Need Handlebar Closer
Thread Starter
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 2,183
Likes: 1
From: Lenexa, KS (KC)
Need Handlebar Closer
What's the best way to get the handlebars closer to me? I like the stock bar on the bike, but realize I'm leaning forward some -- doubt it would be comfortable on a long ride.
On my metric bike I installed pullback risers to take care of the problem, but I'm not sure this can be done on these bikes. I haven't seen the advertised anyway.
I want to be able to lean back a little, maybe install a backrest and kick the feet out on the highway pegs in a more comfortable position.
I've sent my seat to Allen at MCC to have the seat mods done, and I really like my seat, so I don't want to send it back to move myself closer that way.
Any help on what I should do?
On my metric bike I installed pullback risers to take care of the problem, but I'm not sure this can be done on these bikes. I haven't seen the advertised anyway.
I want to be able to lean back a little, maybe install a backrest and kick the feet out on the highway pegs in a more comfortable position.
I've sent my seat to Allen at MCC to have the seat mods done, and I really like my seat, so I don't want to send it back to move myself closer that way.
Any help on what I should do?
Road Master
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 1,220
Likes: 2
From: iowa
RE: Need Handlebar Closer
Hey Tater,
Had the same problem, talked to a lot of buds and came up with the option of new bars. 2 of them had installed Wild 1 518 road king bars and recommended that I do the same. I got the chance to ride theirs so it was an easy choice for me. I did the swap myself and when I got the old bars off the bike I compared them to the new ones and to me they looked like and exagerated version of the stock bars. a little higher, a little more pull back and a little wider and a lot nicer look. All in all I am very happy with my 518's they are the best mod I have done to my '06 RKC.
Jeff
Had the same problem, talked to a lot of buds and came up with the option of new bars. 2 of them had installed Wild 1 518 road king bars and recommended that I do the same. I got the chance to ride theirs so it was an easy choice for me. I did the swap myself and when I got the old bars off the bike I compared them to the new ones and to me they looked like and exagerated version of the stock bars. a little higher, a little more pull back and a little wider and a lot nicer look. All in all I am very happy with my 518's they are the best mod I have done to my '06 RKC.
Jeff
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 28,523
Likes: 3,953
From: Vermont
RE: Need Handlebar Closer
Tater I just got Khromewerks sweeper bars for FLHT's for $63 direct from factory. I just posted a pic of them next to the stock ones. I'll post pics on the bike later.
Road Master
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 1,220
Likes: 2
From: iowa
RE: Need Handlebar Closer
Tater,
I got my Wild1's from Zanottis for $151. I mulled it over for a bout 2 months(Nov., Dec.) and finally ordered in January. I have spent nearly $4000 in stuffrelated to thebike in the last year. From seats(plural) to rain gear, and I am here to tell you that those bars are by far the best upgrade I have installed. I know you can get handle bars a lot cheaper but there has to be a picture of the 518's in the dictionary next to the word QUALITY. The chrome is show quality. I installed mine myself and extended the wires also. I took two and a half days to do it all and had a good time doing it. I replaced the throttle and idle cable with a +2 inch stainless cable from Magnum and could have stayed with the stock clutch cable but I had to go with the stainless version to keep up with the right side. I think you could get by with the old cables butnewake lines are a must. I have seen people bend the stock line to make it work and if they are happy with the results then more power to them but I don't like it. It looks like *****!
Sorry to go on but I love my new bars. Here is a link that I found very useful, https://www.hdforums.com/m_1328001/tm.htm (Ty Mank rocks) as a matter of fact if these forums gave away awards for the best do it your self artic les then I think this would be your winner. The guy absolutley thought of every thing and explained it so well. He also took the time to photograph every step and I know it helped me and will help you too. Let me know if you need any more info , always willing to help.
Jeff
I got my Wild1's from Zanottis for $151. I mulled it over for a bout 2 months(Nov., Dec.) and finally ordered in January. I have spent nearly $4000 in stuffrelated to thebike in the last year. From seats(plural) to rain gear, and I am here to tell you that those bars are by far the best upgrade I have installed. I know you can get handle bars a lot cheaper but there has to be a picture of the 518's in the dictionary next to the word QUALITY. The chrome is show quality. I installed mine myself and extended the wires also. I took two and a half days to do it all and had a good time doing it. I replaced the throttle and idle cable with a +2 inch stainless cable from Magnum and could have stayed with the stock clutch cable but I had to go with the stainless version to keep up with the right side. I think you could get by with the old cables butnewake lines are a must. I have seen people bend the stock line to make it work and if they are happy with the results then more power to them but I don't like it. It looks like *****!
Sorry to go on but I love my new bars. Here is a link that I found very useful, https://www.hdforums.com/m_1328001/tm.htm (Ty Mank rocks) as a matter of fact if these forums gave away awards for the best do it your self artic les then I think this would be your winner. The guy absolutley thought of every thing and explained it so well. He also took the time to photograph every step and I know it helped me and will help you too. Let me know if you need any more info , always willing to help.
Jeff
Thread Starter
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 2,183
Likes: 1
From: Lenexa, KS (KC)
RE: Need Handlebar Closer
Awesome post, Jeff -- very helpful!
So, after all is said and done, how much pullback did you get out of them?
So, after all is said and done, how much pullback did you get out of them?
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RE: Need Handlebar Closer
I put 4inch risers on my 99 roadking with 1inch pullbacks and buckhorn bars and love it, the stock bars were to far away and to low I would have to move my legs out of the way to turn tight or the bars would hit my knees. I had to modify the chrome handlebar cover some with the dremel to get the riser up thru it. but did not have to extend wire our get a longer brake line.