Handle bar decisions???

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Feb 2, 2009 | 02:31 AM

Berndude

Thread Starter

Tourer

Joined: Nov 2008

Posts: 457

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From: SoCal

Handle bar decisions???

I have an 03 Ultra, I am 6"0" tall, I have the stock handlebars on my 03 Ultra Anniversary, first I assume the 03 Ultra Anniversary bike has the same handlebars as the rest of the 03 Ultra's.

I always feel that I am leaning further forward than I need to be, my back keeps reminding me of it.

I was wondering if I went to a taller handlebar I might sweep it back closer to me, cant really go further towards me on the bars now. Also I already have the braided and coated cables for throttle and clutch, will I need longer cables if I do this?

Any comments or suggestions as to bars and what I have stated? I don't need to have larger diameter bars just taller.

Thanks

Feb 2, 2009 | 03:21 AM

grbrown

Club Member

Joined: Jun 2007

Posts: 45,429

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From: Bedford UK

My bike is not an 03, but when I first bought it I had problems getting comfortable with it. I solved that with two things, keeping the stock bars. The first was simply making minor adjustments to the positioning of the bars. The other was relaxing my arms, which I eventually realised I was tightening up.

It sounds to me as if it is worth adjusting your existing bars, bringing them closer to you. Don't make big adjustments, as I found that messed things up! You may find just say half an inch makes a big difference in comfort.

But before changing anything, measure the distance between the bars and some fixed point on the fairing, so you can check how much you have moved the bars. You may find the bars shift a long way when you undo the clamps and if you don't do that you won't know where they came from!

Feb 2, 2009 | 05:54 AM

dawg

Seasoned HDF Member

Joined: Jun 2006

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From: Vermont

Khromewerks Sweepers 300505's. You'll need a +3 clutch cable and throttle/idle cables, but not brake. They're worth the $65

Feb 2, 2009 | 05:58 AM

glide2005

Supporter

Joined: Jul 2007

Posts: 2,196

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From: Shenandoah, TX

13" Cyclesmith apes will solve your probs. Use +6 cables and brake lines, no need to extend wires. Theres enough, just rerout under the radio. Once you have the bars on and not clamped down tight. Set on the bike and pull them back where they are the most comfy,then tighten them down.

Feb 2, 2009 | 07:13 AM

AtkRWC

Elite HDF Member

Joined: Jul 2006

Posts: 4,813

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From: Rio Grande Valley-Texas

Quote:

Originally Posted by dawg

Khromewerks Sweepers 300505's. You'll need a +3 clutch cable and throttle/idle cables, but not brake. They're worth the $65

+1 on the Sweepers. Cured my back and shoulder pain on long rides. Put them on about 3 weeks ago and have about 900 miles so far, great investment.

Feb 2, 2009 | 08:21 AM

budzilla

Cruiser

Joined: Oct 2005

Posts: 184

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From: iowa

I had the same problem on my 07 RKC . Took the easy way out and bought some Reach handlebars from HD . They worked out great , did not have to change anything , stock cables , etc... Forget what the specs are but about 3 inches more pullback and a couple of inches higher. Good Luck

Last edited by budzilla; Feb 2, 2009 at 08:22 AM. Reason: change

Feb 2, 2009 | 08:41 AM

rkride

Cruiser

Joined: May 2008

Posts: 186

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From: Osan, South Korea

I have the same problem with my 08 RK, I just ordered these handlebars from HD. They do not require any cable extensions and they have a 3" pull back over stock. I haven't put them on yet but I think they will work.
Handlebars heritage style 56902-08 $79.95