I have a 09 iron, when sitting on the bike I am leaning forward a bit. I would like my handlebars to be closer to me, so I could sit more straight up. I do a lot of interstate travel, and bent over that long kills my back. I don't understand how to measure the "riser". Could somebody please explain what I need to look for, or how to accomplish getting the bars closer to me. I like the width, just not how far forward they are. I also thought about z bars. Would that bring the bars closer to me? I know it is a silly question, just can't find the answer when looking. Thanks in advance

 

J&P Cycles online has 4, 5 and 6 inch risers all with a 1 inch pullback. It seems like most people mount the Z bars angled forward or straight up. That may mean your wrist would be in an awkward position if they were angled back, but I haven't tried them. The 6 inch pullback risers with drag bars would raise your bars slightly and bring them closer.

 

Check out zombie performance they make the best bars with a great selection. I have a 48 and my wrists and back were killing me. I ended going with a set of narrow mini apes. They have about a 9" rise. Much more comfortable. I think if you go with risers it will look goofy and will cost almost what a set of bars costs.

 

+1 on mini apes. I was running 4 1/2" pull back risers for a couple of years. I finally switched to HD mini apes, more comfortable and looks a lot cleaner.

 

Check this site for some good info on stock bars.
http://www.sideroadcycles.com/Import...ckBarsOne.html
I needed more width and pullback and found them for a 883 Roadster.
They were black and about $89.00 through the dealer.
Looks like there's a couple bars for you with just more pullback.
Just a thought , worked for me.
Mick

 

Thanks for the list, that puts a lot more perspective on what I am looking for. I didn't know what I was looking for, I basically just want it back about 5 inches or so. I think it would help me a lot.

 

If you look at your bike from the side , try to imagine a line drawn across the tip of the grips , and look where they intersect over the gas cap.
My stock bars looked like the line went across the front of the gas cap.
The roadster bars line went across the rear of the gas cap.

This was nearly a 2" difference from stock which makes a big difference.

Here's a shot of both bar sets.



The difference would be greater if the bar width was near stock , to the rider.
This changes the angle of your spine a fair amount.
The backrest makes a huge difference on the highway (and any other time) being that I never have to "hold on" at any speed.
I have lower back problems , and sometimes when it's really bad (pain) I can take a short ride and adjust the backrest forward , have it push me pretty hard forward , and the vibrations alleviate the pain pretty well.
I call it "48 therapy"
These are the 56085-83A bars.
Mick

 

Did the handlebar dance with my BO last year. Its a form vs function exercise. If you're a fan of apes, you'll definitely gain from the fact that they're very adjustable fore and aft.

 

I'm running the HD Mini-Apes along with 2.5" riser extensions. This puts my hands in the most comfortable position for me.

 

Hey DK love the bike looks awesome. Mick where did you get your backrest from. I like it