HANDLEBARS
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4th Gear
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 8
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HANDLEBARS
Need help deciding on new handlebars for my '03 Road King. I am 6'1 and riding on a Mustang Tour Classic tour seat. Considering the Wild 1 bars, 508, 517 & 518. Your experience's and recommendationswould sure be helpful.. Thanks
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 4,602
Likes: 5
From: Southern California - Palm Springs Area
RE: HANDLEBARS
I have Wild 1 508 installed on my '01 RKC - bought these just before they released there 518's (we installed these on my son's '05 RKS) - I'm 6'4" and I liked his 518's better then my 508's as the 518's possition of your wrist is much better...
Friend installed the RG's 517 on his '06 RG and doesn't like them (like the 508's wrist doesn't sit natural) - I went and put 513's (8 1\2" Mini Apes) on my new '07 Road Glide and they work & Look GREAT - These RG style bars are narrow to clear the fairing...
If ya like the Ape Type look I would look at the 515's - they'll look alot better on a Road King but you'll have to replace the cables & lines and splice & extend the wiring..
Friend installed the RG's 517 on his '06 RG and doesn't like them (like the 508's wrist doesn't sit natural) - I went and put 513's (8 1\2" Mini Apes) on my new '07 Road Glide and they work & Look GREAT - These RG style bars are narrow to clear the fairing...
If ya like the Ape Type look I would look at the 515's - they'll look alot better on a Road King but you'll have to replace the cables & lines and splice & extend the wiring..
Novice
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 24
Likes: 0
From: Hazelwood, Indiana
RE: HANDLEBARS
I installed the 518's about six weeks ago. I think it is the best modification I have made to date. I am 6'-1" tall. I could not decide between the 508 & 518 so I emailed WildOnes for their opinion. They recommended the 518. Purchased them from Zanotti HD for $161 plus $16 shipping. Installed on 2003 RK standard. I did not extend my throttle cables, clutch cable, brake line or wiring. With that said however, I had to bend the brake line to reach the new position. In the future I will install new brake line so it follows the bend of the bars. Purely an aesthetic issue.
If you install yourself do yourself a favor and check all electrical functions before you button up the headlight nacelle.
All told a very welcome addition to the bike resulting in more comfort and better appearance. Installation process very rewarding time spent tinkering while too cold to ride.
If you install yourself do yourself a favor and check all electrical functions before you button up the headlight nacelle.
All told a very welcome addition to the bike resulting in more comfort and better appearance. Installation process very rewarding time spent tinkering while too cold to ride.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 9,335
Likes: 13
From: MA
RE: HANDLEBARS
I have an '06 RK Classic with a Sundowner seat and I'm 6'2". I put the RK High Handlebars on over the winter and like them so far. I've only got about 1k miles on them so far, butthey areMUCH better than stock.
Cruiser
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 157
Likes: 3
RE: HANDLEBARS
I have an 07 RKC with 504 wild 1's...I picked these because they were only 2 1/2 in wider ans had only an additional 1 1/2 in more pull back. I did want anything with too much pull back because I didn't want the stearing to fell like a tiller. I have 2,400 mile with them and an very pleased...I like the looks also.
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Elite HDF Member
Joined: May 2006
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RE: HANDLEBARS
I, too, am in favor of apes. I put on 18" apes to my rk custom. I am 6'1" and more torso than leg. These bars put my hands right at shoulder level. No problem with the way they feel. I really enjoy them.