First off: I've searched...and searched some more. And I don't know how you guys pick a damn set of handlebars. I'm looking at the KhromeWerks 12" Bobber Apes (300211) or the 12" Chrome Apes (300044) for a 2012 Road King. I'm pretty set on 12 inchers as I don't want chilly pits (and holding my shoulders up makes old motocross injuries come back to me.)

Looking at the bars, the regular Apes pullback more than the bobbers, but the bobbers are a bit higher. My main question is this: Based off other users threads about heritage bars, they say you don't usually need to change brake lines. (Correct me if I'm wrong) The heritage bars are similar height as the 12" Apes. Would I need to go with extended brake lines or could I get by with re-routing the current lines?

Wouldnt think stock wires would work on these bars either, and I'm already planning on extending the throttle wires and signal wires. Thanks for all the help guys. It's much appreciated.

 

Here's how to determine which bars fit you and are comfortable.... 2 person job.
Put your bike in a wheel chock so it will stay in an upright position on it's own.
Hop in the saddle, close your eyes, have your helper hand you a broom handle (or something similar) and place your hands where they are most comfortable.
Your helper will then measure for height, width, and pullback....
Pass the broom handle back to your helper, get off the bike and go to fridge for 2 beers....
Enjoy the beers and shoot the **** with your helper until both beers are gone.
Repeat the process of setting on bike with eyes closed, hold broom stick where most comfortable, have helper get measurements again.
Get off bike and have another beer and shoot the ****.....
Back on bike for third and final measurements.....

Now figure what the "average" measurement is for each... height, width, and pull back ...Search for the style of bars which closely match the measurements you have....

Now the difficult part of this whole process: choosing the correct bars in your price range !!
New or re-routing existing cables will be effected with your decision on which bars you want.

Some guys go through 2, 3, even 4 different sets of bars before they find the 'right ones'......Most common mistake is, "should have gone with taller bars."
I nailed mine on the first try.... 16" LA Choppers 'Twin Peaks'

Hope this helps with the process to find the bars most comfortable for your riding style.....

 

One word " Factory 47" and a couple of numbers.

 

My recommendation is to get bars with a low amount of pullback. Your wrists will be in a more natural position causing less stress in other areas (elbows, shoulders, back...etc). Just my experience anyway.

 

Thanks Trip, that was my thought as well. It seems that the pullback on the current stock bars stress the outsides of my wrists, like I'm having to **** my hands outwards.