FLHR Handlebar Confusion : V-Twin Forum: Harley Davidson Forums

Captain Bligh · 04-28-2006, 12:24 PM

Can somebody help me out with the differences between RK High Bar, Touring bar, and heritage bar? I've read the chart and know what the dimensions say, but am interested in user comfort/satisfaction.

I bought a RK High Bar which I have not installed yet. As I tried it out off the bike it seems like it leaves my wrist cocked at an angle that could become uncomfortable. On the stock bar, my hands end up knuckles-forward so my wrist isn't bent to the side. I like that position. It feels like these RK High Bars end up with my knuckles pointed toward the sides of the bike so there my wrists are bent.

I am I imagining things? Are there bar choices of the above 3 that are likely to give me a grip that is (a) higher, (b) pulled back a little, and (c) still leave the hand position knuckles-forward? Never seen Touring bars and don't much care for the appearance of the Heritage bars, but maybe functionality will win out over appearance?

FXD-Tim · 04-28-2006, 12:55 PM

When asking a question like this, one that can only have a subjective answer, it's important to include a few facts that will help others to try to provide a response that would help you.

For instance, what bike are you riding now, what bars do you have, how tall are you, what do you want to change in terms of riding comfort?

You may be 5'6" and a guy 6'4" may say that bar-x is the perfect fit. But that's for him, not you.

In general, go to the Harley accessories catalog and figure out what bar you have now and what width, rise, and pull-back it has. Then you can look for a model with more or less of the dimension(s) you want.

In addition to Harley bars, you can look at Flanders and Wild Ones and others.

In my opinion, functionality has to take precedence over appearance. If the bars (or seat) give you a pain the arm, neck, shoulder, back, etc. change them. If you are in pain, you can't ride safely.

My 2cents.

David III · 04-28-2006, 01:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FXD-Tim

In my opinion, functionality has to take precedence over appearance. If the bars (or seat) give you a pain the arm, neck, shoulder, back, etc. change them. If you are in pain, you can't ride safely.

Captain Bligh · 04-28-2006, 01:07 PM

Good point. I am 6' 3" with about a 35" sleeve length. I got plenty of arm length. Mostly what I wanted in a bar is a little higher with a little less reach so I have more elbow bend.

I think the RK High Bar is 1 7/8 narrower than stock. That doesn't sound much but the wrist angle feels different. I like the stock wrist angle.

I want to get rid of some shoulder discomfort, but I also have carpal tunnel so need to think about wrist angle.

BUDKING · 04-28-2006, 01:26 PM

I'm going to the HD reduced reach bars for RK. I have an 04 Custom and I'm tossing the beach bars for the sames reasons. I'm 6' and 225#.

http://65.38.172.84/forums/showthread.php?t=77297

Budking

BAHD2005 · 04-29-2006, 03:42 PM

I have an 05 FLHRCI and installed Chubby 12.5" Apes. It's like sitting in a recliner for me. Check out 16" apes

sloxl · 04-29-2006, 04:02 PM

...."bought a RK High Bar which I have not installed yet. As I tried it out off the bike it seems like it leaves my wrist cocked at an angle that could become uncomfortable."...

Exactly the problem I had, I changed to the Heritage handlebar and its much better for my wrists. Not perfect, but for now it'll do. I have to stay with a narrow bar because of a narrow gate where I park the bike.

marshrat · 05-01-2006, 09:40 AM

I too went with the Heritage bar. I took home 4 handlebars from the dealer and sat on the bike wth the stock ones removed from the top clamp.. Came up with a clear winner for me and returned the other 3 sets. I am 6 ft 1 inch and 35-inch sleeve.

BigMike · 05-01-2006, 10:44 AM

It sounds like the Heritage bar would work good for you. I'm 6' but wear 36" sleeve shirts (no, my knuckles don't drag the ground, barely

). I have the Wild 1 504 bars on my bike because I didn't want a bar that came up too high but was wide and had a comfortable hand/wrist position.

You might also want to look at the WO513 baby ape. Almost same dimessions as the Heritage bar, but its a fatter bar and you can hide the wires inside the bar.

http://www.wild1inc.com/wo513onbike3.html

fxdl raw · 05-01-2006, 01:30 PM

I put the HD RK Reduced Reach bar on my bike. $50 Chrome looks good. It is already set up to run the wires internally. Fits me just perfect. I was not happy with the stock RK bars. Too low for me. FWIW, I am 5' 9" with a 33" sleeve. I like it and it feels comfortable to me. However, it might not be the bar for you, but for $50 I could not go wrong if I did not like it.

NHMongo · 05-01-2006, 02:07 PM

I use the Heritage bars at 6'4 275, I also have the tallboy seat which does make a difference on the bars. I do quite a bit of distance riding (1500 miles last weekend). I find a flat wrist and no reaching very important for a 14 hr day in the saddle.