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Help with Bar Selection

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Old Dec 4, 2013 | 02:47 AM
  #1  
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mike5511
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Default Help with Bar Selection

Anybody in the the NW Arkansas/SW Missouri area have the Khrome Werks 2+2 Sweepers mounted on a Ultra Classic? I would sure like to sit on a bike with these bars before making a purchase. Also interested in the Wild Ones 578 bar............?????
 
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Old Dec 4, 2013 | 10:21 AM
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Based upon what I see in your avatar, apes may be a better choice for you.

Ideally, you want a slight bend at the elbows, while keeping your wrists above your elbows, and your elbows below your shoulders.

In your avatar, it appears that you have a slight bend at the elbows, but your wrists are at, or below, your elbows.

The 2+2 Sweepers are going to give you +2 height and +2 pullback, whether you want it or not, and the +2 pullback may put your arms into a "praying mantis" position.

On the other hand, apes are going to give you the added height, but will offer some wiggle room for the pullback.

In any case, you're taking the right approach: Measure twice - cut once!

Good luck!
 
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Old Dec 5, 2013 | 12:48 AM
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I don't want the bars above the fairing. The stock ones are fair for me, but not ideal. You are right, I'm going to measure several times before "cutting" this one!
 
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Old Dec 5, 2013 | 09:10 AM
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Originally Posted by mike5511
I don't want the bars above the fairing.
That's what I said before I bought mine. So much for good intentions.

Don't kid yourself, mike5511 - and don't limit yourself, either. Otherwise, what's the point? You're doing this because you want to be comfortable.

Remember: Form follows function.


Originally Posted by mike5511
The stock ones are fair for me, but not ideal. You are right, I'm going to measure several times before "cutting" this one!
Parts and labor for my apes install cost me $1080 thru a local independent - I think I got a great price AND great workmanship. Ask your dealer how much THEY would charge - and get a parts list! My dealer's service manager quoted me the wrong brake lines and didn't include new poly riser bushings in the quote! That said, there may be some good HD service departments out there, but in the end, you want to entrust your bike to a shop that comes with a good reputation!

Getting it right the first time is paramount!
 

Last edited by FenderGuy53; Dec 5, 2013 at 09:54 AM.
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Old Dec 5, 2013 | 09:40 AM
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I have the Wild1 Chubbys WO578 and are one of the best mods I have done. They are however above the fairing slightly (my knuckles are in the wind a bit). You might check them out http://www.wild1inc.com/BAGGER.html
I like the fact that my wrists are straight now as well. Been using them for over a year and still happy. If you are mechanical you can install them yourself. It was about a four hour job with re-pinning & running my wires through the bars, clutch cable change etc..
 
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Old Dec 5, 2013 | 10:07 AM
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Originally Posted by Bagger71
I have the Wild1 Chubbys WO578 and are one of the best mods I have done. They are however above the fairing slightly (my knuckles are in the wind a bit).

I like the fact that my wrists are straight now as well.
I think too much is made about, "I don't want my hands above the fairing". Truth be told, even with the grips slightly above the fairing, much of the air is still deflected over your hands!

Furthermore, many of the ape handlebars do a good job at neutralizing the wrist angle, which only adds to the level of comfort.

The goal is to feel comfortable, so get the bars that work for you and let the chips fall where they may.
 
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Old Dec 5, 2013 | 10:27 AM
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Originally Posted by FenderGuy53
I think too much is made about, "I don't want my hands above the fairing". Truth be told, even with the grips slightly above the fairing, much of the air is still deflected over your hands!

Furthermore, many of the ape handlebars do a good job at neutralizing the wrist angle, which only adds to the level of comfort.

The goal is to feel comfortable, so get the bars that work for you and let the chips fall where they may.

+1 I agree , I thought the same about not having my hands over the fairing, but soon realized on how limited the options were. I went with the HD Batwing apes hands are slightly over the fairing but most of the wind is still directed over. Go for comfort
 
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Old Dec 5, 2013 | 11:47 AM
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Originally Posted by crimson13
+1 I agree , I thought the same about not having my hands over the fairing, but soon realized on how limited the options were. I went with the HD Batwing apes hands are slightly over the fairing but most of the wind is still directed over. Go for comfort
Yes. Yes. Yes.

I sat on a 2012 FLHX trade-in with HD Bat Wing Mini Apes, on 3 different occasions, at my dealership. It was then that I knew that ape handlebars were in my future.

I loved the wrist position on the HD Bat Wing Mini Apes, but I wasn't getting the height that I needed. I opted for the 12" Yaffe Classic Bagger Apes, which are essentially the same configuration, but with the added height that I needed.

I was never a fan of ape handlebars, neither the general look, nor the "over the fairing" height; but all that got tossed aside because my goal was rider comfort. Now that I have them installed and have ridden several times with them, I could not be happier - and I actually like the look, too!
 
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Old Dec 5, 2013 | 12:01 PM
  #9  
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I installed the Wild One 577 12.5" Bars on my Ultra and it was the best money I have ever spent on a bike. I didn't want my bars above the fairing either until I sat on a friend's bike with these and I knew immediately that I had to have them. You will not be sorry!!!!!

Good Luck, Tim
 
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Old Dec 5, 2013 | 01:04 PM
  #10  
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I did not want my hands above the fairing and went with the 578's and this was Tue best choice I ever made. Great bars and feel comfortable
 
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