Bending handlebars
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Stellar HDF Member
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Bending handlebars
This will probably be strange question, but, is there a possibility to bend handlebars that are already on a bike? I have Twin Peaks 10 inch mini apes installed by the previous owner. I like them, but I wish the grips were little closer to me. I didn't know if there was a way to bend them back a little. I don't see any more room to bring them forward, since they are already at the absolute minimum to the tank when turned full.
Can this be done? Can this be done on a bike without removing everything?
Can this be done? Can this be done on a bike without removing everything?
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2007
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From: Danbury CT
This will probably be strange question, but, is there a possibility to bend handlebars that are already on a bike? I have Twin Peaks 10 inch mini apes installed by the previous owner. I like them, but I wish the grips were little closer to me. I didn't know if there was a way to bend them back a little. I don't see any more room to bring them forward, since they are already at the absolute minimum to the tank when turned full.
Can this be done? Can this be done on a bike without removing everything?
Can this be done? Can this be done on a bike without removing everything?
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 6,899
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From: OH
It's winter here take your time and swap them out with something that is more comfortable for you. If the PO put bars on there they may have the extension on the wiring and other controls which is half the battle.
Bars and seats can make or break your riding experience if you are always fighting them. From the sounds of it they are not that bad for you but that is something that only you can decide. Just get a quote for switching them out at the dealer and I bet they get more comfortable.
Bars and seats can make or break your riding experience if you are always fighting them. From the sounds of it they are not that bad for you but that is something that only you can decide. Just get a quote for switching them out at the dealer and I bet they get more comfortable.
twincam, he can't the bars are back as far as they will go. The bend at the base of the bars will start hitting the tank before anything else does.
maxxym, what you're asking makes perfect sense, but no, I wouldn't recommend it, not that it can't be done. The cost associated with that would be nearly as much as different bars. I just got the KST 12s on my bike last night and pulled them back to reduce my reach. I was told the 12s had more pullback than the 10s do. You may have to consider reduced reach bars depending on how much you need to come back. I'm 6ft and have long arms, but I have a Mustang Super Solo that moved me back almost 2in, so that's why I pulled my bars back a little.
maxxym, what you're asking makes perfect sense, but no, I wouldn't recommend it, not that it can't be done. The cost associated with that would be nearly as much as different bars. I just got the KST 12s on my bike last night and pulled them back to reduce my reach. I was told the 12s had more pullback than the 10s do. You may have to consider reduced reach bars depending on how much you need to come back. I'm 6ft and have long arms, but I have a Mustang Super Solo that moved me back almost 2in, so that's why I pulled my bars back a little.
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Stellar HDF Member
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Thanks for your replies guys. They are not really bad. I do like them, but if they were like an inch or 2 closer, it would make it better. I was hoping they could be bent on the top part towards me a little bit. I have no problems reaching them now, even though I am built like Trex lol I think 10 inch is as high I would go.
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Seasoned HDF Member
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From: OH
Neighbor was 6-6 , we tweaked them forward at the bar wrist for more knee clearance
We did however remove them from the bike
( 05 RK Custom)
We did however remove them from the bike
( 05 RK Custom)
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HDF Community Team
Joined: Nov 2012
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From: USA
I have bent handlebars to fit, and generally would not recommend it.
Handlebars are stout. Bending them requires a good bit of force, which often scars the bars.
The handlebars often kink where you bend them.
The chrome will crack at the bends.
Its surprisingly difficult to get both sides to match.
Heat certainly helps the bending process, but the discoloration is permanent.
Handlebars are stout. Bending them requires a good bit of force, which often scars the bars.
The handlebars often kink where you bend them.
The chrome will crack at the bends.
Its surprisingly difficult to get both sides to match.
Heat certainly helps the bending process, but the discoloration is permanent.
Road Master
Joined: Mar 2020
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From: New England