RK Classic handlebar questions
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Intermediate
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 39
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RK Classic handlebar questions
I know this has probably been asked before, but here goes. I've got a 2005 RK Classic and the stock bars are too far away for me. I've tried stock Heritage Softail Classic bars because that's what the parts department recommended. Didn't like them. So I'm looking for a bar, preferrably a beach bar style like on the RK Custom. The parts guy tells me he has "tons of people taking them off because they're uncomfortable". Then I hear about the Wild1inc.com bars, and everyone says they like them. Then I hear about the Kuryakyn bars. I'm 5'10" 200lbs, the seat is stock (next on the list) as well as the footboards. So I'd like some input from you guys as to the choices I have. The choices are:
Stock Harley RK Custom bar
Wild1inc 550/551
Wild1inc 508/518
Kuryakyn Burly bars
I'd like a bar that I can hide the wires and one that I won't have to change any of the cables, wires, or lines for the hand controls. Also, with the larger diameter bars, will I need a different riser cover? I know they neck down to 1" at the risers, but the cover doesn't look like it would fit with a larger bar. Thanks in advance for all of your input!
Bill
Stock Harley RK Custom bar
Wild1inc 550/551
Wild1inc 508/518
Kuryakyn Burly bars
I'd like a bar that I can hide the wires and one that I won't have to change any of the cables, wires, or lines for the hand controls. Also, with the larger diameter bars, will I need a different riser cover? I know they neck down to 1" at the risers, but the cover doesn't look like it would fit with a larger bar. Thanks in advance for all of your input!
Bill
Road Warrior
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 1,379
Likes: 2
From: Central, NY
RE: RK Classic handlebar questions
Check out THIS thread. Lots of good information and great comparison photos of the Wild1 508 and 518s mounted on a RKC.
I am 5'11" with a 30 inch inseam. I went with the 508s as I wanted the most pull back. The 518s don't come back as far and are 3" wider apart. I find the bars to be a great improvement over the stockers. To me, the 508s look better on the Road King, but I'm sure others will disagree.
One of the complaints about the 508s is the "wheel barrow" feel you have with them. I just did a 400 mile weekend with the new bars, in the pouring rain, and they were fine for me.
I suggest you try them out before you buy, and make sure you figure in the cost of extending the brake line and throttle cables, if that's the way you go.
I am 5'11" with a 30 inch inseam. I went with the 508s as I wanted the most pull back. The 518s don't come back as far and are 3" wider apart. I find the bars to be a great improvement over the stockers. To me, the 508s look better on the Road King, but I'm sure others will disagree.
One of the complaints about the 508s is the "wheel barrow" feel you have with them. I just did a 400 mile weekend with the new bars, in the pouring rain, and they were fine for me.
I suggest you try them out before you buy, and make sure you figure in the cost of extending the brake line and throttle cables, if that's the way you go.
Road Captain
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 519
Likes: 4
From: USA
RE: RK Classic handlebar questions
Im with JBBrooks on this one, the 508's are very comfortable for me, most here are saying they are like a "wheel barrow" but I really dont understand that at all. I have about 600 miles on them now and have no ill affects in my wrists or anything else, Im 5'11" with a 34" inseam. Best thing would be if your local stealer would let you check out some bars on the bikes that are there. The Wild 1's quality will be hard to pass up. Wild 1 states that cable and wiring changes are not necessary which is true for the most part, I found the wires to be marginal in length. I changed the cables over to braided and bought the wire loom lengthening kit. The riser cover will require some minor grinding with a dremel tool, or you can buy the SE cover which looks exactly like stock but has the enlarged opening. Do not use the urethane riser bushings, they will cause the cover to not be able to seat completely. Also spend the 17 bucks and get the one piece top clamp. Hope this helps.
Cruiser
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 206
Likes: 177
From: E. Tennessee
RE: RK Classic handlebar questions
Have you tried adjusting them? They will rotate forward to back about 3-4 inches. If that is not enough try a Police RK, they have more of a bend back and are narrower. A used pair of those aren't too hard to find because alot of folks customize the cop bikes.
RD
RD
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