Before everyone replies with, "it's your bike, you have to find out for yourself". I am already aware of that. However, changing the bars on an Ultra is pain as a lot of you know, and not the cheapest project to do, so I am looking for some direction. I'm about 5'9", ride a Corbin Hollywood Solo, and use a Pro Tac backrest. The stock bars on the Ultra are just a little too short for the most comfy ride. I've looked at the H-D bars. "Reach" or "Pullback" whatever they call them. I'm not really crazy about them. I figured while I was going through the hassle of chainging them, I may as well go to the chubby bars and ad some more "bling" to it. My question is, what have some of you guys tried that worked for you? I've seen a lot of posts in here about bars, but I've never really paid much attention to them. Like I mentioned before, I'm about 5'9". On a dress shirt the sleeve length is 32/33. Not sure if that helps any or not. I just need something with some more pullback that doesn't have the funky angle to the grips. Any help or suggestions?

 

simple - wild1's

 

Hey Derek...

I just replaced my Sundowner Solo with the Mustang Solo w/ backrest along with the passenger pillion and backrest. I too am in the market for a different set of bars to compliment the seat. I'm 6'2" but I'm still seriously considering the Wild 1's Chubby 508's due to their measurement. I recently installed the HD "pullback" bars (#55954-00) on a buddy's bike and they didn't make a great deal of different according to him. The other bars I was looking at were the Chubby 518's but I think I would prefer the more narrow and farther pullback of the 508's. I had sent a PM to another member here on the forum and below is his response in regards to the 508's:

"The 508's made a big difference for me. I don't sit hunched over anymore and the pain is gone. I changed out the clutch, brake and throttle cables. Went with the chrome +6". Could of used the +4" but I couldn't wait for them to come in. I also changed out the stock brake lines for chrome, extended (I think +4"). The stealer wanted around $400 to install everything so I did it all myself. It's pretty easy to do.

The only problem I ran into was running the wiring in the handlebars. The extended wiring kit did not match and was missing a couple of wires for each side. I just added some wire and put it together.

Overall, I am pleased with how it looks and feels now."


Hope this helps out some,

Brian

 

Derek,

I just went through the same thing on my Street Glide. I installed a set of Chubby's WO575's and longer lines and cables. You're right - it's no small job. Here is a link to a lengthy post I wrote about the experience.

https://www.hdforums.com/m_321033/tm.htm

Here are a couple of pics of the WO575's and new cables on my Street Glide:





I also installed some Chubby's WO508's on my 2004 Road King Custom. The install on the RKC was far easier than the Street Glide install. I can tell you that the results were worth it on both bikes from a standpoint of both aesthetics and comfort.

Doug

 

Doug,

Thanks for the post. Do you by chance come from a Pentecostal church? (Sorry, for those of you who may have never darkened the doorstep of a church, the Pentecostals can get a little long winded.) All jokes aside, it was a very informative post and definately points me in the right direction. Everything looks great!

 

Derek,

Your post is too funny! In fact, I DO come from a pentacostal church! Sorry about the tendency to be so long-winded. I never made the connection before between church and lond-windedness. Man that's funny - I'll try to be more brief in the future!

Doug

 

Check out Cylesmiths bars. These bars are 1-1/4" dia. bars, internally wired and are the most comfortable bars I've put my hands on - on any bike (I've only owned one touring bike [8D] )

You be the judge...

Click Here

 

I put Wild1 515 apes on my RK 10.5". Internally wired and stainless lines. I went to my local dealer, and had them drag out about 4 different bars. We took the the bars to my bike and kind of held them up to bike for quick a gauge. That helped alot. Also ask your friend where he wants his hands -- higher, closer, wider etc. I hope this helps. I love my new bars. I thought about going higher with the apes, but the 515s fit the best with all the different measurements -- pull back, width, and height.

 

Dang, I like the cyclesmith bars as well. I really like the looks of some of the other RK bars from Wild Ones, but I'm wondering if they will be wide enough to fit under the Ultra fairing. I think I've narrowed it down to the CS or WO 575's