Another RKC – Heritage Handlebar Question
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Road Master
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 812
Likes: 0
From: Jaw-Jaw (Near The BIG Chicken!)
Another RKC – Heritage Handlebar Question
I just got a 2011 Road King Classic a week ago, but hadn’t taken a nice long ride until this weekend. I love the ride, but anything over an hour or so isn’t what I was expecting… I’m getting a pain in my back between my shoulder blades and a sort of a still neck. The last two hours of riding this afternoon, my fingers got a little numb, not exactly the kind where you can drop your hand off the bar, shake it and it goes away, but somewhat bearable.
I just came off a Street Glide before this RKC and didn’t have this kind of problem. Well, I researched it on the forum and everything seems to point to the RKC handlebars as the culprit AND can be remedied by replacing them with Heritage bars. Some HD parts folks must be psychic I guess ‘cuz I went by the dealer, began to describe the symptoms and their guy immediately described the pain in my back, the finger numbness and said I should change the stock RKC bars to the Heritage bars. He even went so far to put me on a RKC in the showroom, then a Heritage. Wow, what a difference! He even went a step further and took me in back to his RKC, which had Heritage bars on it and had me sit on it and try them out. Amazing! Looks like this is what I’m looking for AND what Great Customer Service!
Has anyone else had the same back pain and slight finger numbness on a RKC made the change to the Heritage bars and how happy were you with the results? I’d sure appreciate your input before I possibly make a mistake.
I just came off a Street Glide before this RKC and didn’t have this kind of problem. Well, I researched it on the forum and everything seems to point to the RKC handlebars as the culprit AND can be remedied by replacing them with Heritage bars. Some HD parts folks must be psychic I guess ‘cuz I went by the dealer, began to describe the symptoms and their guy immediately described the pain in my back, the finger numbness and said I should change the stock RKC bars to the Heritage bars. He even went so far to put me on a RKC in the showroom, then a Heritage. Wow, what a difference! He even went a step further and took me in back to his RKC, which had Heritage bars on it and had me sit on it and try them out. Amazing! Looks like this is what I’m looking for AND what Great Customer Service!
Has anyone else had the same back pain and slight finger numbness on a RKC made the change to the Heritage bars and how happy were you with the results? I’d sure appreciate your input before I possibly make a mistake.
Tourer
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 354
Likes: 2
From: Toledo, Oregon
Heritage Bars
I have an 09 RKC and changed bars within the first 6 months of buying the bike. Yes, It does make a big difference in comfort and consider it one of my best decisions.
I...and you...can do it all your self. I also put a heated grip kit on while I was at it. You have to use metric grips, I used Iso's, to make it work but it turned out fantastic.
I...and you...can do it all your self. I also put a heated grip kit on while I was at it. You have to use metric grips, I used Iso's, to make it work but it turned out fantastic.
Road Master
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 1,241
Likes: 0
This may or not be on topic but it may something to consider. I have 2010 Heritage, with stock bars. Dealer talked me into deal on all chrome controls for the bar. PROBLEM IS THAT THE BARS ARE SS AND THE CONTROLS ARE CHROME. Not too much difference but you can see it from seat. You might get chrome bars in case you want to add chrome controls later.
Cruiser
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 150
Likes: 0
For what it's worth.....
I had Wild 1 Chubby 10.5 mini apes installed on my 2010 Road King..... LOVE THEM!!!! (although I wish I went with the 12.5's)... Also had chrome controls and braided lines done at the same time.... Great upgrade over stock!! Take your time and make sure you get what is best for your needs!!!! Try to only do it once... it gets really expensive when you change your mind.... I've decided to wait until my next bike (at least 5 years) before going with the bigger apes... Everyone here says go a size or two bigger then what you think you need.... I wish I did... I would be even happier with 12.5' or 14' apes.......
I had Wild 1 Chubby 10.5 mini apes installed on my 2010 Road King..... LOVE THEM!!!! (although I wish I went with the 12.5's)... Also had chrome controls and braided lines done at the same time.... Great upgrade over stock!! Take your time and make sure you get what is best for your needs!!!! Try to only do it once... it gets really expensive when you change your mind.... I've decided to wait until my next bike (at least 5 years) before going with the bigger apes... Everyone here says go a size or two bigger then what you think you need.... I wish I did... I would be even happier with 12.5' or 14' apes.......
Advanced
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 58
Likes: 0
From: Santa Fe, NM
I think I want apes (probably 14"), but can't afford it since the bars I want will be around $350, then you add in the cable swaps, etc. the cost rises pretty quickly; so, I *will* be one of those who ends up changing bars twice, because I'm putting the Heritage bars on my ride this week. I ordered them from the dealership yesterday. I'll ride with them for a while and maybe will change up to the apes next year. Since there isn't a cable change, the Heritage bars change isn't very costly and I suppose when I'm ready to buy all the parts for apes, I can always sell the Heritage bars on ebay and get some of my money back....
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Advanced
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 58
Likes: 0
From: Santa Fe, NM
BTW, the parts manual indicates that '08-later FLHR/FLHRC require part #32310-08 "Twist Grip Sensor Kit" when installing Heritage bars.
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Road Master
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 894
Likes: 55
From: Colorado
I just did a pair of Heritage style on my new11 RKC and didn't need anything other than the bars, I like them a lot.