Wild One WO508, 518, 513, 515, 502 - Handlebars

[steph.]

It's good hearing from someone who knows what they're talking about when it comes to the mechanics of posture and handlebar application. I've noticed several riders with the tall ape hangers having a little bit of a balance problem, that's why I went from the Heritage Bar to the 518, but would like to have comfort, balance & manuverability as well. Even though I was considering the 508s, I was leary of the amount of pull back and wrist angle.

[olliewilko]

I was looking at this Flanders bar ( rise 8", pullback 13", center 9" & width 32 3/4")before I purchased and installed the 518s; wonder how it would work for balance, comfort and manuverability?

http://www.sideroadcycles.com/AmericanMotorcycles/Handlebars/RoadKing-FatBoy/D6_Heritage.html

[Kake]

Changing bars? Check out my Controls for sale which include a 12" extension.
http://hdforums.com/forum/touring-parts/387420-road-king-cruise-control-with-12-extension-77197-08-a.html#post5452458

[slivnot]

Is there someone out there that has tried the WO 575's 10" rise 34" width 10" center 13" pull back.

I guess it would help if I knew the stock bar measurements of the 09 Road King Bars.

[blaster?]

I had the Heritage bar on my bike for a while and although it was comfortable, I didn't seem to have as much balance or control as with a bar which set lower.

[alsaser]

Also ment to say that the Heritage sets high and is similar to a mini ape hanger.

[Silly Puddy]

That is interesting to hear... I switched from my stock bar, which is low and close to the axis of rotation of the bike and went to 8.5" mini apes - which are higher & wider. I didn't notice any deterioration in my ability to control the bike, nor any stability issues. This is why I am going to the 12.5's... so that I am sitting in the most comfortable position for the long rides, and also have the most control over the bars because I won't be fighting the inevitable muscle fatigue (and pain) that sets in. I guess there are always trade offs, and that is why I stopped at 12.5, and not 14 or 16.5". I tried the 16.5" on a road king, and it was too high for me.. it had me arching my back a bit, and felt uncomfortable. This is such a hard / subjective thing in that everyone is built differently, has different orthopedic issues, and don't have anywhere to go to try all of the products outside of large bike gatherings. I got to the point where I would turn around and follow guys if I saw a pair of bars that I was interested in testing out, but since learned that my dealership is a great place as well - especially on those bikini bike wash / saturday group ride days. And I am glad that my 12 years of higher education is helping here... orthopedics / sports medicine was my emphasis in med school... not to mention I worked in a specialty physical therapy practice for years while doing my undergrad studies as an aid (we did neck & spine, sports, and industrial PT).

[ѕтє�нαиιє]

This is a great thread...I'm in the midst of installing the 513's, which I think will meet my needs for now. I'm probably going to get the 8" wire extensions and 4" or 6" braided throttle/idle. I don't want the t/i cables hanging down very far below the bar when done, and I may go to the 10" or 12.5" down the road sometime so I think these lengths will allow that. It seems that as I get older (57 , 6'3", 36" inseam) the body keeps changing therefore the ergonomics will too!

[Susie H]

I think you have nailed it.... getting used to them... I road a RG for about two years... I am short and I put the 517's on it.... At first the grip felt very different... I then road the bike from CA to Savannagh Georgia and back... 6500 miles in 22 day.. I LOVED those bars... then I went back to a EG and it had the 575's on it... I really missed my 517's = So, I got the Flanders pull back - just about the same feel.. again, I am in love...

too each his own.. what works for one may not work for another... doesn't make either one wrong or bad..