Handlebar Advise
Tourer
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 338
Likes: 3
From: NorCal - Land of Pinkos and Prix
WO518's
I have an 08 Road King with ABS and am still waiting for an extended one-piece brake line to hit the market, there wasn't enough slack to make 518's work without extension. If you have ABS you might want to consider this.
Other than that most people seem to agree that the 518 bars are good for taller riders and help with back and shoulder pain on long rides.
Other than that most people seem to agree that the 518 bars are good for taller riders and help with back and shoulder pain on long rides.
Intermediate
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 30
Likes: 0
From:
I would recommend you support your bike in an upright position. Motorcycle lift. Sit on your bike in your normal riding position. Close your eyes and place your hand where you would want them. Measure the rise you would need. I was surprised when I did it. I ordered 16 inch wildone 509's and they work perfect.
Road Warrior
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,448
Likes: 0
From: Massachusetts
I'm 5'11, 225 lbs & just put on the Heritage Style bars from H-D...PERFECT FIT! They have about a 9-9.5" height to 'em & feel kinda like a mini-ape. I can see how people want more height after getting bit by the ape "bug" though! Not a great pic but here's an idea...
Road Warrior
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,448
Likes: 0
From: Massachusetts
Oh & forgot to mention...$79.99 for the bars & 1.5 hrs ($120) for H-D to install. No additional cables or lines needed. How's THAT for affordable?
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Cruiser
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 142
Likes: 0
From: S.W. Iowa
I also put the heritage bars on my bike and it made a huge improvement over stock, It was a direct swap so no brake line or tbw extensions were needed, the local dealer wanted 2 hours labor to do it but my husband did it for free, the dealer also said it would void the warranty on the abs system if you used an after market brake line since Harley doesn't make one yet, might take that into consideration, just a thought.
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Intermediate
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 31
Likes: 1
From: Redmond, WA
I have the 518s on my 08 Road King. I eventually replaced it with a new +2" line. I do not have ABS. I like the riding position (I'm 5'11" / 170) that allows me to sit up straight. The trade off is a rather awkward position when doing a U turn, etc. This project is not for the faint of heart, by the way.