Bars swap
Stage III
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
From: leesburg
I used Softail Heritage bars you have to cut the notches for the TBW but is very easy with cutoff wheel and patience also need to cut hole in between riser on bottom of bars for TBW wiring. Bars are part #56569-09. Much more comfortable than stock and are almost like mini apes. Search the forum for that part number and you will see bikes with them on. No cable or wire extensions needed. Although clutch is just about maxed out if turning wheel all the way to the right. Just a suggestion if you dont want the cost of cables and wiring.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 34,654
Likes: 36,249
From: outskirts of ba habba
Have a riding bud help ya for a half hour....
Set on your bike and hold your hands where they feel most comfortable,
now have your riding bud measure height, width, and pullback.
Write these numbers down and don't lose them....
Now decide on the style / looks of bars you want, and match
your measurement #'s with the manufactures #'s.
I recently had a set of 16's installed, and what a huge difference
in comfort over the 'heritage style' and stock bars....like night & day.
Set on your bike and hold your hands where they feel most comfortable,
now have your riding bud measure height, width, and pullback.
Write these numbers down and don't lose them....
Now decide on the style / looks of bars you want, and match
your measurement #'s with the manufactures #'s.
I recently had a set of 16's installed, and what a huge difference
in comfort over the 'heritage style' and stock bars....like night & day.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 6,154
Likes: 2,561
From: CT/FL
I used Softail Heritage bars you have to cut the notches for the TBW but is very easy with cutoff wheel and patience also need to cut hole in between riser on bottom of bars for TBW wiring. Bars are part #56569-09. Much more comfortable than stock and are almost like mini apes. Search the forum for that part number and you will see bikes with them on. No cable or wire extensions needed. Although clutch is just about maxed out if turning wheel all the way to the right. Just a suggestion if you dont want the cost of cables and wiring.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 3,156
Likes: 41
From: So Cal
Im using the "Heritage" style bars from HD. List $ 69.00 and they are set up for TBW.
They work great for me. Im not a fan of anything taller than mid torso, for me bars that allow my elbows to bend and forearms level with the elbow are a good fit as long as there is enough pull back to sit almost straight u, unless Im riding aggressively and then can lean into the bike. I used WO 504 on my Fatboy and the Heritage bars on the Glide are great.
They work great for me. Im not a fan of anything taller than mid torso, for me bars that allow my elbows to bend and forearms level with the elbow are a good fit as long as there is enough pull back to sit almost straight u, unless Im riding aggressively and then can lean into the bike. I used WO 504 on my Fatboy and the Heritage bars on the Glide are great.
Last edited by XARAN; Jun 25, 2013 at 11:12 AM.
Road Captain
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 538
Likes: 18
From: Lexington, Ky
Just added the Heritage style bars to my bike, feel very comfortable, no need for extended cables/etc. $79
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Road Warrior
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 1,291
Likes: 211
From: Independence, Missouri
Like Xaran, I put the Heritage bars on my RKC and am very happy with the result.
However, only you can decide and the best way to keep from spending money is to try them out. Seats make a huge difference and so does bar angle. Good avice on this Forum written many times, is determine your seat choice first and then go for bars.
There are several ways to try bars, most not completely certain given different sitting positions over time, etc. What I did, and I pretty much knew I was going to get them, was have the dealership install the bars without hooking everything up. I sat on the bike with them "mocked up" and determined I liked them and their adjusted position. The service department agreed to do this prior, knowing if I didn't like them there would be no charge. I mention all this as an option for test fitment you may not have thought of. Good luck!
However, only you can decide and the best way to keep from spending money is to try them out. Seats make a huge difference and so does bar angle. Good avice on this Forum written many times, is determine your seat choice first and then go for bars.
There are several ways to try bars, most not completely certain given different sitting positions over time, etc. What I did, and I pretty much knew I was going to get them, was have the dealership install the bars without hooking everything up. I sat on the bike with them "mocked up" and determined I liked them and their adjusted position. The service department agreed to do this prior, knowing if I didn't like them there would be no charge. I mention all this as an option for test fitment you may not have thought of. Good luck!
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Cruiser
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 187
Likes: 15
From: UP Michigan
Lots of people call them apes, I call them comfortable. I went the route ybnorml stated. Solved all wrist angle issues. At 6'4, 16's would be well below shoulders. That is unless your determined on the two choices you listed. Not a fan of the RK High bars.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 6,680
Likes: 602
From: South Florida
After spending a few weeks checking out different bars,I decided what I needed was a bar that was higher and more pull back.I went with the Road king high bar part # 56180-08 which was 2 1/2" higher with 2" more pull back compared to the stock 55947-08 bars that came on my 2013 RK.I have had them on for a few weeks now and find them very comfortable and have no hand or arms problems after long rides.I am 6' 2".Best part of bar swap was you didn't need anything but the new bar.