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Love my 09 Road King but hate the stock bars.... the wrist angle, how low they are, etc... For shorter rides, they suffice. For anything over 3 hours I start developing pain in my lower neck - dead center slightly above shoulder blades. This makes for more frequent breaks and less miles ridden. I received the HD Hammock seat last for Christmas last year and I really like it. I feel like it's a big improvement over the stock seat and I find it comfortable. This leads me to the next comfort step - new bars. I've done a lot of research and don't think I want to go the ape or mini ape route. I came across the HD Heritage Style and Tallboy bars and both seem to be well received. They also have the advantage of being significantly less expensive than aftermarket bars. I'm leaning towards the Tallboy, as I feel like I need to reach more forward and down than I'd like to. I'm 6'2" and 250 with relatively long arms (think 36/37 sleeve for a dress shirt with the standard being 34/35).
So are there any opinions from someone around my size on:
Will the Tallboys relieve the neck/shoulder pain on long rides?
Are they comfortable?
Can they be installed with out extending switch wiring (Most I've read say yes, but there's always a post or two that says no)
Any help would be appreciated here. Thanks in advance for weighing in on something that's pretty subjective.
I don't think you'd regret going the Ape's route , had 10" , went to 12" , love them . The thing I liked most about them , is the pull back on most are less than the standard heritage style etc . If you decide to go with a mini ape , look at Khrome Werks , priced right , all the measurements are in the details . If you look at the bobber style bars , they are going to be the same style as the tallboy .
Which Tallboys ?
I've installed more than a few sets ( mostly KTS and Khromewerks ) , 10" will give you no issues , but going to 12" , you may have issues with the brake line , but nothing else , unless you go internal wiring , then I'd lengthen , clutch cable will be fine .
The main thing about pain , especially in the neck / shoulders is how your arms / wrists are placed while riding . If you ride with your hands / wrist's straight in line with your arms , you should be much more comfortable . Staying relaxed is another key , you'll noticed , after a couple hrs , you'll tense up , constant reminders to relax will help keep pain away , at least that's what happens to me .
My 2012 Road King, since sold. I'm 5'10" on a good day, and these bars were incredibly comfortable. And wicked cool to boot. 14" Wild1s
My advice is you should optimize for comfort. Buy the most comfortable bars, and whatever is required as well, including cables. Why keep those hideous stock garden hoses anyway?
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09 RK Bars
