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Test riding a 2009 CVO that I'm considering buying ( in another thread ) and just taking it to the dealer today on a 40 minute ride to be inspected I came to the conclusion that the stock bars just wouldn't cut it. They are way to low for me. I currently ride a 2006 Heritage with 16" Burly Bars and no windshield. I always said I would never go back to stock bars again. So what is everyone installing on their ultras? Would 16's be too high on this style of bike? I would think 14" would be a minimum. Also I feel like I was sitting on top of the bike instead of in the bike. The seat would be the 2nd thing I would change. What seat are you using to lower you in the bike?
I had a 2009 ultra with 16 apes. Ive also owned road kings with 16 bars. My favorite batwings back then had 14 bars, 16 on the ultra was a little odd looking, just my opinion. The seat and the bars work together. The same bars with a different seat can be so much better. On my current 2022 cvo, I really disliked the stock 9 handlebars. I ditched the cvo seat with the lumbar support, added a heated hammock and had the stock bars rotated back 2 and its probably one of the most comfortable ergonomics Ive ever had on a Harley.
Originally Posted by gt06
Test riding a 2009 CVO that I'm considering buying ( in another thread ) and just taking it to the dealer today on a 40 minute ride to be inspected I came to the conclusion that the stock bars just wouldn't cut it. They are way too low for me. I currently ride a 2006 Heritage with 16" Burly Bars and no windshield. I always said I would never go back to stock bars again. So what is everyone installing on their ultras? Would 16's be too high on this style of bike? I would think 14" would be a minimum. Also I feel like I was sitting on top of the bike instead of in the bike. The seat would be the 2nd thing I would change. What seat are you using to lower you in the bike?
I had a 2009 ultra with 16 apes. Ive also owned road kings with 16 bars. My favorite batwings back then had 14 bars, 16 on the ultra was a little odd looking, just my opinion. The seat and the bars work together. The same bars with a different seat can be so much better. On my current 2022 cvo, I really disliked the stock 9 handlebars. I ditched the cvo seat with the lumbar support, added a heated hammock and had the stock bars rotated back 2 and its probably one of the most comfortable ergonomics Ive ever had on a Harley.
So I understand, you kept the stock bars but changed out the seat and that works for you? Compared to the 14" that you must have been used to?
Check out Wild Ones Chubby bars. I had the 12.5 on my 2012 and it put my hands just about the fairing. For me it was about the wrist angle and the Wild Ones had the most comfortable angle for long rides, IMO. I also had a HD hammock seat on that bike. It was a hammock removed from a 13 CVO UL Anniversary bike. Very comfortable for long days in the saddle.
Also check out Bad Boyz Cyclez for some really comfortable seats. I have the BBC Python on my 21 UL and its really comfortable. George and it team make their seats in reduced, standard and extended reach.
Here are a few pictures with the 12.5 Wild Ones installed.
Check out Wild Ones Chubby bars. I had the 12.5 on my 2012 and it put my hands just about the fairing. For me it was about the wrist angle and the Wild Ones had the most comfortable angle for long rides, IMO. I also had a HD hammock seat on that bike. It was a hammock removed from a 13 CVO UL Anniversary bike. Very comfortable for long days in the saddle.
Also check out Bad Boyz Cyclez for some really comfortable seats. I have the BBC Python on my 21 UL and its really comfortable. George and it team make their seats in reduced, standard and extended reach.
Here are a few pictures with the 12.5 Wild Ones installed.
Those bars actually look higher than 12.5" in the photos. Perhaps it's the angle.
Regular apes with a 10 will put your hands right at the top of the fairing 12 a little over the top , go up from there, how high do you want them. I am taking off my Dominator 12 bars off my trike tonight and installing 2+2 Kromewerks sweepers . This due to my arthritis. I had them on my 14 trike and loved them. Thought I wanted apes but I was wrong. They look better than 2+2 but not for my long distance comfort.
Last edited by Notgrownup; Jun 18, 2024 at 06:44 AM.
A good starting point on the seat would be the solo and pillion they used on later cvos. They sit good and look nice. Mean city cycles can upgrade the foam later for all day comfort if you like it. Avoid the Chinese knock offs on eBay theyre crap. I run a Corbin solo and theyre best for me, but its a lot of $$ if you dont like it. For bars I really like the Vindicta Hoopteeze. Theyre narrower and made my bike feel lighter as far as handling goes.
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16"apes on a 2009 Ultra.
