just maybe, they do it on purpose so you have to buy new bars, risers, speedo case, cables, grips just so you can get comfortable...hmmm.
Well, scratch, I'm not sure if anyone from the MoCo reads these boards but the product goes through many design and testing phases that one would figure would flush this out. I'd like to know who went on a 100 mile trip on this before it was mass produced and said "Yep, that's comfy!" Must be someone with some crazy long arms, I'm thinkin'.
Of course, then you might look at the fact that maybe, just maybe, they do it on purpose so you have to buy new bars, risers, speedo case, cables, grips just so you can get comfortable...hmmm.
BUT, I would say what we are talking about here is more a compromise thing. Do you set the bike up standard for a tall, skinny guy or a short, fat guy. Or do you compromise in between? I think what we are seeing is the compromise.
Just my two cents.....
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 2,272
Likes: 10
From: Orange VA
RE: Handlebars... which ones?
Went with DWG miniapes on the Custom. The Low will get the same treatment here very soon. Significantly better ride for me. The stock Custom bars didn't feel right for me. I felt bent over and awkward. The stock bars on the Low are ok but noticing 2 distinct things on longer rides: First, the hand position is kinda awkward over time; similar to the buckhorns. Second, the stock bars feel kinda narrow, like a dragster steering wheel. They feel a little harder to control. I'll be more comfortable when I get apes on there.
Of course fit and feel are relative to the individual.
Of course fit and feel are relative to the individual.