Adjusting stock handlebars
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Tourer
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 389
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From: Graham, NC
Adjusting stock handlebars
Quick question, I have a '12 RK and just put a new seat on and was wondering if anyone had adjusted the stock handlebars to bring them back some? If so how much? I feel like I need them about 1" closer to me to be comfortable.
I have a set of heritage style bars that I haven't decided if I'm going to install yet and wondered if the stock bars could be pulled back enough or if I'd be better off swapping them out for the heritage ones.
I'm assuming to adjust the stock bars I'd just need to loosen the top 2 bolts and then rotate them down and then re-torque, correct?
I have a set of heritage style bars that I haven't decided if I'm going to install yet and wondered if the stock bars could be pulled back enough or if I'd be better off swapping them out for the heritage ones.
I'm assuming to adjust the stock bars I'd just need to loosen the top 2 bolts and then rotate them down and then re-torque, correct?
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 14,731
Likes: 2,536
From: Mountain Top, Alabama
You are on the right track.
Go Heritage! Start with them centered (of course) and in line with the forks is a good place to start. Loosen the bolts just enough to move 'em, put 'em where you need 'em. Always recheck that they are centered.
When you find the spot, level up your controls as you like them to be.
I found myself laying a little more back on the bike sometimes, with just fingers on the grips out on a long ride - then it hit me - "a little more back".
Now, I am right on the spot.
Stock bars don't get it. H-Bars are a common swap.
Just be sure, turning lock to lock they don't touch the tank.
Ride safe!
Go Heritage! Start with them centered (of course) and in line with the forks is a good place to start. Loosen the bolts just enough to move 'em, put 'em where you need 'em. Always recheck that they are centered.
When you find the spot, level up your controls as you like them to be.
I found myself laying a little more back on the bike sometimes, with just fingers on the grips out on a long ride - then it hit me - "a little more back".
Now, I am right on the spot.
Stock bars don't get it. H-Bars are a common swap.
Just be sure, turning lock to lock they don't touch the tank.
Ride safe!
Last edited by TheGrandPoohBah; Aug 29, 2012 at 06:07 PM.
Tourer
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 287
Likes: 1
From: Lincolnshire UK
ive had original, apes and now beach bars on my 06 RKC and have to say, i love the beach bars, but what i did on the stock bars was to move them down a bit, so that they act like a beach bar and became a lot more comfy to ride, im 6ft if thats any help
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
Likes: 2,898
From: Bedford UK
It seems to me that demo Harleys I have ridden all have the bars set up a bit too high for my liking. My Glide was also too high and it took me a few attempts to get them just right but they are fine now. Harley doesn't fit bars to make us change them to a different shape or style, so it is well worth taking a little time out to get them to fit.
Road Captain
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 529
Likes: 2
From: Minnesota
I pulled back the stock bars on my Road King several times until they just cleared the tank on full lock, but it wasn't enough for comfort because I still had the pain across my shoulders after an hour riding. I put on the Heritage style bars and have been pain free. Very happy with the Heritage style bars.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 3,225
Likes: 9
From: 3rd Stone From The Sun
I have Heritage style bars on my RK and pulled them back as far as they will go without hitting the tank. Pop the top cap, loosen the 2 bolts and adjust as needed then re-tighten. About as simple as it gets.
I hated the stock RK bars and many people do change them out for something with more rise and pullback or at least add some pullback risers. The nice thing about the heritage style bars is that they didn't require new wiring. I've thought about some mini-apes, but don't want deal with rewiring everything.
I hated the stock RK bars and many people do change them out for something with more rise and pullback or at least add some pullback risers. The nice thing about the heritage style bars is that they didn't require new wiring. I've thought about some mini-apes, but don't want deal with rewiring everything.
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Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 12,653
Likes: 18
From: Broken Arrow, Oklahoma
If you pull the stock bars back, you'll also be pushing the ends further down. I don't think you'll gain anything at all. After a week of riding with my stock bars, I was so happy when the dealer put on the Heritage Style bars. Way more comfortable than stock. Now I can bend my arms and not have to reach for the bars, forward or down.
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