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I think I’m going to be going to Sturgis this year for the first time and I’ll be riding my bike there, so I want to be as comfortable as I can be, which means replacing the handlebars with something a little taller and come back more so I can use my backrest.
I don’t want to go with something so tall that I have to replace all the wiring, mainly because I don’t want that added expense or require more knowledge and mechanical prowess than I have. I don’t really have a clue on what the additional costs would be, but I know I’m not mechanically inclined so I need something that would be easy for myself to install. I’ve watched some videos of handlebar replacements on a Road Glide like mine and it didn’t seem too bad, and they didn’t need to swap out any of the stock wires/cords. I’d be fine with de-pinning if I have to and routing the wire through the handlebars, but I don’t want to mess with the clutch/brake cables, etc.
Have any of you replaced your handlebars without swapping out the cables? I heard I could go with up to a 14” without any cable changes, but I won’t buy something unless there’s proof that the handlebar swap was done without needed to swap cables too.
I put 12" KST Spearhead bars on my 2020 Road Glide and they were the easiest bars I have ever installed. I like how they are adjustable not only forward and back but also you can move the grips in and out so you can find what works for you. Bonus is being modular you only need to pull the wires through one bend. The new bikes have a lot smaller plugs so you won't have to depin anything and that helps a lot too. Good luck on your project.....
Not a great pic but another big vote for KST Kustoms https://www.kstkustoms.com/collections/all-products. As Sarge said, by far the easiest bars I've ever replaced...so much easier that a batwing.
If you go with one of the Vanguard series bars, they're fully adjustable which is what I was looking for so I could adjust the pullback/wrist angle.
Mine are the more traditional looking 12" Pioneers. There's only one bend, they're 1.5" OD diameter so wires (no de-pinning) drop out the bottom of the uprights.
Same, KST 12". No modifications needed and they are more adjustable. Your 21 has the new/old cable clutch, but I still don't think you have to extend the cables. There was another post somewhere similar. I'll see if I can find it.
-2021 Road Glide and Road King: 10 & 12" tall bars can be installed without replacing your brake and clutch and without extending your electrical system
Same, KST 12". No modifications needed and they are more adjustable. Your 21 has the new/old cable clutch, but I still don't think you have to extend the cables. There was another post somewhere similar. I'll see if I can find it.
Reread this. I thought you mentioned a 2021 Road Glide, but I don't see that now. What year is your bike?
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Handlebars for ‘21 Road Glide
