Handlebar question...
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Intermediate
Joined: Apr 2022
Posts: 32
Likes: 46
From: Chicago burbs
Handlebar question...
On my new to me '04 Road King Classic I find the reach to the grips a little longer than I like. I have been searching and it appears this is not an uncommon issue.
One of the most common solutions is a set of Heritage bars. The only ones I can find from Harley say they are for '08 and later models but I have seen many posts and even a review for them on the Harley site from guys with earlier bikes like mine using them.
I'm confused...help?
https://www.harley-davidson.com/us/en/shop/Heritage-Style-Handlebar/p/56902-08
One of the most common solutions is a set of Heritage bars. The only ones I can find from Harley say they are for '08 and later models but I have seen many posts and even a review for them on the Harley site from guys with earlier bikes like mine using them.
I'm confused...help?
https://www.harley-davidson.com/us/en/shop/Heritage-Style-Handlebar/p/56902-08
Road Warrior
Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 1,347
Likes: 820
From: Moneta, Virginia
I bought an 02 that had heritage ST bars, I swapped em out for HDs tall boy bars
a bit wider and not quite as tall as the Heritage bars. Fit me perfect.
They dont come with the holes for internal wiring, easy enough to drill though.
They dont come with the holes for internal wiring, easy enough to drill though.
Banned
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 14,866
Likes: 31,162
From: Whiskey Falls, Texas
^^^^What he said^^^^
I have a set of factory '08 Heritage bars. They are not drilled anywhere, 1" bar all the way.
They'll work on your RK, you'll just have to drill the bars if you want to hide the wires....
I have a set of factory '08 Heritage bars. They are not drilled anywhere, 1" bar all the way.
They'll work on your RK, you'll just have to drill the bars if you want to hide the wires....
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 6,083
Likes: 1,959
From: Somewhere on the Bourbon trail
This ^^^^
I'd get the fatter bars, especially if you want internal wiring. And if you plan to do heated grips. More room for the wiring.
If you like the Heritage-style bars, give KST Kustoms a call. They don't normally sell them but they can make the Heritage-style bars in 1 1/4" for you. That's what I have on my '13 King.
I'd get the fatter bars, especially if you want internal wiring. And if you plan to do heated grips. More room for the wiring.
If you like the Heritage-style bars, give KST Kustoms a call. They don't normally sell them but they can make the Heritage-style bars in 1 1/4" for you. That's what I have on my '13 King.
Thread Starter
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Intermediate
Joined: Apr 2022
Posts: 32
Likes: 46
From: Chicago burbs
Thanks. I couldn't reckon why they would not work. I need to do some more research as I am looking for bars with a couple more inches of pullback than the stock bars but also don't need new cables. I'm not looking to rout them internally and would like the ease and cost benefit of using all the original cables.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 5,157
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From: new caney, tx
Thanks. I couldn't reckon why they would not work. I need to do some more research as I am looking for bars with a couple more inches of pullback than the stock bars but also don't need new cables. I'm not looking to rout them internally and would like the ease and cost benefit of using all the original cables.
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Road Captain
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 616
Likes: 70
The 02 RK in my sig has 16" internal wired apes. I'm 5"11 on a good day and I love them. but everyone is different. the best advice I can give you is to try to find a similar bike with bars you think you want and ask if you can sit on it. most people will understand and let you. otherwise, your just guessing and guessing gets expensive.
Road Warrior
Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 1,347
Likes: 820
From: Moneta, Virginia
I think the type of riding you do determines where you want the bars
if youre carving up the twisties, you want wider bars and low enough to get on top of the grips, leaning your upper body forward vs. laying back is a benefit if you like hard cornering.
If youre a highway cruiser, I think taller and a bit narrower bring more comfort.
I like the tall boy bars, because, I can layback a bit and relax at times and I can straighten up and lean into the bars when I ride more aggressively. Im 61
If youre a highway cruiser, I think taller and a bit narrower bring more comfort.
I like the tall boy bars, because, I can layback a bit and relax at times and I can straighten up and lean into the bars when I ride more aggressively. Im 61
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