Chubby 518s and long distance
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Joined: Sep 2007
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Chubby 518s and long distance
I'm really wanting a pair of the 518s for my 06 RK Classic. My main concern is that I don't want to compromise the general "comfort" of the bike for long distance. I have long arms but the stock bars make me lean forward slightly. If I watch my posture this isn't a problem. But it seems that if my arms were back a little more toward me and out slightly it would help...not to mention they just look cool. 
My question is for the guys that have these. Do the 518s help or hurt for spending long days (500 miles or so) riding? Also did you use +4" throttle/idle and brake cables or make due with stock?
Thanks!
My question is for the guys that have these. Do the 518s help or hurt for spending long days (500 miles or so) riding? Also did you use +4" throttle/idle and brake cables or make due with stock?
Thanks!
Cruiser
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 165
Likes: 2
From:
I ran them on a fatboy and found them to be great, I still miss them. I used the stock cables and had to straighten out the brake line, always planned on changing the contols out but never got around to it before I swapped it off.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 7,611
Likes: 104
From: Southern Colorado
I have them on my RKC and really like them. My biggest problem is that I need a backrest...without it I still get sore and I don't think its the bars fault. Whenever I've carried a pack and had a place to lean back on the bars have really been a blessing.
Road Master
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 1,220
Likes: 2
From: iowa
I have put over 12000 miles on my 518s(about 14 months of riding) and I can honestly say they are awesome. Last year I put 4900 miles on in 10 days and they are head and shoulders over stock bars. I believe I used the stock clutch cable length but had to go with +2" on the throttle , idle and brake line. Unless you want to bend and stretch your lines. You cannot go wrong with Wild1s or 518's. they will improve your riding experience beyond what you believe possible. Jeff
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Road Captain
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 521
Likes: 31
From: Nebraska
518's are great for the long hauls. I have a back rest, sundowner seat,air hawk cushion and justed added floorboard extensions from site sponsor. Bike feels like a easy chair.
Wild one says everything will work with stock cables,and wiring, but I did'nt like the look and really doubt if it would be very easy to do.
I went with the Magnum Chromite cables,they're beautiful. Went 3" over on the throttle ,idle,brake and stock on the clutch. Worked perfect. Check they're web site, they make it easy. Extended all 18 wires 4" (should have went 5") and ran them in the bars. Time comsuming job, but worth it.
518's strong point is the comfort on long rides and they're beautiful. They can be an bit awkward on slow tight turns, but you soon get use to them.
If you're interested in tackling a job like this and need help, send me a p.m.
Wild one says everything will work with stock cables,and wiring, but I did'nt like the look and really doubt if it would be very easy to do.
I went with the Magnum Chromite cables,they're beautiful. Went 3" over on the throttle ,idle,brake and stock on the clutch. Worked perfect. Check they're web site, they make it easy. Extended all 18 wires 4" (should have went 5") and ran them in the bars. Time comsuming job, but worth it.
518's strong point is the comfort on long rides and they're beautiful. They can be an bit awkward on slow tight turns, but you soon get use to them.
If you're interested in tackling a job like this and need help, send me a p.m.
Road Master
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 851
Likes: 129
From: AZ
I will be putting my 518's on this sat. When i ordered them from wild1 they said i needed +4 on the throttle,idle and a stock clutch works fine. I cant wait to get them on there. I also ordered the wire extension kit. I ordered all of that at www.johnnyvaughn.com. Those are some very nice bars they arrived here yesterday!
Last edited by bbissell; Aug 13, 2008 at 10:01 AM.