Touring Handlebar Help
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Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 83
Likes: 1
Touring Handlebar Help
I have a 2009 RKC that has been killing my shoulders from day 1. I changed to Heritage bars and Sundowner seat and that helped a lot, but still no cigar. Changed to a Dyna seat and saw some improvement, then tried WO518 handlebars and got really bad results. The bars are great, but just not right for my 5' 9" body with 32" sleeve and 30" inseam.
Understand that the 2011 Road Kings come with a semi ape bar and was wondering if anyone with my approximate measurements has tried them.
Tired at throwing money at guessing and the best solution I have found to date is a Honda VTX which has become my main ride.
Thanks
Understand that the 2011 Road Kings come with a semi ape bar and was wondering if anyone with my approximate measurements has tried them.
Tired at throwing money at guessing and the best solution I have found to date is a Honda VTX which has become my main ride.
Thanks
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 2,590
Likes: 31
From: Western Illinois, land of bad roads, and corrupt politicians
Sit on the VTX and have someone take your picture from the side. Then do the same on your RoadKing. Compare the pictures, and use that as a benchmark to set up your RoadKing.
If you can... put something under the sidestand to sit the bike close to vertical and have your feet on the pegs/boards in a riding position.
If you can... put something under the sidestand to sit the bike close to vertical and have your feet on the pegs/boards in a riding position.
Road Warrior
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 1,926
Likes: 185
From: Utah
When you compare the pictures between the VTX and your RKC, make sure you account for things like seat height, foot position, reach, and width of the bars. You'll probably want pictures from several angles. What works on one bike might not work on the other.
I have the same bike as you, and similarly went from stock to heritage style bars with the sundowner seat. It didn't quite cut it for me either. I went to 16" PYO OEM Monkey Bars and have been very happy. On a long trip, the apes combined with a backrest left me with zero back pain even on 400 mile days.
I'm a little taller than you (6') so that's probably not going to be exactly what you're after, but it has worked for me. Trial and error is an expensive way to get the right fit, but I don't know of a better option.
I have the same bike as you, and similarly went from stock to heritage style bars with the sundowner seat. It didn't quite cut it for me either. I went to 16" PYO OEM Monkey Bars and have been very happy. On a long trip, the apes combined with a backrest left me with zero back pain even on 400 mile days.
I'm a little taller than you (6') so that's probably not going to be exactly what you're after, but it has worked for me. Trial and error is an expensive way to get the right fit, but I don't know of a better option.
Banned
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 122
Likes: 0
From: at home
When you compare the pictures between the VTX and your RKC, make sure you account for things like seat height, foot position, reach, and width of the bars. You'll probably want pictures from several angles. What works on one bike might not work on the other.
I have the same bike as you, and similarly went from stock to heritage style bars with the sundowner seat. It didn't quite cut it for me either. I went to 16" PYO OEM Monkey Bars and have been very happy. On a long trip, the apes combined with a backrest left me with zero back pain even on 400 mile days.
I'm a little taller than you (6') so that's probably not going to be exactly what you're after, but it has worked for me. Trial and error is an expensive way to get the right fit, but I don't know of a better option.
I have the same bike as you, and similarly went from stock to heritage style bars with the sundowner seat. It didn't quite cut it for me either. I went to 16" PYO OEM Monkey Bars and have been very happy. On a long trip, the apes combined with a backrest left me with zero back pain even on 400 mile days.
I'm a little taller than you (6') so that's probably not going to be exactly what you're after, but it has worked for me. Trial and error is an expensive way to get the right fit, but I don't know of a better option.
Watch this video from BR's Custom Bars. It might help you. (sorry, wrong link, try this one)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KahEt...0a88f5fbcb7287
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 2,876
Likes: 3
From: Washington State
Cballweg, you are pretty close to the same height/structure, as me, and I switched to the Khromewerks +2 Sweepers a few years ago. I can ride all day long now, with no shoulder pain. The grip position is very natural and comfortable.
Tourer
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 377
Likes: 1
From: Pittsburgh
I am a little taller, went with Wild 1 509's, 16". Love the feel and the look. It is almost like power steering. No more pain or numbness. It was worth the cost and the effort. Put them on myself. It took a little while, not a mech. Have the manual. Worth every penney.
If you put the bars inline with the forks they will be a little lower. Doing that this weekend so I can put the shield back on for long rides.
If you put the bars inline with the forks they will be a little lower. Doing that this weekend so I can put the shield back on for long rides.
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Grand HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 4,022
Likes: 3
From: Hudson Valley- NY
If you like the Wild One's bars, the next step (an easy one) might be as simple as looking at installing a slightly higher riser, leaving the bars on the bike. Raising the bars another inch or so should not require new cables or wiring. You could also rotate the bars back a little more so that you're not reaching for the bars. Sitting more upright will take some pressure of your lower back. A backrest is also a great idea.
The stock bars on my '04 Road King absolutely sucked. Three sets of bars later and a few other small changes have made my bike much more suited to me and the way I ride. It does not have to be an expensive fix.
The stock bars on my '04 Road King absolutely sucked. Three sets of bars later and a few other small changes have made my bike much more suited to me and the way I ride. It does not have to be an expensive fix.
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Tourer
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 361
Likes: 3
From: Nashville, TN
I have the same arm length and inseam as you, cballweg. I have Wild One 517's on my RK and a Mustang seat modified by Mean City Cycles. Don't have to reach for my bars, making long rides more comfortable.