Do I need new handlebars
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Cruiser
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 175
Likes: 0
From: Bossier City, LA
Shame on you guys who made suggestions that wouldn't allow me to have an excuse to buy something!! Seriously, thanks for your suggestions. I'll try to move the stock bars back a little and if that doesn't work look at some of the bars you have suggested. For those of you with the apes, what are the downsides to apes. Are they harder to stear at lower speeds?
Cruiser
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 164
Likes: 2
From: Rural Northern CA
I had problems with my back & hand numbness with standard bars. I went to Heritage bars on my EGC, & that solved most of the issues. I then rotated the bars back toward me a bit, & now they are comfortable all day long, no hassles.
As it deals with Apes, I'd stay away from them - far away. [I'm gonna get flamed on this, for sure.] Most apes I've seen are shoulder-height or higher. That takes away from your ability to counter-steer, it makes your steering much slower, and will not help the problem you've described. I've seen 'way too many "wobble" through low speed turns because of the awkwardness of the Apes. And, there are jurisdictions [like here in CA] where an officer has discretion to give you a "fix-it" ticket.
One final point: If you take the MSF courses, there is a maneuver they practice called "the swerve." I've never seen a rider with shoulder-high (or higher) Apes successfully complete the maneuver.
So, as it deals with Apes, the question is, "Do you want to 'look cool' or be safe & comfortable?" Whatever floats your boat.
BTDTGTS.
As it deals with Apes, I'd stay away from them - far away. [I'm gonna get flamed on this, for sure.] Most apes I've seen are shoulder-height or higher. That takes away from your ability to counter-steer, it makes your steering much slower, and will not help the problem you've described. I've seen 'way too many "wobble" through low speed turns because of the awkwardness of the Apes. And, there are jurisdictions [like here in CA] where an officer has discretion to give you a "fix-it" ticket.
One final point: If you take the MSF courses, there is a maneuver they practice called "the swerve." I've never seen a rider with shoulder-high (or higher) Apes successfully complete the maneuver.
So, as it deals with Apes, the question is, "Do you want to 'look cool' or be safe & comfortable?" Whatever floats your boat.
BTDTGTS.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 3,450
Likes: 4
From: El Cajon Ca.
It sound to me that you are leaning forward a bit too much. You need the bars adjusted back a bit or need more pull back bars on the bike. I am having the same problem and am going to try moving mine back first and go from there. I had the same bars on my last e-glide and didn't have this problem so maybe it's only bad adjustment.
Road Captain
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 714
Likes: 64
From: El Paso, TX
I am surprised no one suggested exercise. If you want to avoid spending your hard earned cash, try some exercises that target the specific muscles that are hurting. Do this for a few weeks or a month or two and I bet you will see some results. No more discomfort! Or....buy some new bars.
m.a.c.
m.a.c.
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Road Master
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 1,058
Likes: 15
From: Minneapolis, MN
I have the same issue as you, around 6'1" and 30" inseam. I had the stock bars on my RG and moved them everywhere with no luck. I then went to the heritage style and could get about 200 mi before I got sore with them all the way forward. I moved them all over and noticed it was the height more than the pullback that was causing my pain. I'm going with a 14" ape and hopefully that will do the trick.
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