Texas handlebar height

Reply Subscribe

Thread Tools

Search this Thread

May 9, 2011 | 11:50 PM

blueyeguy

Thread Starter

Novice

Joined: Apr 2011

Posts: 15

Likes: 0

From: Austin, TX

Texas handlebar height

Hey guys/gals... anyone living in Texas have any problems with getting your bike inspected after swapping out your stock handlebars with ape hangers? I found a FAQ on the TxDPS site and one of the questions was regarding maximum handlebar height (see question 14): http://www.txdps.state.tx.us/msb/msbfaqs.htm

15 inches above the saddle... I'm fairly certain that the 12" bars I'm thinking about buying would be illegal given the fact that the saddle is about 4-5" below the stock risers. I'm not sure how sensitive the police and inspection stations around Texas are about this so it would be great to hear first hand experiences. Thanks.

T.

May 9, 2011 | 11:59 PM

cjbmustang

Tourer

Joined: May 2010

Posts: 299

Likes: 2

Quote:

Originally Posted by blueyeguy

here in MA, they have to be no taller than the rider's shoulder height when seated. i wonder what would they say about having a drop seat frame? good luck with it

May 10, 2011 | 01:36 AM

THE YETI

Cruiser

Joined: Feb 2008

Posts: 128

Likes: 0

From: Austin, Texxxas

I have 12" apes on my Nightster. I got it inspected in Austin one time, at a little place on the corner of North Loop and Lamar, didn't have any problems whatsoever.

May 10, 2011 | 06:58 AM

streetfighter06

Outstanding HDF Member

Joined: Aug 2009

Posts: 2,790

Likes: 7

From: Texas

I'm surprised you'd have anyone give you ****. You don't need a helmet or blinkers in TX - handlebar issues would impress me, but you always got that guy who does it by the book. I haven't had my bike inspected in almost 2 years and cops don't even care. They still wave to me! lol

May 10, 2011 | 07:56 AM

Nate77

Advanced

Joined: Sep 2009

Posts: 59

Likes: 0

From: Austin, TX

Quote:

Originally Posted by THE YETI

I have 12" apes on my Nightster. I got it inspected in Austin one time, at a little place on the corner of North Loop and Lamar, didn't have any problems whatsoever.

I went to the same place. In and out in just a few minutes, and my apes are probably a good 18-20" higher than seat height.

May 10, 2011 | 08:29 AM

dan conner

Ultimate HDF Member

Joined: Apr 2010

Posts: 5,308

Likes: 9

most dealers do inspections...they would be more likely to let it slide. they are mainly looking for good brakes and tires.

May 10, 2011 | 08:32 AM

Grammaton

Road Master

Joined: Jan 2009

Posts: 866

Likes: 0

From: Houston, TX

Quote:

Originally Posted by streetfighter06

I haven't had my bike inspected in almost 2 years and cops don't even care. They still wave to me! lol

My brother went without an inspection for almost six years before "that one cop" wrote him a ticket.

OP: It's the law, and if you break the law you have to be prepared to take the consequences. I've never heard of anyone getting a ticket for too tall bars, but you could be the one. You probably won't have any trouble getting it inspected. Inspections now are all about emission related stuff. No one cares about bikes.