Road King Bars
Road King Bars
Just got a 2007 RK Custom and hate the stock handle bars.
Which bars can I replace them with that I don't have to change
out any of the cables? I do like the beach bars but these are turned at
to much of a 90 degree angle......
Which bars can I replace them with that I don't have to change
out any of the cables? I do like the beach bars but these are turned at
to much of a 90 degree angle......
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 2,187
Likes: 11
From: Ladera Ranch, CA
I did it all myself. It was the first mod I did to my bike. I'm pretty mechanically inclined and had worked on many dirt bikes, but never a harley. It wasn't tough at all. Get a service manual and youre good to go. I now have apes on the bike and I will tell you that I think the bike handles better and is more comfortable to ride with the apes than with the beach bars. I ran the beach bars for 2 years and ended up with lower back pain on any ride over 80 miles and just couldn't put my finger on it. I talked to others and even rode my buddy's bike with apes one day. I made the swap and haven't had an issue.
Here's a pic with the beach bars:
Here's a pic with the beach bars:
Club Member
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 5,481
Likes: 4
From: Georgia
I had to put new bars on my RKC in 09. They were Heritage style for the RK and other bikes with throttle by wire. Much more comfortable riding position.
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Intermediate
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 31
Likes: 0
From: Nashville
It wasn't tough at all. Get a service manual and youre good to go. I now have apes on the bike and I will tell you that I think the bike handles better and is more comfortable to ride with the apes than with the beach bars. I ran the beach bars for 2 years and ended up with lower back pain on any ride over 80 miles and just couldn't put my finger on it. I talked to others and even rode my buddy's bike with apes one day. I made the swap and haven't had an issue.
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Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 10,216
Likes: 224
From: Glendale AZ
I'm 5-8 with limited reach and tried the Heritage Style bars with disappointing results. Ended up with 14" apes. Now I can sit way back in the seat and enjoy my super wide solo seat with my arms at shoulder height.....I like the looks of the beach bars but I've got the short thing going on.
Banned
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 11,232
Likes: 16
From: Socialist Republic of the USA
2 things that IMO are most responsible for a perfect fitting bike are the seat and handlebars. That being said this is not an area so skimp. If getting bars that are comfortable for you require getting new cables do it if you can afford it. I got the Wild Ones 508 and couldn't be happier. When installing or having installed whatever you get make sure they are at a position that suits you as that can make all the difference in the world. Also while at it ditch the rubber bushings for neoprene. BTW, it is not that difficult to do yourself but the Road King is more of a PIA than a bike with a fairing. Having to get the nacelle apart the first time can be a bit of a challenge for the not too mechanically inclined. If you opt for new cables I highly recommend Magnum Shielding braided lines.
Last edited by mikelikesbikes; Sep 21, 2012 at 12:02 PM.